The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South-East Development Commission have announced a new partnership aimed at accelerating economic growth and investment across Nigeria’s South-East region.
The collaboration, unveiled during a stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu on Monday, is expected to focus on investment mobilisation, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship development and regional economic integration.
Leaders of both organisations said the initiative became necessary as the South-East continues to face rising unemployment, infrastructure gaps and limited industrial expansion despite the region’s strong entrepreneurial reputation.
Push for Regional Investment
Chairman of the Council of Igbo Business Leaders, Sam Ohuabunwa, urged Igbo investors and entrepreneurs to prioritise the South-East in their business expansion plans.
According to him, the council intends to identify and mentor young entrepreneurs while also creating stronger business networks capable of attracting large-scale investments into the region.
He noted that many Igbo business owners have contributed significantly to economic development in other parts of Nigeria over the years, while the South-East itself has continued to struggle with inadequate development.
Ohuabunwa further stressed the importance of collaboration between business leaders, state governments and development agencies to ensure investors receive accurate information and policy guidance before establishing ventures in the region.
Concerns Over Youth Unemployment
The business leader expressed concern over increasing youth unemployment and growing social challenges in parts of the South-East, warning that stronger economic policies and coordinated investment strategies were urgently needed.
He explained that the partnership with the commission would help align private sector interests with ongoing development plans across the region.
According to him, such cooperation could also encourage more diaspora investors to channel resources into local industries, manufacturing and emerging businesses within Igboland.
Commission Seeks Stronger Business Networks
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-East Development Commission, Mark Okoye, welcomed the partnership and described it as an important step toward regional transformation.
Okoye called on the Council of Igbo Business Leaders to use its extensive business network and expertise to strengthen investment mobilisation, support small and medium-sized enterprises and promote capacity building among young entrepreneurs.
He added that collaboration between the public and private sectors would be critical in unlocking the economic potential of the South-East and improving long-term development outcomes.
The meeting also highlighted the growing demand for coordinated economic policies that can position the South-East as a competitive investment destination in Nigeria.
