Former governorship candidate of the Africa Liberation Party (ALP), Chief Imoyeto Ikeotuonye, has urged the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to intensify its efforts in transforming the South-East geopolitical zone, calling for urgent action to meet the region’s development needs and restore public confidence.
Speaking to journalists in Nnewi on Monday, Chief Ikeotuonye described the challenges facing the South-East as enormous, especially in the areas of decaying infrastructure and rising insecurity. He tasked the commission with taking bold, strategic steps toward regional revitalization.
“The SEDC must double its efforts in rehabilitating critical infrastructure—roads, bridges, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications. These are basic necessities for progress and must be urgently addressed,” Ikeotuonye said.
Highlighting the importance of economic growth, the ALP chieftain called on the commission to promote industrialization by empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, and manufacturing. He recommended the creation of industrial parks and special economic zones to attract both local and foreign investment.
Addressing insecurity in the region, Chief Ikeotuonye emphasized the role of the commission in reducing youth unemployment and marginalization. “SEDC must work hand-in-hand with security agencies to restore peace and tackle the root causes of crime,” he noted.
On environmental issues, he stressed the need for ecological management, especially erosion control and environmental degradation, which have become major concerns across the South-East. “Implementing sustainable land and water use policies, while investing in education, vocational training, and healthcare, is key to long-term development,” he said.
Chief Ikeotuonye also called for cultural and regional integration, encouraging the commission to promote unity, cultural identity, and collaboration with other regional development bodies for shared growth and innovation.
To gain public trust, he urged the SEDC to prioritize inclusive planning and transparency. “Involve communities in project planning, publish budgets, progress reports, and timelines. Visibility builds confidence,” he asserted.
For quick-impact results, Ikeotuonye advised the commission to commence with projects such as road rehabilitation and water provision, while ensuring fair distribution across all five South-East states.
He emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with state governments, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and international development partners for funding and technical support.
“Job creation should be central to the commission’s agenda. Infrastructure projects and entrepreneurship programmes can become powerful tools against crime and insecurity,” he said.
To guarantee accountability, Chief Ikeotuonye recommended the establishment of independent oversight committees to monitor implementation and curb corruption.
“The commission has to sustain public engagement,” he concluded. “Use radio, town halls, and social media to inform the public, gather feedback, and promote transparency. These measures, if well deployed, will deliver maximum results.
