Igbo Group Reacts to Call for Dissolution of SEDC Board, Distances Self from Claims

The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has distanced itself from calls for the dissolution of the Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), saying a recent position attributed to Mazi Okwu Nnabuike does not reflect the views of recognised Igbo youth organisations.

Mazi Okwu Nnabuike had reportedly called on President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the Board of the South East Development Commission, citing concerns over the management and performance of the Commission. He urged the Federal Government to take corrective measures to address the issues he raised.

Reacting in a statement signed by its leader, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the Assembly said Nnabuike's comments were personal and should not be construed as the collective position of Igbo youths. The group maintained that Nnabuike does not represent any recognised organ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, including its youth wing.

“The views expressed by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike are strictly his personal opinions and do not represent the position of Igbo youths at any level,” the statement said.

The Assembly said it had been following ongoing public discussions surrounding the performance of the South East Development Commission, including concerns raised by the Senate Committee on the Commission and responses by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SEDC, Dr. Mark Okoye.

“We have taken notice of the ongoing debates regarding the performance and challenges facing the management of the South East Development Commission and we are taking steps to address the concerns raised by both the Senate Committee on SEDC and the explanations given by the CEO and Managing Director, Mark Okoye,” the statement added.

The group disclosed that it has scheduled a convention in Awka, Anambra State, on June 18 and 19, 2026, where participants will deliberate on issues relating to the Commission's management and performance, as well as other matters affecting the development of the South-East region.

According to the Assembly, the convention will provide a platform for consultations among youth leaders and stakeholders before a formal position is adopted on the issues under discussion.

The Assembly described itself as a coalition of major youth and stakeholder organisations in the South-East, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, the South-East Zone of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the South-East Chapter of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), and other affiliated bodies.

“We shall continue to consult, consolidate and, if necessary, engage critical stakeholders across the South-East towards guaranteeing that Igbo youths are not shortchanged in the distribution of resources meant for the development of our land,” the statement said.

The group added that its official position on the leadership and performance of the South East Development Commission, as well as other matters concerning the development of the region, would be made public after the conclusion of its convention in Awka.

It also urged Igbo youths to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that all pending issues relating to the Commission and the development of the region would receive comprehensive consideration during the convention.

Tags: #SEDC #IgboYouths #SouthEastDevelopment #MarkOkoye