From Marcus Nkire
Very rarely do we see the light, a perfect combination, a match made in heaven, an alliance of excellence. But with the recent appointment of Chief. Nwadiala Chukwuemeka Ngozichineke Wogu, PhD popularly known as Emeka Wogu as chairman of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), all indications point to a massive shift in modus operando.
A graduate of Law from the University of Imo state, Nigeria and a Ph.d holder, Wogu has set the bar high in relation to qualification and competence. A classic case of when pedigree meets evolution. As the South-east winces in desperation of unity in these trying times, a calming yet commanding voice is imperative in breaking the ice.
Having served as the former Minister for Labour and Productivity (2010-2014) during the President Goodluck Jonathan regime, the former member of the House of Representatives (Aba south) being an avid communicator, created an open line with Labour unions and other relevant authorities, giving all parties a platform to have a voice, air their views and grievances without fear nor reproach.
An approach which ultimately culminated in the dissolution of tangled issues in the nation at the time. One would recall the incessant nationwide strike amongst unions in the medical sector in 2013. During an Ebola-hit period in the country, the medical sector felt overworked, understaffed and short-handed when it came to the availability of requisite necessities to ensure safety of health workers.
The start and stop nature of these strikes required dialogue and a great deal of patience to overcome. In the end and agreement was reached between the Federal government and the Joint Health Workers Union of Nigeria (JOHESU) after a protracted 12hour closed-door meeting with Wogu to suspend the strike.
Such is his dedication to get things done, a see-it-through mentality that may well prove pivotal in the growth of the south-east region. A region that has been marred by failed promises and selfish interests by the leading forces of party politics.
Following the recent inauguration on Tuesday, 11th of February 2025, the SEDC leadership has already expressed intentions to grow the economy of the region from the current $40 billion to $200 billion by 2035.
A well-deserved credit must be ascribed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for seeing the light in making such astute selections. As the saying goes “a good leader sees where others do not and lays an auspicious path for his followers”. Alongside Chief Emeka, board members consisting of RT. HON. Stanley Ohajuruka (Executive Director, Finance), RT.HON. Toby Okechukwu (Executive Director, Projects), Chief Daniel Akwari (Director Abia), Hon. Chijoke Chukwu (Director, South-East, North West Development Commission) were also appointed as worthy lieutenants to this fine establishment.
It is no secret that the task ahead is a cumbersome one upon reflection on the magnitude of the position at hand. But this nothing new to the chairman as he had previously held two ministerial portfolios albeit for a relatively short period of time in 2013. Identified and heralded for his versatility among his peers, he was deemed competent when in addition to being the Labour Minister, he was appointed as Supervising Minister of Interior between 2011. A former Vice-chairman and subsequent Chairman of the Aba-South LGA, it is clear to see that experience is not lost on him.
A visionary with bags of experience and enviable leadership qualities has taken the helm of a sensitive yet industrious region born to flourish from inception, one would hope it can only get better from here on.
