Igbo Youths Distance Self from Call for SEDC Board Dissolution, Set June Convention to Review Commission’s Performance

The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly (IYLSA) has dissociated itself from calls for the dissolution of the Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), describing recent remarks attributed to a self-acclaimed youth leader as personal opinions that do not reflect the position of Igbo youths.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Assembly said it was compelled to react to media reports credited to Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who reportedly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dissolve the SEDC Board over allegations concerning the Commission’s operations.

The group, led by its President, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, maintained that Okwu does not represent any recognised organ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide or its youth structures.

According to the Assembly, “Mazi Okwu Nnabuike does not represent any of the organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, including its Youth Wing. His positions on issues are strictly his personal opinions and do not represent the position of Igbo youths at any level.”

The group acknowledged the ongoing public debate surrounding the performance of the South East Development Commission and said it was already engaging relevant stakeholders to assess concerns raised by the Senate Committee on SEDC as well as responses provided by the Commission’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Okoye.

The Assembly disclosed that it has convened a major convention scheduled for June 18 and 19 in Awka, Anambra State, where issues concerning the management, leadership and performance of the Commission will be extensively discussed.

According to the statement, the convention will bring together key youth leaders and stakeholders from across the South-East to deliberate on matters affecting the development of the region.

The Assembly said its membership comprises representatives of major youth and socio-cultural organisations, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, the South-East chapter 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), among others.

It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Igbo youths and ensuring accountability in the utilisation of resources meant for the development of the South-East.

“We shall continue to consult, consolidate and, if necessary, confront all critical stakeholders in the Southeast 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 further assured Igbo youths that a comprehensive position on the leadership and performance of the SEDC, as well as other pressing issues affecting the region, would be communicated after the conclusion of the convention.

While urging calm among young people in the region, the Assembly called on stakeholders to allow due consultation and engagement before drawing conclusions on the future of the Commission.

The statement concluded with a call for unity and development across the South-East, expressing optimism that the region would continue to advance despite current challenges.