By Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah
In a strategic move that blended courtesy, vision sharing and regional partnership, the Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), Dr. Clifford Ogbede , on Friday, 9th January, 2026, paid a familiarization courtesy visit to the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe.
The visit, marked by warm institutional camaraderie and forward looking dialogue, formed part of the Commission’s deliberate engagement with key educational and development stakeholders across the South East as it formally announces the full commencement of operations of the Southeast Development Commission, with its operational headquarters strategically located in Enugu City.
Receiving Dr. Ogbede and his team, the Rector described the visit as timely and symbolic, coming at a moment when the region requires deliberate collaboration between development institutions and centres of learning to unlock its vast human and natural capital.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ogbede conveyed the Commission’s resolve to reposition the South East through structured interventions in natural resources management, agriculture, rural development, infrastructure and human capacity development. He noted that the SEDC is poised to serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable development across the region.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal invitation extended to Federal Polytechnic Nekede to participate in the forthcoming unveiling of SEDC’s Vision 2050, in two weeks time, a long term development blueprint aimed at making the South East globally competitive, economically vibrant and socially resilient.
According to Dr. Ogbede, the Vision 2050 framework recognises tertiary institutions, particularly polytechnics, as critical drivers of skills development, applied research, technology transfer and youth empowerment. He emphasized that Federal Polytechnic Nekede, with its legacy of excellence and innovation, is well positioned to play a strategic role in translating the Commission’s vision into measurable outcomes.
In her response, Dr. Mrs. Igbokwe expressed appreciation to the SEDC leadership for the honour and recognition accorded the institution. She reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s readiness to partner with the Commission in areas of agricultural technology, rural enterprise development, research, capacity building and policy support, noting that sustainable regional development thrives on strong academia, government collaboration.
The courtesy visit concluded with mutual assurances of sustained engagement, shared purpose and a collective commitment to building a South East that works for all, driven by vision, knowledge and purposeful leadership.
