Shettima Charges South-South Development Commission MD Usoro Akpabio to Lead Nigeria’s New Era of Prosperity
Abuja – 13 August 2025
In a pivotal meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the South-South region to seize the moment and become a driving force for Nigeria’s socioeconomic transformation.
The appeal came as Ms Usoro Akpabio, Managing Director and CEO of the South-South Development Commission, paid a courtesy call to the nation’s second-in-command. During the high-level engagement, Vice President Shettima laid out a bold strategy for unlocking the South-South’s latent wealth, highlighting the establishment of Special Economic Zones and the boost of agro-processing as key avenues for diversification.
He further advocated for robust support of small businesses, along with targeted investment in education and health to strengthen human capital. Security enhancements, youth empowerment initiatives, and the delivery of critical infrastructure were also at the heart of discussions.
Assuring Ms Akpabio of his full confidence, Shettima stressed that these priorities align seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for an accelerated and inclusive development agenda.
Ms Akpabio responded by vowing to translate these objectives into real, measurable progress, affirming her commitment to ensuring lasting benefits for the South-South and the entire nation.
