Mark Okoye, managing director of the South East Development Commission (SEDC)
The board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved a number of priority programmes for the first half of 2026.
Among the priority programmes approved are the south-east venture capital programme, the M. I. Okpara Fellowship, the South-east Investment Company, and the project preparation facility.
The approvals were part of the outcomes of the third extraordinary meeting of the commission’s board held on Friday under the chairmanship of Emeka Wogu.
Giving the report of the commission’s activities, Mark Okoye, managing director of SEDC, described 2025 as a year dedicated to building systems, governance structures, and strategic partnerships required to position the agency for long-term regional impact.
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Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, commitment to inclusive national development and firm support for the establishment and operationalisation of the commission.
He also commended south-east governors for their sustained support in facilitating the commission’s transition into the region.
Okoye said the meeting reviewed the commission’s programmes’ implementation, institutional performance and strategic engagements during the year.
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While speaking on the approvals for the year 2026, he said the board approved the commencement of stakeholder consultations and technical work for the south-east regional development plan.
He said the board expressed confidence in the commission’s readiness to commence visible programme roll-out in 2026.
“Early year priorities include operationalisation of the Enugu headquarters as the primary base for regional activities,” he added.
“Launch of flagship human capital and innovation programmes, including the South East Venture Capital Program and the M. I. Okpara Fellowship.”
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