By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to drive regional prosperity by unlocking the economic potential of the South East and upholding the highest standards of integrity in public service.
In an official signed statement by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Olukoyede gave the charge during a courtesy visit by the management team of the SEDC to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. The meeting, described as both strategic and collaborative, focused on strengthening institutional support, aligning development goals, and integrating anti-corruption safeguards into the Commission’s operations.
While welcoming the delegation led by the Executive Director of SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye, the EFCC boss emphasized the critical role of regional development agencies in fostering sustainable economic growth across the country. He applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating regional development commissions, describing them as a visionary response to the need for grassroots-driven development.
“I thank the President for the various regional development Commissions that he created as an avenue for development,” Olukoyede stated. “One of the keys to development is to allow regions to look inwards and utilize their potential. We assure you that we will collaborate with you, support you to succeed so that you can bring the South East to limelight. You’ve got what it takes to drive the economy and encourage outsiders to come in and invest so the region can expand.”
Olukoyede pledged the EFCC’s full support to the SEDC, particularly in ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. He disclosed that the Commission will provide the SEDC with its Fraud Risk Assessment template—an internal control tool developed by the EFCC to help government agencies detect and mitigate vulnerabilities to fraud and corruption.
“This will help you so that you don’t run into trouble and to help you deliver on your mandate. In the area of asset support, we are ready to work with you. We will look at it by the time you put it into writing. Be assured of our support and collaboration,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the SEDC Executive Director, Mr. Mark Okoye, said the purpose of the visit was to cultivate wide-reaching stakeholder engagement and build strong partnerships with strategic institutions like the EFCC to ensure effective service delivery and regional development. He praised Mr. Olukoyede’s leadership and the new energy he has brought into the Commission’s anti-corruption efforts.
“It is clear to everyone that there is new energy in the EFCC. This is our 130th day in office, and we request strong collaboration and partnership to enable us to deliver on our mandate to the people,” Okoye said.
He noted that the SEDC was established to drive reconstruction and rehabilitation in the South East, particularly after decades of agitation and underdevelopment. He acknowledged President Tinubu’s swift action in approving the establishment of the Commission, barely a year into his administration, as a defining moment for the region.
“We thank Mr. President that after 54 years, and under one year into his administration, he approved the request and we were nominated. That’s why we want to drive this Commission with seriousness and commitment, and we have set up a roadmap to help us achieve this,” Okoye said.
Outlining the Commission’s programmes and priorities, he highlighted several strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the region into a hub of economic activity. These include the Southeast Intervention and Prevention Initiative, Southeast Mechanized Initiative Program, Southeast Regional Industrial Program, and the Southeast Venture Capital Program, among others.
“Our vision is to make the South East a major destination for commerce and investment. 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 concluded.
