Abuja, FCT – The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has issued a direct challenge to the South East Development Commission (SEDC), urging its Executive Director, Mark Okoye, to prioritize the region’s development and propel it into the national limelight.
Olukoyede delivered this charge recently in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the management of the SEDC to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters. He emphasized the importance of maximizing the potentials of the South East’s market economy to deliver on the commission’s mandate to the people.
“I thank the President for the various regional development Commissions that he created as an avenue for development. Because one of the keys to development is to allow regions to look inwards and utilize their potential,” Olukoyede stated. He assured the SEDC delegation of the EFCC’s full support and collaboration to ensure their success, adding that the anti-graft agency would provide its Fraud Risk Assessment template to guide the SEDC’s operations.
“We assure you that we will collaborate with you, support you to succeed so that you can bring the Southeast to limelight. You got what it takes to drive the economy, encourage outsiders too to come in and invest so the region can expand,” he added.
The EFCC boss further committed to helping the SEDC implement the Fraud Risk Assessment template, noting it “will help you so that you don’t run into trouble and to help you deliver on your mandate.” He also offered asset support, pending a formal written request from the SEDC.
Earlier in the meeting, SEDC Executive Director, Mark Okoye, explained that the purpose of their visit was to foster extensive stakeholder engagement for support, collaboration, and partnership. He commended Olukoyede for injecting “new initiatives and energy” into the nation’s anti-corruption fight.
“This is our 130 days in office, we request for strong collaboration and partnership to enable us to deliver on our mandate to the people,” Okoye said. He highlighted the SEDC’s crucial role in fostering “reconstruction and rehabilitation to the South-east after agitation for 54 years,” expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the commission’s establishment within his first year in office.
Okoye outlined the SEDC’s ambitious vision, stating, “we want to make the South-East a major destination for commerce and investment.” He detailed several planned programs, including the Southeast Intervention and Prevention Initiative, Southeast Mechanized Initiative Program, Southeast Regional Industrial Program, and the Southeast Venture Capital Program, among others.
Concluding his remarks, Okoye stressed the importance of integrity in their pioneering efforts. “We want to set a Standard as pioneers for those coming behind to maintain, we need your support to enable us to adopt a high level of integrity,” he appealed.
