Victor EzejaAs part of efforts to accelerate its regional transformation agenda, the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has signed a landmark partnership agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The regional development partnership agreement was signed on Friday by SEDC Managing Director/CEO, Mark Okoye, and UNDP, represented by Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Africa Regional Director & Assistant Secretary General, and Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative to Nigeria.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to Okoye, the part of the partnership agreement is that UNDP will support the creation of a long-term South-East Development Plan and promote works on Climate Change & Sustainability, Diaspora Coordination and programmes on digital innovation among others.
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“As part of this collaboration, UNDP will support the development of a long-term South East Development Plan and help establish key institutional units—Climate Change & Sustainability, Diaspora Coordination, and Monitoring & Evaluation. We’ll also co-develop transformative programmes in digital innovation and smart governance through the Integrated Smart States initiative,” Okoye stated in a post on his Facebook page on Friday.
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Chairman of SEDC Board, Dr. Emeka Wogu, was represented at the signing by Princess Adejoke Adebayo-Chukwumah and Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu, SEDC Board Member.
It would be recalled that SEDC had its first external engagement with UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, in February to explore partnerships across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, and the creative economy.
The focus of discussion during the meeting led by Okoye and Attafuah was on a shared commitment to developing a comprehensive South-East Development Plan—a strategic blueprint designed to unlock the region’s full potential.
On its part, UNDP pledged full support to ensure sustainable growth and progress for the region.
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This collaboration aligns with UNDP’s broader mission to eradicate poverty and boost sustainable development through localised solutions.
The SEDC’s mandate is to address the South East region’s socioeconomic challenges by promoting rapid and sustainable development. Through strategic policies, projects, and collaborations, the Commission hopes to transform the region into one that is economically prosperous, socially stable, environmentally regenerative, and politically peaceful.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
