News
“South-South Development Commission Convenes Inaugural Meeting, Unveils Vision for Regional Transformation
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)
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
