SSDC Inaugural Meeting Sets Course for Regional Growth
By Ekanem Asuquo
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has held its first board meeting in Abuja, unveiling a comprehensive roadmap to drive sustainable development and economic integration across the region.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the SSDC Board, Rt. Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche, OFR, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, said the commission’s vision is anchored on integrity, collaboration, and results-driven governance.
They explained that the framework will guide the attainment of corporate targets, including stimulating regional growth, strengthening economic structures, and fostering shared prosperity.
The meeting marked the first official engagement of the newly inaugurated board, following the commission’s establishment by an Act of the National Assembly signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Nwuche described the SSDC as a “historic and strategic intervention” by the President to tackle the region’s long-standing challenges. He stressed that success will depend on transparent governance and collective commitment.
“We must be the reference point for governance and transparency in Nigeria. Our task is to leave behind a functional, efficient, and replicable model that will outlive our tenure,” he said.
He further urged members to uphold the constitutional code of conduct, avoid conflicts of interest, and place public interest above personal gain. “Our lifestyle must be modest, as most of the people we are called to serve live in poverty. We must lead by example. The key word for this board must be ‘We’ and not ‘I’,” Nwuche added.
Outlining her vision, Ms. Akpabio launched the “One Region” development agenda, designed to deliver inclusive prosperity through integrated projects that cut across state boundaries.
“When we look at the South-South, we do not just see projects, we see movements. We see industries evolving, communities thriving, and a region boldly stepping into its full potential,” she said.
She highlighted infrastructure, industrialization, and digital innovation as key pillars for transformation, noting that technology will play a central role. Plans include establishing innovation hubs, supporting tech-driven SMEs, and expanding ICT use in education, healthcare, and commerce.
“Our youths are digital natives. With the right tools, they can position the South-South as not only a consumer of technology, but also a global exporter of ideas,” Akpabio stated.
She also pledged to promote the Blue Economy, arts, culture, and tourism as viable sectors for diversification. “The future of the South-South is not a distant dream. It is here, and it is ours to shape,” she affirmed.
Both leaders appealed to state governments, private investors, traditional institutions, and the people of the region to support the commission’s mission, stressing that success depends on broad-based ownership and partnership.
The SSDC Board members include Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Chairman, Rivers), Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Managing Director, 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), and Bukonola Braimoh (South-West).
The Executive Directors are Marcus Nie Eji, Projects (Rivers), Aganaba Preye Steven, Social and Human Capital Development (Bayelsa), Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye, Corporate Services (Delta), Joseph Ugheoke, Commercial and Environmental Development (Edo), and Amb. Sony Abang, Finance (Cross River).
