President Bola Tinubu has initiated significant changes to the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), replacing Hon. Emeka Atuma as chairman with Emeka Nworgu and revising the Commission’s board. The announcement was made through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, detailing the restructuring.

The reshuffle affects several key positions, with all three original executive directors being replaced and two additional directors added to the board. This adjustment brings the total number of board members to 16, one more than the initial composition.

Hon. Mark C. Okoye retains his role as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, while Stanley Ohajuruka has been named the new Executive Director for Finance, replacing Anthony Ugbo. Toby Okechukwu now serves as the Executive Director of Projects, taking over from Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo assumes the role of Executive Director of Corporate Services, succeeding Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.

Two new executive directors, Chidi Echeazu and Clifford Ogbede, have been nominated without specific portfolios. Additionally, Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa has been removed from the board.

Several board members retained their positions, including Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo. Others retained include Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.

According to Onanuga, all appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. President Tinubu has tasked the new leadership to leverage their expertise and experience to advance the Commission’s mandate and encourage development in the Southeast region.