Igbo Youth Leaders Back SEDC, Call for More Federal Appointments for South-East Youths

Igbo youth leaders and stakeholders from across the seven Igbo-speaking states have thrown their weight behind the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give more opportunities to young people from the South-East in federal appointments.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Convention held on June 18 and 19 in Awka, Anambra State.

The delegates commended President Tinubu for establishing the SEDC, describing it as a major step towards addressing the developmental needs of the region and they also praised the Federal Government for ongoing road construction and other infrastructure projects in the South-East.

Speaking after the convention, the Convener, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, said the region appreciates the administration’s efforts but believes more can be done to integrate young Igbo professionals into national governance.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the South East Development Commission and for the infrastructure projects currently being executed across Ala-Igbo.

“At the same time, we appeal for greater inclusion of Igbo youths in federal agencies and parastatals.

“Our young people possess the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit needed to contribute meaningfully to national development, he said.”

The convention also weighed in on recent public discussions surrounding the operations of the SEDC, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential if the commission is to achieve its mandate.

The Communiqué noted that public scrutiny should not be viewed negatively but as a necessary ingredient for good governance.

“Transparency and accountability are critical to building public trust. The SEDC must remain open to stakeholder engagement and ensure that Igbo youths are actively involved in shaping the programmes and policies of the commission,” he said.

Participants at the convention adopted a proposal for the development of an Integrated Youth Development Master Plan for Ala-Igbo.

The initiative, they said, would provide a framework for addressing youth development challenges through a renewable five-year strategic action plan focused on employment, entrepreneurship, education and productivity.

On calls from some quarters for the removal of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye II, the delegates rejected the demand, insisting that leadership stability is crucial at this stage of the commission’s growth.

“The call for the removal of Mr. Mark Okoye II is not in the best interest of Ndi Igbo at this time.

“The commission is still laying its foundation, and stability is important if it is to deliver on its mandate for the people of the South-East,” the communiqué stated.

The convention also reviewed the security situation in the region. While commending South-East governors for their efforts in tackling insecurity, participants urged them to intensify measures aimed at restoring lasting peace and protecting lives and property.

According to the communiqué, sustainable development in the South-East can only be achieved in an atmosphere of safety and stability.

“Security remains a collective responsibility.

“We are ready to work with state governments and the Federal Government to confront insecurity and create an environment where businesses can thrive and our people can live without fear,” the youth leaders said.

The communiqué was endorsed by representatives of several youth and socio-cultural organisations, including: Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Convener, Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly, Uzoh Ifeanyi C, Chairman – Communique Drafting Committee, and Livingstone Wechle, Chairman, State President’s Forum of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Others are Comrade Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, Coordinator, Zone F National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Engr. Smith Sylvanus, Chairman, Abia State National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Engr. Emeka Obi, Chairman, Anambra State, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and Comrade Douglas Ochishi, Chairman, Ebonyi State, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)

The rest are Comrade Bartholomew Okoh, Chairman, Enugu State National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Rikki Nwajiofor, Hon. Speaker, Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, President, Ohaneze Youth Council (OYC), Ogbonnia Wenceslaus, Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Hon. Osita K. Ozalagba, President, Association of South East Community Youth Leaders.