President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye, on his 40th birthday, commending his contributions to public service and national development.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Okoye as one of the innovative young leaders helping to shape Nigeria’s future through dedicated service and visionary leadership.

The President highlighted Okoye’s extensive experience in public administration prior to his appointment as the pioneer chief executive of the South-East Development Commission.

He noted that Okoye served in several strategic positions in Anambra State, including Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Special Adviser to the Governor, and Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners.

Tinubu praised what he described as Okoye’s 14-year unblemished record in public service, lauding his dedication, resilience and commitment to advancing economic growth and development.

He urged the SEDC chief executive to remain focused on the commission’s mandate of driving development, infrastructure renewal and economic transformation across the South-East region.

The President also acknowledged Okoye’s reputation as a leading advocate for subnational economic development and investment promotion in Nigeria. During his tenure at the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Okoye led reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting investments and strengthening private sector participation in the state’s economy.

A development economist and public policy expert, Okoye has earned recognition for championing governance initiatives centred on job creation, infrastructure expansion and sustainable economic planning. His work has attracted commendation from development partners, government institutions and private sector stakeholders.

Since assuming office as the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-East Development Commission, Okoye has been at the forefront of efforts to coordinate regional development initiatives and address longstanding socio-economic and infrastructural challenges within the South-East.

“As a youth-centric leader, the President states that, with Okoye and many other innovative young people in his administration, the nation’s future remains promising,” the statement said.

Tinubu also joined Okoye’s family, friends and associates in celebrating the milestone, wishing him good health, renewed strength and continued success in service to the nation.