President Tinubu Appoints First Managing Director of SSDC
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Usoro Offiong Akpabio as the Managing Director (MD) of the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC).
This was revealed in a letter addressed to the Senate and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as part of a list of appointments for the governing boards of the North-Central, South-West, and South-South Development Commissions.
Key Appointments for SSDC
- Chairman: Chibudom Nwuche
- Managing Director: Usoro Akpabio (Akwa Ibom)
Other board members include:
- Marcus Eji – Rivers
- Aganaba Steven – Bayelsa
- Timi Ayibatonye – Delta
- Joseph Ugheoke – Edo
- Sony Abang – Cross River
- Larry Odey – Cross River
- Charles Zuofa – Bayelsa
- Nkereuwem Ebong – Akwa Ibom
- Chika Chinedu – Rivers
- Femi Oise – Edo
- Charles Enukhowhate – Delta
- Tijani Kaura – North-West
- Tabitha Sallah – North-East
- Yusuf Amao – North-Central
- Joseph Mmamal – South-East
- Bukonola Braimoh – South-West
The appointments await Senate screening and confirmation by the relevant committees.
Who Is Usoro Offiong Akpabio?
Date of Birth: June 10, 1983
State of Origin: Akwa Ibom
Ethnicity: Ibibio
Education: Degree in Political Science
Early Life and Education
Born in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Usoro Akpabio hails from the Ibibio ethnic group. She attended both her primary and secondary education in Uyo before proceeding to earn a degree in Political Science from a Nigerian university. Her academic background equipped her with strong knowledge in governance, public policy, and civic engagement.
During her university days, she was actively involved in student union activities and community outreach, experiences that sharpened her organizational and leadership abilities.
Career and Public Service
After graduation, Akpabio began her career in public service as a policy analyst in a state government ministry. Her focus was on addressing rural infrastructure challenges, particularly around access roads and school facilities.
Her effectiveness in this role earned her a place on several task forces that focused on:
- Youth empowerment
- Women’s health
- Infrastructure development
Over the years, she gained recognition for her work on:
- Solar-powered mini-projects
- Vocational training centres
- Grassroots political mobilization
Akpabio also served as a political adviser to local candidates, helping them shape campaign messages that resonated with the grassroots. Her deep listening skills and commitment to translating public needs into policies earned her growing influence across the South-South region.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside public office, Usoro Akpabio maintains strong family ties. She credits her parents for instilling in her the values of discipline and service. She is known for:
- African dance and traditional drumming
- Reading biographies of female leaders
- Mentoring young women in politics
- Volunteering in community health programs
Friends and colleagues describe her as an empathetic listener and a thoughtful adviser, with a consistent commitment to community development.
Understanding the South-South Development Commission (SSDC)
The South-South Development Commission is part of a broader federal initiative to address longstanding development disparities in Nigeria’s geo-political zones.
SSDC Headquarters
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Purpose of the Commission
- Drive infrastructure development
- Expand economic opportunities
- Improve social services
- Channel oil revenue into grassroots progress
Core Priorities
- Road and electricity infrastructure
- Skills training for youths and women
- Promotion of local agriculture and tourism
- Collaborations with international agencies for funding and technical expertise
Responsibilities of the MD
As the first Managing Director of the SSDC, Usoro Akpabio’s task will be to turn ambitious policy plans into real outcomes.
Her expected roles include:
- Coordinating with state governors, traditional rulers, and civil society groups
- Ensuring that projects reflect local community aspirations
- Overseeing project selection, budget allocation, and monitoring results
- Driving transparency and accountability in all commission activities
Challenges Ahead
Akpabio will need to demonstrate strategic leadership to:
- Tackle bureaucratic hurdles
- Win the confidence of local stakeholders
- Attract credible partnerships
- Deliver visible and impactful development projects
Conclusion
Usoro Akpabio’s nomination as the pioneer MD of the SSDC is a significant milestone for the South-South region. With a track record of public service, grassroots activism, and strategic policy work, her appointment signals the federal government’s intention to deliver real developmental outcomes in the oil-rich region.
If confirmed by the Senate, she will be at the forefront of an ambitious new era in regional planning and execution, backed by a diverse board drawn from across Nigeria.
