Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has emphasized the need for partnership over politics in ensuring the success of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Speaking at a reception in Enugu hosted by Prince Arthur Eze, Chairman of Oranto Petroleum, Kalu, represented by Deputy Minority Whip Hon. George Ozodinobi, stressed that the commission’s primary goal is regional growth and transformation. He urged the management team to focus on collective efforts anchored in hard work, integrity, and communal progress.
Describing the SEDC as the “engine room of renewal,” Kalu noted that the commission is designed to rebuild infrastructure, ignite industries, and empower the youth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit of the South East. He cautioned against political distractions, insisting that collaboration across private and public sectors, traditional institutions, and the diaspora is essential for success.
“The Commission will not thrive on politics; it will thrive on partnership. This is not the time for division—it is the time for alignment,” he said.
Kalu also called for accountability in fund management, urging the SEDC Board to ensure transparency and deliver projects that directly benefit ordinary citizens. He assured that the commission’s initiatives should cater to all, including traders, artisans, farmers, innovators, and students, to create a future where success is determined by talent rather than location.