President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Miss Usoro Akpabio as the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), a newly formed body tasked with accelerating socio-economic growth and infrastructural development across the South South geopolitical zone.
The announcement, made via a statement from the Presidency on Thursday, described Miss Akpabio as a "young and visionary leader with deep roots in the Niger Delta and a proven passion for community development."
Miss Akpabio, a development strategist and environmental advocate, is expected to lead the commission’s efforts in addressing long-standing challenges in the region, including youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and underdevelopment of critical infrastructure.
Reacting to the appointment, various political analysts and civil society groups expressed divergent opinions. While some hailed the decision as a bold step toward youth and gender inclusion in governance, others criticized it as a politically motivated move aimed at consolidating influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One opposition figure who spoke under anonymity remarked, “This feels more like a comedy of errors than a serious appointment. The people of the South South deserve real solutions, not showmanship.”
Meanwhile, supporters of the administration have lauded the President for "thinking outside the box" and empowering young professionals in leadership roles.
Miss Akpabio is expected to assume office immediately, with an inauguration ceremony scheduled in Abuja later this month.
