Building a Collaborative Ecosystem for Southeast Progress.

By Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow youths,
It is an honor to speak before you today on a topic that is close to my heart and critical to our collective future: "Building a Collaborative Ecosystem for Southeast Progress." As we gather here, we recognize the immense potential of the Southeast region of Nigeria—a region rich in culture, resources, and human capital. In my brief time with you here, my task is to show clearly that these unique attributes of the Southeast can be harnessed to create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem that fosters progress for all.

But first we have to understand what a Collaborative Ecosystem is.
A collaborative ecosystem is a network of interconnected individuals and organizations that work together towards a common goal. In the context of Southeast progress, this means bringing together stakeholders from various sectors—government, business, education, civil society, and the diaspora—to collaboratively address our region’s challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.
At the heart of this collaborative ecosystem is Leadership. But I will also make a case for other components that will help us actualize a United, prosperous Southeast. 

No 1. Vision & leadership will provide a clear, shared vision for the entire region.

 We must agree on our goals for the Southeast and the steps required to achieve them.
   - Strong, inclusive leadership is vital. Leaders must be committed to collaboration, transparent decision-making, and accountable governance.

No 2. Partnerships and Networks
   - Establishing partnerships across sectors will amplify our impact. Businesses, academic institutions, NGOs, and government bodies must work together.
   - Leveraging networks, both local and international, can bring in resources, knowledge, and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.

No 3. Security: as of today, the biggest challenge of the Southeast is insecurity. Ladies and gentlemen how did we get here? Have you ever asked yourself this question? A time was when we used to hear of boko haram in the North, Fulani herdsmen attacks in the middle belt Southwest had their repeated OPC crisis, the South South had militancy and kidnap for ransom… while all these were going, Southeast remained largely peaceful, progressive and prosperous. So what happened to that peace? What can be done to restore it? What part must we play to usher in a peaceful SE that is ready to receive investors? These points, further buttresses my point of view that in the heart of the collaborative ecosystem we seek is leadership; political leadership. 

No 4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
   - Encouraging innovation and supporting entrepreneurship can drive economic growth and solve local problems.
   - Creating incubators and providing access to funding and mentorship can help entrepreneurs succeed. I want to seize this opportunity to commend Mrs Ezinne Nwazulu, the convener. Her mentor match up program has helped nurture many startups, providing them funding and guiding them to success. In the same vein, an organization I preside over as President called Umu Aba Connect Association has given out tens of millions of seed funding to startups and skilled artisans that have benefited from our annual skill up Aba program. 
These initiatives, though they may seem like a drop in the ocean, considering the sheer gap in funding and skill set required to establish a full blown collaborative ecosystem in the southeast, they are however laudable steps being taken by organizations that have vision for the growth and progress of our beloved Southeast. 

No 5. Education and Skill Development

   - Investing in education is investing in our future. We need to focus on quality education at all levels and continuous skill development.
   - Aligning educational programs with market needs ensures that our workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a modern economy.
No 6. Infrastructure and Technology
   - Robust infrastructure is the backbone of progress. We must prioritize the development of transportation, energy, and communication systems.
   - Embracing technology can streamline processes, enhance connectivity, and open up new avenues for growth.
The points I have listed here are not nearly exhaustive. But they clearly point to a few of the steps we need to take to actualize this noble dream. 

In conclusion,
Building a collaborative ecosystem for Southeast progress is not a task for any single entity—it requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. By working together, sharing resources, and fostering an inclusive and innovative environment, we can create a prosperous future for our region.
Let us commit to this vision, support each other, and take concrete steps towards realizing our collective goals. Together, we can build a Southeast that is not only a beacon of progress but also a model of sustainable and inclusive development.
Thank you.
Dr Chima Anyaso 
Group Chairman Caades.