News
SEDC set to launch 15 Agromechanisation projects across S’East
…Says “We’re bringing back Okpara’s agro-industrial revolution”
….Hails Gov Mbah’s proactiveness, promises communities bountiful benefits
The South East Development Commission, SEDC, says it is set to reignite the agro-industrial revolution that made the defunct Eastern Region the fastest growing economy in the world between 1954 and 1964.
The Commission said it was embarking on three Agromechanisation projects, one in each of the three senatorial zone of Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi State, in partnership with the state governments, starting with Enugu.
The Commission gave the assurances at Nomeh, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State during a community engagement with leaders and stakeholders of the community on the proposed Nomeh Agromechanisation Project.
In his detailed presentation, the Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development (NRARD) at the SEDC, Dr. Clifford Ogbede, said the project would also provide numerous direct and indirect job and business opportunities, making agriculture attractive to the youths again
Dr. Ogbede, who was represented by his Technical Adviser at Commission, Dr. Chris Uwadoka, explained that the projects would also attract local and foreign investors, giving Ndigbo in diaspora the opportunity to be part of rebuilding the South East.
“We could all recall that the Eastern Region economy was at a point rated as the fastest growing economy in the world. That means that we were ahead of many leading economies of today in term of growth. And at the root of it was agriculture, thanks to the visionary leadership of the former Premier of the region, Dr. Michael Okpara.
“So, after thorough brainstorming sessions, the SEDC came up with a blueprint to restore the region’s lost glory, starting with agriculture,” he said.
Commending Governor Mbah for his proactiveness in laying out a robust and elaborate agricultural blueprint for Enugu State, he said the Agromechanisation project would also be cited at Elugwu Akwu, Oji River LGA in Enugu West Senatorial District and Nkpologwu, Uzo Uwani LGA in Enugu North Senatorial District to the benefit of the host communities and South East.
“Governor Mbah nominated Nomeh for the programme. It is a good thing for this community because SEDC is going to bring the best possible agricultural knowledge into the territory, bring specialists, agro-entrepreneurs, improved seeds with greater yields, and support the local farmers.
“So, it is a good thing that has come to the Nomeh community. It’s something to be cheered, cheerful about.
“Also, there’s something happening amongst youth, especially in the South East. They are averse to agriculture. They are walking away from agriculture that their parents depended on because it is back-breaking.
“The labour is much, but the yield is little and you hardly have enterprises, companies that are running on the back of agricultural produce.
“Therefore, this Project is going to attract agricultural enterprises that will give employment to the youth, and give them knowledge. They will see how it is done. They will earn a living for themselves,” he added.
He strongly dismissed the notion that the Agromechanisation Project was a ploy to grab grazing lands for cattle herders.
“There is absolutely nothing like that. This is an entirely South East initiative for the benefit of the South East, then the nation. It is very untrue and not part of the blueprint,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Liaison Officer to the Commission, Chief Edeani Edeani, said the Federal Government and Governor Peter Mbah were determined to use agriculture to fight insecurity.
“With such massive agromechenisation projects across the South East, our spaces will be more effectively and gainfully occupied and governed. Also, the youths will be gainfully employed,” he stated.
Speaking, a community leader and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Uche Anichukwu, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the SEDC after many failed attempts by Ndigbo under previous administrations.
“I worked at the national parliament for several years, and I am very much aware of the many attempts to set up a commission without success. It was either the bill did not scale through the parliament or it was denied presidential assent. But on 24th July, 2024, President Tinubu graciously signed into law the legal framework creating the SEDC to rebuild infrastructure and serve as a platform for a coordinated regional development,” he said.
He lauded the SEDC Managing Director, Mark Okoye, and his team for launching out with agriculture as a pivot for the economic revival and growth of the region, noting that they had brought “a totally fresh approach to running regional development commissions.”
“As a community, we are most grateful to the President and Governor Peter Mbah for choosing Nomeh to host the pilot project. We do not take it for granted.”
On his part, the traditional ruler of Nomeh Unateze, HRH Igwe Israel Okonkwo Mbah, who was represented by the traditional prime minister, Chief Daniel Anikpuma, said the Nomeh Unateze Agromechanisation Project would bring back the pre-civil war glory of the community.
“It is a sort of bringing back the glory of Nomeh-Unateze, a bustling railway and agricultureal town in the past. Before the war, we had UAC, Leventis, and several other produce trading companies here. The war broke out, and everything stopped.
“Today, the SEDC and the Enugu State Government have remembered Nomeh Unateze and come with mechanised farming to reactivate our community. We believe it is going to bring massive development and we embrace it with a grateful heart,” he stated.
Likewise, the town union government of the community, speaking through Engr. Uchenna Anyanwu, threw its weight behind the project, assuring that necessary machinery would be put in place to ensure the smooth execution and security of the project.
Another community leader, Mrs. Veronica Onwude, said the project had given the people more hope, as the women, their husbands and youths would be more gainfully employed.
A founding member of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Chief Ralph Obioha is dead, aged 80.
In a statement by his son, Chima Obioha on behalf of the Obioha family in Enugu, said: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Chief Ralph Obioha, “Okpuruisizuruoha II of Arondizuogu announces his passing on October 3, 2026, at the age of 80.
Chief Obioha was first and foremost a beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend. His kindness, strength, humor, generosity, faith, and unwavering devotion to family will always be remembered .
“Many Nigerians knew Chief Obioha as a patriot, elder statesman, political leader and businessman. Indeed, his very eventful life spanned various business sectors and the Nigerian political and socio- economic space.
“He was deeply committed to Nigeria’s progress and the ideals of service, leadership, and nation-building. His was a respected voice in the land, and he was a firm believer in Nigeria’s enormous potential.
“His passing has left an immeasurable void in our family, but we find comfort in the fullness of his life, the people he touched, and the legacy of service he leaves behind.
“The family is deeply grateful for the prayers, condolence messages, and expressions of love that have already been received. We, however, respectfully request privacy at this time while we mourn and come to terms with this profound loss.
“Details of the memorial and funeral will be announced in due course. May his soul rest in complete peace.” the statement added.
Lagos, Nigeria, October 6, 2026: The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced the addition of the Lagos, Delta, Imo and Ekiti state governments, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Access Bank Plc and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to the list of partners for its 10th Annual Conference.
The conference begins on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, 38 to 40 Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
The first day will feature a presentation by Max Amuchie, Publisher of Sundiata Post, on “The Sundiata Post Model: Building the African Newsroom for the Long Term.”
This will be followed by a presentation on “AI and Prompt Engineering for Online Publishing” by Biodun Durojaiye, Publisher of The Lagos Times.
The final presentation will be “Monetisation of Digital Media Business” by Dr Monday Ashibogwu, Publisher of Quick News.
The presentations will be followed by lunch with GOCOP partners, while the association’s Annual General Meeting will round off the day.
The second day of the conference, Thursday, October 8, will focus on the theme, “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, will deliver the keynote address, while Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Founding Partner of Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), will chair the session.
The panel will feature CP Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner of Police, Election Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Force Headquarters, Abuja; Prof Tayo Popoola, Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos; Adaora Onyechere Sydney Jack, Creative Director of Gender Agenda and Founder of WEWE Network Afrique; and Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Deputy President of GOCOP and Chairman of the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, Mr Olumide Iyanda, said preparations had been concluded.
“All is set for our 10th anniversary conference. We are delighted that the Lagos State Government, the Imo State Government, the Delta State Government and the Ekiti State Government, as well as Access Bank, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, and NASENI, Nigeria’s foremost agency driving indigenous technology and industrial innovation, have joined our long list of sponsors. Their support underscores the importance of the dialogue we are convening,” Iyanda said.
The new partners join those previously announced, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Nigeria Customs Service, Dangote Group, Seplat Energy, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Bank of Industry (BoI), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), TAJBank, Emadeb Energy, Setraco Nigeria Limited, Sovereign Trust Insurance and Nestlé Nigeria Plc.
Iyanda thanked all sponsors and partners for their support, noting that their contributions would help GOCOP sustain its conference as a platform for engagement on professional journalism, democracy and national development.
GOCOP is a business membership organisation of 127 corporate online publishers in Nigeria. The Annual Conference, now in its 10th edition, brings together media executives, policymakers, academics, business leaders, civil society representatives and other stakeholders to discuss issues of national importance.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives following the accident involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.
NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found. The crew members were:
CREW
1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)
5. Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)
PASSENGERS
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families. A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
6 October 2026
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