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

Published

1 year ago

September 5, 2025

Joel Ajayi

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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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

19 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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