Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration over politics for the success of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
He has therefore urged the management team of the commission to prioritize collective effort, driven by the values of hard work, integrity, and communal progress.
Speaking at a reception and stakeholders engagement hosted by Chairman of Oranto Petroleum, Arthur Eze in Enugu,
to round off the visit of the SEDC management team to the region, Kalu noted that the commission’s ultimate goal is to drive growth and development in the region.
Kalu who was represented by the Deputy Minority Whip of the House, George Ozodinobi, stressed that the commission’s success relies on partnership, not politics, and encouraged collaboration across various sectors, including the private sector, diaspora, villages, cities, traditional institutions, and government.
He said: “The South East Development Commission is not just another institution; it is the engine room of renewal, the architect of a modern South East that matches our spirit of enterprise with the necessary infrastructure and support. It will rebuild what was broken, ignite industries, empower our youth, and give new life to the creative and technological prowess that has always defined us.
“We must remember that a river that forgets its source will soon run dry. As we embrace development, let us remain anchored in our values-hard work, integrity, and communal progress. The greatness of a people is not measured by the wealth of individuals but by the prosperity of the many. That is why this commission is not just for the elite, the politically connected, or the privileged. It is for the trader in Ariaria, the farmer in Abakaliki, the artisan in Nnewi, the startup innovator in Enugu, and the student in Owerri who dreams of a future where talent—not location—determines success.
Kalu also charged the SEDC Board and the management team to utilize allocated funds wisely, ensuring transparency and projects that positively impact ordinary people’s lives.
Noting the tortuous legislative journey of the billl at the national assemby, the Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude to his colleagues as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill that established the commission, ultimately fulfilling the promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation made to Ndi Igbo by the Gowon led federal government over 50 years ago.
