The South-East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has called for a new direction in the region’s political approach, urging leaders to embrace collaboration with the federal government to drive development and prosperity. This message was delivered during an empowerment program in Owerri, Imo State, where SERHA highlighted the importance of unity and alignment with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Belusochukwu Enwere, the coordinator of SERHA, emphasized that regional leaders must put aside opposition politics and work with the federal government to unlock economic opportunities and ensure the South-East benefits fully from the dividends of democracy.
“We call on political leaders of South-East extraction to provide guidance and support to rally around the administration of President Bola Tinubu for effective leadership in the country,” Enwere said.
Enwere praised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, including local government autonomy and tax reforms, as transformative initiatives that could boost grassroots development and reduce the burden of multiple taxations on businesses. He called on Nigerians to support these measures, emphasizing their potential to create sustainable economic growth.
The event also showcased SERHA’s empowerment program, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, a federal initiative designed to connect citizens to government policies and deliver tangible benefits.
“The first phase of the empowerment program provided financial support as follows: 100 SMEs received ₦200,000 each; another 100 individuals received ₦100,000 each; 200 SMEs were given ₦50,000 each; and 500 indigent families received ₦20,000 each,” Enwere stated.
In addition to financial aid, the program provided business tools such as sewing machines, grinding machines, and other equipment to skilled individuals. Beneficiaries also received food items, including bags of rice, to support their livelihoods.
“Our goal is to empower thousands of youths and women across the South-East region. Women and youth are the bedrock and drivers of sustainable development in any society,” said Enwere, who also serves as the National President of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN). He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment and development across the region.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Frank Aneto from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, stressed the critical role of political alignment and youth empowerment in the region’s economic transformation. Speaking on the theme “Empowering South-East Nigeria for Economic Emancipation and Prosperity,” he underscored the importance of collaboration between regional leaders and the federal government.
The event underscored SERHA’s mission to bridge the divide between the South-East and the federal government, fostering unity, empowerment, and sustainable growth in the region.