The Orlu Progressive Initiative has urged people of the south easterners to embrace peace and dialogue, to check insecurity and other challenges facing it.
Mr Ikechukwu Nwabueze, Executive Director of the group made the call in Abakaliki during the south east peace and stability summit.
Nwabueze who is the convener of the summit, said the zone must embrace unity and collaboration to create a prosperous future.
"The people must commit themselves to build a region defined by stability, innovation and shared progress.
"This will make peace and economic progress the zone's identify,".
He regretted that insecurity among other challenges facing the zone have hindered its development and exacerbated poverty.
"This has also widened inequality, threatened the livelihood of millions despite the zone rich cultural heritage.
"The problems have also stifled the zone's growth, vast economic potential and strategic significance in trade,".
Nwabueze urged leaders and stakeholders of the zone to adopt a holistic approach to address its pressing concerns.
"Security, economic revitalisation and infrastructural development must be prioritised.
"This governent alone cannot cannot bear this responsibility as it requires collective efforts of policy makers, traditional and religious institutions among others.
Mr Peter Nwankwo, Aide to Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo, Marcelinus Nlemigbo urged people of the zone to prioritise agriculture to strengthen its economy.
"We have to return to the days when palm oil formed the bedrock our economy.
"The people should also de-emphasise wealth acquisition especially the ill-gotten ones,".
Mr Valentine Nwori, Media Aide to the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi commended the convener of the summit, describing it as "apt".
"The south east zone has played a significant role in ensuring the unity and development of the country as every effort should be made to sustain its greatness,".
