Igbo Youth Leaders Reject SEDC Dissolution, Launch Performance Review

The leadership of the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has distanced itself from a recent publication by one Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, which allegedly sought to discredit the current Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Nnabuike, who describes himself as the Life President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, reportedly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dissolve the Board of the SEDC over allegations that are yet to be verified.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the leader of the apex Igbo youth body, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, clarified that Nnabuike does not represent any organ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, including its Youth Wing.
According to him, Nnabuike’s views and public statements are entirely personal and should not be misconstrued as the position of Igbo youths or any recognised Igbo youth organisation.
Okpalaezeukwu explained that the Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly comprises key youth leaders and stakeholders from across Ala Igbo. The Assembly brings together representatives of 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), as well as other relevant youth organisations and stakeholders across the region.
He further disclosed that the Assembly has closely monitored the ongoing discussions surrounding the performance and operational challenges of the South East Development Commission. He noted that the body is actively engaging the issues raised by the Senate Committee on the SEDC, alongside the responses and explanations provided by the Commission’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Okoye.
“The Assembly has scheduled a convention in Awka, Anambra State, where members will deliberate extensively on the prevailing issues relating to the management, accountability, and performance of the South East Development Commission.
“We remain committed to consultation, collaboration, and, where necessary, constructive engagement with all critical stakeholders across the South-East and the wider Igbo nation. Our objective is to ensure that Igbo youths are not shortchanged in the allocation and utilisation of resources meant for the development of our region.
“At the conclusion of our convention, Igbo youths will formally communicate their position on the leadership, performance, and future direction of the SEDC, as well as other critical issues affecting the development and progress of Igbo land.
“The convention is scheduled to hold on the 18th and 19th of June, 2026, in Awka, Anambra State,” he stated.
Okpalaezeukwu urged Igbo youths across the region to remain calm, vigilant, and united. He assured them that the Assembly would undertake a comprehensive review of all pending matters affecting the interests and development of the South-East during the convention.