…Senate Committee Commends Usoro Akpabio for hitting the ground running

Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South, has called on the South South Development Commission (SSDC) to fast-track the setting up of its full corporate presence in its headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to strengthen its operations and accelerate service delivery across the region.

Senator Sampson made the call during an interactive session between the Senate Committee on South South Development Commission and the management of the Commission on the appraisal of the implementation of its 2025 budget. The meeting took place yesterday at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Senator Sampson, who was a co-sponsor of the Bill establishing the SSDC, noted that the Commission was created to address the peculiar developmental challenges of the region and stressed that establishing a fully functional office in Uyo would bring the Commission closer to the people and enhance its capacity to effectively coordinate programmes and interventions across the oil-rich South South.

Senator Sampson, however, acknowledged the Commission’s strides within a relatively short period of its establishment, and encouraged the management to remain focused on delivering impactful projects that would improve infrastructure, stimulate economic growth and environmental accountability in the region.

The Senate Committee, headed by Senator Benson Friday Konbowei (Bayelsa Central), in its submission, commended the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission, Mr. Usoro Akpabio, and her management team for hitting the ground running and laying visible foundation for the Commission’s operations. Committee members expressing optimism that the SSDC would play a transformative role in addressing the developmental aspirations of the South South.

Responding, the Managing Director, Ms Usoro Akpabio, appreciated the Senate Committee for its guidance, oversight and continued support. She assured lawmakers that the Commission remained committed to prudent management of public funds and the faithful implementation of its mandate.

Akpabio confirmed that processes were in top gear with relevant government agencies for the Commission to move into its corporate headquarters in Uyo. She added further that the Commission would continue to work closely with the National Assembly Committee and other stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of its mandate and programmes.

© Samuel Udoma