By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has emphasised the crucial role of the South East Development Commission, SEDC, in driving the region’s transformation into a hub of innovation, commerce, and industrial growth.
Abbas also highlighted the region’s long-standing challenges, including gully erosion, infrastructural decay, economic downturn, youth unemployment and insecurity.
He, however, said SEDC would serve as a catalyst for recovery, rebuilding and modernisation, tackling these challenges head-on.
The speaker made the remarks yesterday at the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, the speaker expressed confidence that the establishment of the commission will reposition the region for growth and development.
Abbas, who had earlier lamented the poor economic condition of the region, tasked members of the just inaugurated committee to evoke measures through which all the socio-economic activities will be revived.
He also urged the committee to immediately hit the ground running in order to close all economic gaps by focusing on infrastructural development, supporting industries, developing human capital, as well as fostering peace and security in the region.
The speaker also emphasised the need for effective and workable policies in the region, adding that the issue at stake is not just about policy monitoring, but self determined strategies capable of improving the lives of millions of people who consistently look up to the legislature for leadership and solutions.