**Igbo Youth Leaders Back SEDC Leadership, Seek More Federal Appointments for South-East Youths**
Youth leaders and stakeholders from the seven Igbo-speaking states have expressed strong support for the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), while also calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create more opportunities for young people from the South-East in federal appointments.
The position was made known during the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Convention held in Awka, Anambra State. Participants at the gathering praised the establishment of the South East Development Commission, describing it as a significant step toward addressing the developmental needs of the region.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the convention, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, commended the Tinubu administration for ongoing infrastructure projects across the South-East, particularly road construction and other developmental initiatives. He noted that while the region appreciates the federal government’s efforts, there is still a need for greater inclusion of young Igbo professionals in national governance.
According to him, South-East youths possess the skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and should be given more opportunities within federal agencies and parastatals.
In a communiqué released at the end of the convention, participants emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the operations of the SEDC. They stated that public scrutiny of the commission should be encouraged as part of efforts to promote good governance and build public trust.
The convention also endorsed the development of an Integrated Youth Development Master Plan for the South-East. The proposed initiative is expected to provide a strategic framework for tackling youth-related challenges through programmes focused on employment, entrepreneurship, education, and productivity.
Delegates further rejected calls for the removal of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mark Okoye II, arguing that leadership stability is necessary at this early stage of the commission’s development. They maintained that the commission should be allowed to focus on delivering its mandate without unnecessary distractions.
On security, participants commended South-East governors for their efforts in addressing insecurity but urged them to intensify measures aimed at ensuring lasting peace and protecting lives and property across the region. They stressed that sustainable development can only thrive in a secure environment and pledged their readiness to collaborate with both state and federal authorities to tackle security challenges.
The communiqué was endorsed by representatives of several youth and socio-cultural organizations, including members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and the National Association of Nigerian Students, among others.