SECDA honours Rubby Emele for championing rural economic development in South East

The South East Communities Development Association Cooperative Union (SECDA) has decorated the Imo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Rubby Emele, as its National Patron in recognition of her contributions to socioeconomic growth and sustainable rural development.

Speaking during the investiture in Enugu, SECDA’s National Coordinator, Engr. Isidore Ehochi, described the honour as a milestone in the group’s mission to transform rural economies across the South East.

Ehochi praised Emele’s leadership qualities and her impact on community development, stressing that her collaboration would strengthen SECDA’s programmes, including cooperative loan schemes, agriculture, ICT-driven talent promotion, and grassroots unity soccer competitions.

He further revealed plans for a South East Regional Conference on Sustainable Economic Development in Owerri. The event, he said, would focus on empowerment for widows and the less privileged, while also tackling regional challenges such as insecurity and infrastructure deficits.

Ehochi added that SECDA would work closely with the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC) to advance its agenda.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee and former Njaba LGA boss, Dr. Eddy Ikwubuo, expressed confidence in Emele’s ability to help achieve SECDA’s objectives, describing her as a “dependable partner in the socioeconomic advancement of the South East.”

Emele pledges support

In her response, Hon. Emele expressed delight at the recognition, commending SECDA for its dedication to human empowerment and community advancement. She pledged to contribute her quota as National Patron, aligning her support with the association’s development agenda.

She also noted that SECDA’s objectives complement the programmes of Governor Hope Uzodimma, who she said has transformed Imo State through infrastructure, human capacity building, and workforce reforms.

“Governor Uzodimma has recreated Imo into a state of possibilities through his visionary leadership,” she said, urging continued support for the 3R Government.

Emele further encouraged SECDA to expand its programmes, especially youth empowerment initiatives, as a means of addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing the region.