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.
