By Edem Ekpo
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has held its inaugural board meeting in Abuja, setting a strategic direction for sustainable growth and economic empowerment across the region.
Briefing journalists at the end of 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 session was convened to unveil a roadmap anchored on integrity, collaboration, and results-driven governance.
They explained that the framework is designed to ensure the attainment of corporate targets, which include stimulating regional development, growth, and economic integration for shared prosperity.
The gathering 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 address long-standing regional challenges.
He emphasized that the commission’s success depends 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 urged board 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, the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Akpabio, launched the commission’s “One Region” development agenda, which focuses on integrated projects that cut across state boundaries to deliver inclusive prosperity.
“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 stated.
She identified infrastructure, industrialization, and digital innovation as critical pillars for transformation, stressing that technology will serve as a great equalizer. Plans include establishing innovation hubs, supporting tech-driven SMEs, and expanding ICT applications 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 said.
She also pledged to advance the Blue Economy, arts, culture, and tourism as vital sectors for economic 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 called on state governments, private investors, traditional institutions, and citizens of the region to support the commission’s mission, stressing that its success relies on collective 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).