FOSAD Thanks President Tinubu for Signing South East Development Commission
FOSAD Thanks President Tinubu for Signing South East Development Commission
Calls for mainstreaming of members in implementation
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) into law describing it as a significant milestone that would address the unique developmental challenges and unlock the vast potential of the region.
In a jointly signed message by the president and secretary of the forum, Dr Stephen Nwala and Dr Uzor Ngoladi respectively noted that the establishment of the commission was a significant step towards the holistic development of South East, encompassing infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth.
The message reads in parts:
“It is a long-awaited recognition of the region’s need for focused and sustained investment to redress historical inequities and drive progress. We recognize the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu (Bende federal constituency, Abia State) who sponsored the bill and other reps who helped to pilot it through the House.
“FOSAD believes that the SEDC will play a crucial role in accelerating infrastructural development in the South East including security of lives and investments. The region has long been in dire need of improved transportation networks, reliable energy supply, enhanced healthcare facilities, and modern educational institutions. With the SEDC, there is now a structured framework to mobilize resources, plan strategically, and implement projects that will transform the region’s socio-economic landscape.
The academic forum further called for collaboration and mainstreaming of her members especially in providing the intellectual strength needed for the commission to actualise its aims.
“We urge the Federal Government to ensure the swift operationalization of the SEDC, with transparency and accountability as guiding principles. It is imperative that the commission is empowered with the necessary resources and support to fulfill its mandate effectively. FOSAD also calls on all stakeholders, including state governments, private sector players, and the international community, to collaborate with the SEDC in its mission to drive sustainable development in the South East.
“Furthermore, FOSAD emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the development process. The people of the South East must be active participants in the planning and implementation of projects, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are adequately addressed.
“We are optimistic that the SEDC will usher in a new era of prosperity and growth for the South East, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and contributing to the overall progress of Nigeria. In this regard, FOSAD as a group with membership of diverse disciplines is willing to provide intellectual and professional input not only in structuring the new commission, but also in facilitating its work.
