A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, has called on the management of the newly established South-East Development Commission to prioritise prudent resource management.
He emphasised that this approach is crucial for fulfilling the commission’s mandate of developing the region’s infrastructure.
In an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Onuigbo commended President Bola Tinubu for making wise decisions in appointing the commission’s management.
He emphasised that effective resource management would be key to its success.
“I would like to say that it’s a wonderful opportunity for the managers to have been appointed, and we must thank President Bola Tinubu for his wise decisions.
“The President has made it clear, both in words and actions that he wants to see tangible transformation in the country. I have no doubt that the South-East Development Commission will succeed,” Onuigbo said.
He stressed that the commission’s success depended on its leadership’s ability to manage resources in a prudent and judicious manner to achieve its infrastructure development goals.
“What remains is a question of focus, desire, and resolve from the managers to ensure that the commission’s work becomes a reference point for others,” he added.
Onuigbo recalled that a similar initiative led to the creation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He pointed out that when the law to establish the university was passed in 1955, there were no other universities in the region.
“The Eastern Nigeria Marketing Board was tasked with managing resources effectively, setting aside 500,000 pounds annually, which helped the university open in 1960 as the first full-fledged university in Nigeria.”
He expressed confidence that with focus and dedication, the South-East Development Commission could bring about a significant transformation in the region’s infrastructure, something not seen since the end of the civil war in 1970.
“This commission has a great opportunity to reshape the history of the southeast and work toward regaining its lost glory.
“I expect the commission to focus on key areas of development, particularly infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, and railway services,” Onuigbo said.
He added that education should also be a priority, stating, “Education is the greatest gift you can give to any group of people.”