SSDC MD/CEO Seeks Oku Ibom Ibibio’s Royal Support for South-South Development Drive 

Tuesday September 15, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

“You Are A Pride of Akwa Ibom; Make Our People Proud” — Ntenyin Etuk

By Destiny ISONG

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has paid homage to the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR.

The engagement took place when Ms. Akpabio led a delegation comprising members of the Commission’s management team to the Palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

In a gesture underscoring the importance she attaches to the traditional institution, Ms. Akpabio expressed profound appreciation to the Oku Ibom Ibibio for the warm reception accorded her and her entourage, while commending the monarch for his leadership and enduring commitment to peace, unity and stability across Akwa Ibom State.

The SSDC boss also formally briefed the Oku Ibom Ibibio on her responsibility, outlining the scope of the mandate and strategic priorities before the Commission as it works to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth across the South-South states.

Recognising traditional rulers as critical partners in grassroots development, Ms. Akpabio expressed her determination to strengthen collaboration with the traditional institution in advancing the Commission’s mandate and ensuring that its interventions are responsive to the needs of the people.

She therefore sought royal blessing, wise counsel and prayers of the Oku Ibom Ibibio as she assumes the responsibility of providing strategic leadership to the Commission, with a commitment to translating its development objectives into meaningful and sustainable outcomes across the South-South region.

“Your Eminence and our Royal Fathers, I am here today not only to pay homage but also to seek your guidance and support. The traditional institution remains a critical partner in our efforts to promote peace, unity and meaningful development across the South-South region.

“I respectfully look forward to your wise counsel, your blessings and your prayers as we work for the development of our people. Thank you so much, my fathers,” Akpabio added.

Her remarks underscored her commitment to people-centred and inclusive development initiatives that respond to the realities and aspirations of grassroots communities.

The visit also reflected her recognition of the traditional institution as an important partner whose wisdom, support and grassroots reach can contribute significantly to the success of the SSDC’s development agenda.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio, in his response, expressed appreciation to the SSDC boss and her delegation for the homage.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for their roles in the establishment and siting of the corporate headquarters of the South-South Development Commission in Akwa Ibom State, as well as the appointment of Ms. Usoro Akpabio as its pioneer Managing Director.

The premier royal father encouraged Ms. Akpabio to approach her new responsibility with courage, diligence and a strong sense of service, urging her to provide purposeful leadership, uphold the confidence reposed in her and remain steadfast in advancing the interests and development of the people.

“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of the South-South Development Commission through the instrumentality of our dear son, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and our amiable Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, for supporting this initiative and, most importantly, for the appointment of our daughter, our pride, as the pioneer Managing Director.

“I believe very strongly that you would make Akwa Ibom people proud,” Oku Ibom Ibibio charged.

“Use this opportunity to justify the confidence reposed in you by advancing development across the South-South region and becoming an inspiration to the girl-child,” he further advised.

In his vote of thanks, the SSDC Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Chief Nkereuwem Christopher Ebong, KSJI, lauded Oku Ibom Ibibio for his unifying leadership and unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the state.

He noted that the peace and stability in Akwa Ibom State were largely anchored on the monarch’s wise counsel, unifying disposition and accommodating nature, which he said had continued to promote understanding, unity and peaceful coexistence among the people.

Chief Ebong expressed appreciation to Oku Ibom Ibibio for receiving the SSDC delegation and for his continued support, wisdom and guidance as the Commission begins its development drive across the South-South region.

Royal fathers who were present included HRM Edidem Raymond Timothy Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Onna; HRM Edidem Etim Charles Daniel Abia, Paramount Ruler of Eket; HRM Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan; HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, JP, Paramount Ruler of Uyo; and HRM Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai.