The Senate has announced the appointment of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the pioneer Chairman of the newly created South East Development Commission (SEDC). Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State and current Senator representing Abia-North, was appointed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Tuesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Prior to his new appointment, Kalu chaired the Senate Committee on Privatisation. Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was also appointed as the Vice Chairman of the committee. The Senate President noted that other members of the committee would be announced in due course.
As Chairman of the SEDC, Kalu is expected to lead the commission in achieving its objectives, which include civil restitution, tackling erosion, restoring security, and developing infrastructure in the South-East region. The commission is one of the Regional Development Commissions signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The Senate also confirmed the board membership of the SEDC after considering the report of Senator Kalu. The 18-member board is led by Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman, while Hon. Mark Okoye will serve as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Other members of the board include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey kzenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali, Kumo Edward David Onoja, and Orure Kufre Inima. They also include Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (E.D. Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (E.D. Corporate Services), and Hon. Toby Okechukwu (E.D. Projects).
Additionally, Senator Anthony Agbo (E.D. Commercial and Industrial Development) and Dr. Clifford Ogbede (E.D. Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development) are also part of the board.
Kalu’s experience as a former governor and senator is expected to be invaluable in his new role as Chairman of the SEDC.