Ohanaeze Business Leaders, SEDC Seek United Economic Front for South-East Development
Prominent Igbo business leaders and the South-East Development Commission have called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the South-East to drive economic growth, tackle youth unemployment, and address rising social challenges in the region.
The call was made during a meeting held in Enugu on Monday between the Council of Igbo Business Leaders and officials of the South-East Development Commission.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Council of Igbo Business Leaders, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, urged Igbo entrepreneurs and investors to deliberately include the South-East in their investment plans, stressing that the region has suffered years of neglect and underdevelopment.
According to him, the region’s challenges stem from a combination of historical, political, social, and economic factors that have slowed development and contributed to growing unemployment and social instability among youths.
Ohuabunwa explained that the council was established to identify and mentor young Igbo entrepreneurs, create a unified voice for the business community in the South-East, and promote market development across Igbo land.
He noted that the council was also committed to working closely with governments and development agencies in the region to improve economic opportunities and create a more investment-friendly environment.
“This is the opportunity we have long wished for,” he said, while commending the management of the South-East Development Commission for responding positively to the council’s request for collaboration.
He stated that many Igbo people had over the years invested heavily in other parts of Nigeria, contributing significantly to the economic development of those regions, while the South-East itself remained largely underdeveloped.
“Our region has suffered so much neglect over a long time,” Ohuabunwa said. “Youth unemployment has become widespread, and there has been an increase in troubling social problems.”
He added that Ohanaeze Ndigbo intended to use the council as a platform to guide investors willing to return home and invest in the region, while also helping to prevent misinformation and policy misunderstandings.
According to him, there was a need for proper alignment between business leaders, state governments, and the South-East Development Commission to ensure that investment plans and economic policies are properly coordinated.
Responding, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-East Development Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, welcomed the partnership and stressed the importance of collective efforts in transforming the economic future of the region.
Okoye highlighted the need to strengthen investment mobilisation, diaspora engagement, venture capital programmes, small and medium enterprise development, and capacity building initiatives across the South-East.
He also emphasised the importance of policy collaboration and strategic advisory support among stakeholders as part of efforts to reposition the region economically.
Both parties agreed on the need for sustained cooperation aimed at unlocking the South-East’s economic potential and creating opportunities for the younger generation.
