By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting that Igbo youths had called for the dissolution of the Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
In a press statement issued by its leadership on 16th June, 2026, the Assembly distanced itself from comments reportedly made by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who was quoted in media reports as urging President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the SEDC Board over allegations concerning the Commission’s operations.
According to the Assembly, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike does not represent any recognised organ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, including its youth structures, and his views should be regarded as personal opinions rather than the collective position of Igbo youths.
The group, led by Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, described itself as the apex Igbo youth leadership body and stated that it had been monitoring developments surrounding the South East Development Commission, including concerns raised by the Senate Committee overseeing the Commission and responses provided by the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mark Okoye.
The Assembly disclosed that it had scheduled a convention in Awka, Anambra State, on June 18 and 19, 2026, during which delegates would deliberate on a range of issues affecting the South-East, including matters relating to the management and performance of the SEDC.
It noted that the convention would provide an opportunity for critical stakeholders to review the Commission’s activities and determine an appropriate collective position on issues relating to its leadership and operations.
The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly said its membership cuts across various youth and stakeholder organisations in the South-East, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, the South-East chapter 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 youth groups and stakeholders in the region.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that the interests of Igbo youths are protected, particularly regarding the equitable distribution of resources intended for the development of the South-East.
It added that its official position on the performance and leadership of the South East Development Commission, as well as other issues affecting the development of Igboland, would be communicated after the conclusion of the Awka convention.
The group also called on Igbo youths to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that all pending issues of concern would receive comprehensive consideration during the forthcoming meeting.
