South-South Development Commission Holds Inaugural Meeting, Unveils Vision for Regional Transformation

 

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has held its inaugural board meeting in Abuja, charting a bold course for the sustainable development and economic empowerment of the region.

The Chairman of the SSDC Board, Rt. Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche, OFR, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ms Usoro Akpabio briefed newsmen after the meeting, outlining a governance framework built on integrity, collaboration, and urgent action.

The meeting brought together the newly inaugurated board members of the commission, following its establishment by an Act of the National Assembly assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The board chairman, Rt. Hon. Nwuche, declared the commission “open for business and committed to delivering on its profound mandate, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He described the SSDC as a historic and strategic intervention by the President to tackle the region's challenges in a sustainable manner, stating that its success hinges on impeccable governance and collective effort.

Nwuche laid out an uncompromising vision for transparency and accountability. “We must be the reference point for governance and transparency in Nigeria. We should be able to leave behind a functional, efficient, and replicable model of governance that will outlive our tenure,” he stated.

He underscored the constitutional code of conduct for public officers, urging board members to avoid any conflict of interest and to place public interest above self. “Our lifestyle must be moderated, as most of the people we are called to serve are living in penury. We should live by example,” he advised, adding that the key word for the board must be “We” and not “I”.

The Managing Director of the SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio articulated an ambitious "One Region" development agenda, focused on integrated projects that transcend state boundaries to deliver shared prosperity.

“When we look at the South-South, we do not just see projects; we see movements. We see bold ideas taking shape, industries evolving, communities thriving, and a region boldly stepping into its full potential,” the MD stated.

The MD identified infrastructure, industrialisation, and digital innovation as critical pillars for transformation. “Technology is not just a tool, it is the great equalizer. We are embracing digital transformation as a strategic pillar for development,” he said, outlining plans to establish innovation hubs, support tech-driven SMEs, and integrate ICT across education, healthcare, and commerce.

“Our youths are digital natives. With the right platforms and tools, they can lead a new wave of innovation that puts the South-South on the map, not just as a consumer of technology, but as a producer and exporter of ideas.”

Usoro also pledged to champion the Blue Economy, Arts, Culture, and Tourism as vital economic levers for the region, concluding with a call to action: “The future of the South-South is not a distant dream, it is here, and it is ours to shape.”

Both leaders urged state governments, private sector leaders, traditional institutions, and the people of the South-South to support the commission’s vision, stressing that its success depends on collective ownership and partnership.

Members of the SSDC Board include; Chairman: Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Rivers State), Managing Director: Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta), Tijani Yahaya Kaura (North-West), Tabitha Iliya Sallah (North-East), Alh. Yusuf Rasaq Amao (North-Central), Joseph Mmama (South-East), Bukonola Braimoh (South-West)

The Executive Directors are: Marcus Nie Eji – Projects (Rivers), Aganaba Preye Steven – Social & Human Capital Development (Bayelsa), Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye – Corporate Services (Delta), Joseph Ugheoke – Commercial & Environmental Development (Edo), Amb. Sony Abang – Finance (Cross River)

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