By Abasi Ita
The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission, Ms Usoro Akpabio, has reaffirmed her commitment to mobilising key stakeholders to advance the regional development aspirations of the commission, describing it as her top priority.
Ms Akpabio made this known last weekend in Asaba during a high level engagement with the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and deepen regional development initiatives.
She explained that the engagement was imperative to laying a solid foundation for the successful implementation of various human capital and infrastructure development programmes scheduled to be rolled out by the commission in the near future.
Ms Akpabio emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between the commission and state governments, noting that collaboration remains critical to achieving meaningful and sustainable development outcomes in the South South region.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori expressed delight over the engagement and reaffirmed the readiness of his administration to work closely with the South South Development Commission to advance initiatives aimed at complementing government efforts to improve the quality of life of residents and stimulate economic growth.
The meeting, which was also attended by Senator Ede Dafinone, focused on development driven initiatives, strategic priorities and cooperative frameworks aimed at promoting sustainable growth across the South South.
Discussions centred on aligning the commission’s mandate with state level development plans to ensure the effective delivery of infrastructure, economic empowerment and social development projects within the region.
The South South Development Commission was established by the Federal Government to drive the sustainable development of the South South geopolitical zone. Its mandate includes addressing infrastructural deficits, promoting economic diversification, supporting human capital development and fostering environmental sustainability across member states.
The commission is also tasked with coordinating development interventions, reducing regional disparities and enhancing social cohesion through targeted programmes and partnerships with federal, state and local governments, as well as the private sector and development partners.
The engagement underscored a shared resolve by both parties to pursue inclusive and sustainable development strategies capable of addressing key challenges and unlocking the vast economic potential of the South South region.