The Senate has appointed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) as the first Chairman of the Senate Committee on the newly created South-East Development Commission (SEDC), one of the regional development commissions. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja.
Kalu, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on Privatisation, will now oversee the SEDC. Additionally, Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was named as the vice chairman of the committee.
Akpabio mentioned that the remaining members of the committee would be announced later.
Kalu, who had previously led the screening of nominees for the management of both the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and SEDC, is now responsible for guiding the commission’s efforts in addressing civil restitution, combating erosion, restoring security, and improving infrastructure in the South-East region.
In another development, the Senate also approved the board members of the SEDC, as presented by Senator Kalu.
The 18-member board will be chaired by Dr. Emeka Nworgu, with Hon. Mark Okoye appointed as the Managing Director and CEO. Other confirmed board members 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.
Further appointments include Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (Executive Director, Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (Executive Director, Corporate Services), and Hon.
Toby Okechukwu (Executive Director, Projects). Senator Anthony Agbo was appointed as Executive Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, while Dr. Clifford Ogbede will serve as Executive Director of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development at the SEDC.
