(Protocol)
It is with great pleasure I welcome you to this grand reception for the Governing Board and Management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
I was a young adult during the Civil War, and I vividly remember the strength of the old Eastern Region, as well as the devastation that followed. When General Yakubu Gowon announced the policy of Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation after the war, perhaps we should have insisted on one more “R”—Reintegration. We assumed that a body like the one we celebrate today would have been created back then to drive those policies and rebuild our region. It has taken 54 years, but today, we finally witness the fulfillment of a long-overdue dream.
I must express my deepest appreciation to His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of our great nation, Nigeria. He has demonstrated true visionary leadership—one that recognises the immense potential of every region, including the South East. Without the South East, Nigeria is incomplete. This is a land of innovation, resilience, and enterprise. In Anambra alone, some of the wealthiest people in Africa can trace their beginnings back to the 20 pounds given to every man after the war. Now, imagine if this Commission had existed 54 years ago—how much more progress we could have achieved within a united Nigeria.
I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the National Assembly, led by His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON, and Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, for their unwavering support in the nomination and confirmation of the distinguished board members present today. A special mention must go to our son, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CON, whose dedication and determination ensured that this Commission became a reality.
Furthermore, I must acknowledge the invaluable support of our South East Governors, who have embraced this Commission with open arms. I understand that the SEDC Board has just concluded a tour of the region, meeting with our Governors, and I am pleased to hear that they were received with warmth and commitment. This shows that our leaders recognise the importance of this Commission in driving regional growth, and I urge continued collaboration to ensure its success.
Now that we have this Commission, we have great expectations. The industrial infrastructure that supported the old eastern region must be reconstructed, while incorporating modern technologies. The Commission should rehabilitate strategic moribund industries that can provide thousands of jobs to our youths today, and our people must embrace reintegration because we are one Nigeria, and we will prosper together.
At this gathering, we will listen to the visionaries entrusted with this mission. They have outlined bold and transformative ideas for regional development.
I will say it now; I, Prince Arthur Eze, assure the SEDC of my full support especially in the areas of Power and Energy, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Industrial Development, etc. I also enjoin other stakeholders gathered here to give them maximum support to achieve their strategic roadmap. Let us ignore politics and bureaucracy and address the challenges that are limiting our people. Only then, can we face the next generation.
Thank you, and may God bless the South East region and our beloved country, Nigeria.
