President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially inaugurated Ms. Usoro Akpabio as the pioneer Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), alongside the governing boards for three newly established regional development commissions covering the South-South, North-Central, and North-East geopolitical zones.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja and was represented by the Minister for Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh.
In his remarks, Minister Momoh stressed that the creation of these commissions goes beyond political symbolism. He described it as a strategic initiative by the President aimed at ensuring “equitable balance in our polity for stability and accelerated development in all geopolitical zones in a united Nigeria.” He further explained that the commissions are mandated to serve as catalysts for infrastructural renewal, social empowerment, and economic diversification within their regions. Their role includes addressing region-specific challenges, coordinating developmental projects, and mobilizing stakeholders toward shared progress and sustainable growth.
Minister Momoh urged the newly appointed board members to view their responsibilities as more than administrative, calling on them to be custodians of the aspirations of millions of Nigerians within their zones.
Ms. Usoro Akpabio, known for her extensive experience in the energy sector, is expected to leverage her expertise to lead the South-South Development Commission toward unlocking the vast economic potential of the oil-rich region and promoting sustainable development.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, also addressed the event, highlighting the critical role of women in Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. She emphasized the importance of meaningful gender inclusion in the operations of the development commissions, noting that women constitute over half of the population in each region.
This inauguration marks a significant step in President Tinubu’s broader “Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflecting his vision to drive inclusive development and ensure balanced progress across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones.
