‘South-South is counting on Us, Nigerian are watching’ —SSDC Chairman charges Board Members at inauguration
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
In a bold step toward regional transformation, the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) held its inaugural board meeting at the Ballroom of Fraser Suites Hotel on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Abuja.
The event marked a turning point for the oil-rich but underdeveloped South-South region of Nigeria.
In his opening speech, Chairman of the Commission, Rt. Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche (OFR), expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership in establishing regional development commissions.
“This is a defining moment. With this Commission, Mr. President has created a powerful platform to fast-track industrialization and inclusive development across Nigeria,” Nwuche said.
He also praised the National Assembly for expeditiously passing the SSDC Act 2025, acknowledging Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for their patriotic roles.
South-South Mandate: From Oil-Rich to Opportunity-Rich
Rt. Hon. Nwuche unveiled an ambitious agenda for the SSDC, underlining the Commission’s mandate to transform the region into an economic powerhouse.
“Our mission is clear: identify the root causes of underdevelopment and provide sustainable solutions — from transportation and power to agriculture, industry, and telecommunications,” he stated.
He stressed the urgency of empowering youth and women who have long borne the brunt of oil exploitation, pledging focused investment in inclusive development.
Nwuche emphasized collaboration with governors, federal agencies, and development bodies to harmonize efforts and avoid project duplication.
“We Must Be a Beacon of Integrity”, SSDC Chairman Preaches Governance by Example
Governance was a central theme at the SSDC’s first board meeting, with the Chairman setting a high ethical standard for public service.
“We are public officers. Conflict of interest must be avoided at all costs,” Nwuche cautioned, invoking constitutional provisions and public service ethics.
He called on the board to serve as a model for transparency, accountability, and humility, stressing that the success of the Commission lies in collective effort, not individual egos.
“Our legacy must be a replicable model of good governance, not just for the region but for Nigeria,” he added.
“Projects Must Speak Loudly”, SSDC Pledges Action, Not Rhetoric
The SSDC leadership has vowed to adopt world-class standards in project execution, focusing on transparency and timely delivery.
“Procurement is where trust is often lost. We will not let that happen. Every naira spent must bring visible, lasting change,” Nwuche said.
He pointed to Abuja’s recent project successes under President Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as a model, promising that only adequately funded and fully prepared projects will be approved.
People First: SSDC Promises Grassroots Engagement
A cornerstone of the Commission’s approach will be deep engagement with citizens, traditional rulers, youth groups, and community-based organisations.
“We must listen more than we speak. The solutions must come from the people, and the execution must benefit the people,” Nwuche noted.
He pledged that SSDC will remain open to ideas, feedback, and constructive criticism, while working with industry experts to deliver cost-effective and high-impact interventions.
“The South-South Is Moving Forward — and Fast!” SSDC MD
In a rousing address, the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, declared that the region is finally entering an era of visible, meaningful transformation.
“When you look at the South-South today, you don’t just see projects — you see movement. You see bold ideas taking shape, industries evolving, communities striving,” he said.
Akpabio outlined key priorities including capacity building, digital innovation, financial access, and infrastructure expansion.
“Every bridge will be built, every highway expanded. We will connect our people to prosperity — not just as beneficiaries, but as drivers of the change,” he affirmed.
She emphasized that the Commission’s approach would center on empowering communities, supporting entrepreneurship, and opening up economic opportunities across the six states of the region.
“Our people deserve more than promises — they deserve prosperity. And we are here to bring them closer to it, step by step, project by project, idea by idea,” she added.
SSDC Gets to Work: Commission Races Against Time
With just weeks left in Q3, the SSDC is wasting no time. As mandated by the SSDC Act, the Commission must submit its 2026 budget to the President by September 30 and file a quarterly report on its activities.
“We are not here to settle into comfort. We are here to hit the ground running. Our credibility depends on how we start,” Nwuche said.
He closed with a rallying call: “Let us serve with purpose, with urgency, and with courage. The South-South is counting on us. Nigeria is watching.”
