The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has officially launched the “Southeast Vision 2050” Regional Stakeholders Forum, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the region into a global industrial and investment hub.
Speaking at the opening of the forum in Enugu, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Mark Okoye, emphasised that the new roadmap was designed to move the region away from fragmented development efforts toward a unified, sustainable economic bloc.
He noted that the primary goal is to address the unique challenges of the Southeast, particularly its limited landmass of 29,000 square kilometers, which necessitates highly coordinated planning for infrastructure and industrialisation.
Okoye highlighted that a vision for the region is incomplete without the central involvement of women, young professionals, and the global diaspora.
He described the Southeast diaspora as a premier strategic asset, whose skills, networks, and capital are essential to the success of the process rather than mere secondary support.
According to him, the signal sent by the physical and virtual presence of Igbo professional groups from across America, Europe, and Asia underscores a collective readiness to rebuild the regional economy.
Okoye raised critical questions regarding energy security and sustainable financing, noting that the region currently faces a $10 billion infrastructure deficit.
Collaboration
He proposed that instead of individual states competing for the same pool of capital for small-scale projects, the five Southeast states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—should collaborate on large-scale, bankable projects.
He cited the possibility of joint 600-megawatt power plants as an example of how regional scale can attract the necessary investment to power industrial growth.
The SEDC boss further revealed a significant gap in how remittances are utilised in the region.
Okoye challenged stakeholders to find ways to pull these resources into legacy projects, such as regional gas pipelines and rail networks, rather than individual consumption.
He stressed that the success of the forum would be measured by clarity and follow-through, not just attendance numbers.
Contributing to the dialogue, Miriam Temitope Marshall underscored the importance of connecting regional strengths to national development goals.
Political Will
She maintained that institutions alone cannot drive the required change without strong political will and robust private sector partnerships.
Marshall argued that regional cooperation should be seen as a tool that strengthens state autonomy rather than weakening it, as a prosperous region provides a better platform for individual states to thrive.
Marshall further noted that Nigeria’s path to inclusive growth is intrinsically tied to the empowerment of its regions to develop based on their unique assets.
She described the Vision 2050 framework as a timely opportunity for the Southeast to consolidate its strengths and address structural constraints.
For her, the ultimate goal is to position the region as a competitive and investable destination within the broader Nigerian and global economy.
Representing the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, formally welcomed participants to the historic gathering.
He conveyed the Governor’s total commitment to the Vision 2050 objectives, describing the forum as a defining milestone in the collective journey of the Southeast.
He emphasised that the initiative demonstrates foresight and a deep understanding of the urgency required for structured regional planning in a rapidly evolving world.
According to him, Enugu State is honored to host the maiden edition of the forum and has made extensive arrangements to ensure a safe and productive environment for all delegates.
He acknowledged the diverse range of participants, including development partners, financial institutions, and policy experts, noting that their expertise is critical to navigating the complex socio-economic landscape of the region.
The SSG pointed out that while the Southeast is blessed with immense human capital and a legendary spirit of resilience, unlocking its full potential requires coordinated policy alignment.
He stated that no single state can achieve transformational development in isolation, making regional integration and shared infrastructure indispensable.
This collaborative approach, he argued, is the only way to move beyond the “fragmented efforts” that have historically limited the region’s growth.
According to Onyia, the Enugu State government firmly believes in a development model that is people-centered, innovation-led, and driven by the private sector.
This philosophy, he noted, aligns perfectly with the goals of the Southeast Development Commission.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations would result in a unified, data-driven agenda that focuses on practical solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges.
Okoye and Onyia both touched upon the necessity of institutionalising reforms so that the regional development plan remains consistent regardless of who is in office.
The forum also highlighted the need for building innovative institutions that can survive individual leadership changes.