Igbo Youths Make Crucial Demands from Tinubu’s FG over SEDC Funds
- South East youths demand immediate release of SEDC funds to begin long-awaited reconstruction and development projects
- SEYF warns that delays in funding risk deepening frustration and widening the trust gap between the region and the federal government
- The group says timely disbursement will drive agriculture, infrastructure, commerce and jobs, helping to reduce insecurity in the South East
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
The South East Youth Forum (SEYF) has urged the Federal Government to promptly release the funds allocated to the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) to enable the agency to begin its operations across the region.
The appeal follows a recent disclosure by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu that, despite the presidential assent, the appointment of a board, and the approval of a budget, the commission has not received its funding.
Source: Facebook
South east youths demand SEDC fund release
Convener of SEYF, Obiora Osunkwo, described the delay as a breach of the confidence built when the commission was established.
He said the inability of the SEDC to access its approved funds has left the agency “handicapped and incapable of delivering the reconstruction, reintegration and reconciliation that the people of the South East were promised.”
Osunkwo noted that the region has waited decades for the fulfilment of the “three Rs” of Reconstruction, Reintegration and Reconciliation.
According to him, the creation of the SEDC was intended to guarantee those objectives, but the continued withholding of funds is deepening frustration and widening the trust gap between the South East and the federal government.
He reminded the presidency that unfulfilled promises feed discontent and could further complicate efforts to stabilise the region.
Development commission funding delay fuels tension
SEYF urged the president, the ministry of finance, the accountant-general’s office and other relevant agencies to immediately release the funds so that the commission, led by Mark Okoye, can begin projects in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, technology and trade.
“The SEDC has a statutory mandate to drive sustainable development, promote investment and upgrade critical infrastructure across the South East, and that mandate cannot be fulfilled while the commission remains unfunded,” Osunkwo said.
Source: Facebook
The group supported Kalu’s view that the release of funds would help curb insecurity. Osunkwo said activating agriculture, commerce, infrastructure and job creation would naturally reduce crime and unrest, describing the SEDC as both a development driver and a peacebuilding mechanism.
SEYF also called on the SEDC leadership to release a 100-day implementation plan and a list of priority projects once the funds are disbursed.
Osunkwo warned that development agencies without funding risk creating false hope, which can be more damaging than no intervention at all.
He urged the president to show political will by ordering the immediate release of the funds and ensuring that no further delays occur.
Top 20 richest Igbo men and women
Earlier, Legit.ng reported Nigeria is home to some of the wealthiest people on the continent. Many of these people have invested in the mining and oil industries.
The country is multi-cultural, and the southeastern part is mainly occupied by the Igbo community.
Therefore, the richest Igbo men and women hail from this geographical part of the nation.
Source: Legit.ng
