Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has charged the management of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) on the need to work closely with state governments in the region, inorder to avoid duplication of projects and interventions.
Abbas gave the charge when he received in courtesy, the management of the SSDC led by its Managing Director/CEO, Ms Usoro Akpabio in his office in Abuja.
The Speaker commended the Management and Board of the SSDC for their early show of purpose and unity, emphasising the need for the Commission to “work closely with state governments in the region and avoid duplication of roles, noting that collaboration and coordination will be key to achieving meaningful impact.”
According to Abass, ” let me advice the management on the need to prioritize prudence, accountability, and integrity, because these are the pillars upon which enduring institutions are built.
“The foundation you lay today will determine the future of the Commission. Learn from the experiences of others, build strong partnerships, and ensure that your programmes deliver tangible dividends to the people through impactful projects that will accelerate development and empowerment across the region,” the Speaker stated.
Earlier in her speech, the Managing Director/CEO expressed deep appreciation to the Speaker for his warm reception despite his tight schedule, describing him as “regionally friendly, youth-focused, and gender-sensitive.”
She noted that the visit was primarily to express gratitude for the Speaker’s pivotal role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which birthed the South-South Development Commission, and to officially inform him of the Commission’s readiness to commence full operations across the six states of the South-South region.
Akpabio noted that the SSDC’s mandate is anchored on driving regional economic transformation through human capital development, healthcare, education, social services, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure renewal, waterways, environmental sustainability, blue-marine economy, agro-industrial growth, regional stability for peace and conflict resolutions.
She assured the Speaker of the Commission’s readiness to operate on the principles of accountability, transparency, integrity, and prudence, while seeking his continued guidance and legislative support in the discharge of its duties.
“The SSDC stands today as a testament to the visionary legislative leadership of the National Assembly under your amiable self and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. Your steadfast support for regional commissions demonstrates a deep commitment to balanced development and equitable opportunities for all regions of our nation,” she stated.
The visit follows a similar engagement recently paid to the President of the Senate, where the SSDC Management expressed appreciation for his role in actualizing the establishment of the Commission and reaffirmed its commitment to the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The courtesy call to the Speaker reaffirms the Commission’s resolve to build strong institutional ties with both chambers of the National Assembly and other stakeholders, in pursuit of a prosperous and inclusive South-South.
