Diri Receives SSDC Board, Pledges Govt Full Support

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), stressing that strong collaboration between the commission and the six South-South states is essential to achieving sustainable development in the region.

The South-South Development Commission was established to drive development, coordinate intervention programmes and address the socio-economic and infrastructural needs of the oil-rich region through strategic partnerships with federal and state governments, as well as other relevant stakeholders in the region.

Hotnews reports that the Governor gave the assurance on Wednesday when he received the Board and Management of the SSDC at the Government House in Yenagoa.

The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Commission, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, alongside the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio.

Welcoming the delegation, Governor Diri congratulated the pioneer board members on their appointment and described their assignment as historic, noting that they have the unique responsibility of laying a solid foundation for the newly established commission.

“First, I want to welcome you to the Glory of all Lands. As a pioneer board of the South-South Development Commission, history has placed on you the responsibility of laying a very solid foundation, and I have no doubt in my mind that you will indeed lay a solid foundation,” the governor said.

Governor Diri emphasised that the success of the commission would depend largely on its ability to build strong partnerships with state governments across the region.

According to him, collaboration is indispensable if the SSDC is to effectively address the common developmental challenges confronting the people of the South-South.

He urged the commission to work closely with the governments of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Edo States in designing and implementing programmes that would positively impact the lives of the people.

“Collaboration and partnership with the state governments is very key towards your success, and I encourage you to work closely with the six state governments of the South-South region.

“From Cross River to Edo, our region is the same, with similar challenges, so there is so much that we can gain when we work together. Together, we can ensure that the commission delivers interventions that are equitable, impactful and responsive to the aspirations of our people,” he stated.

The state helmsman also assured the SSDC management of the prosperity administration’s full support, pledging to partner with the commission in promoting the prosperity and sustainable development of the State and the entire South-South region.

“I assure you of the unwavering support of the Bayelsa State Government. We shall partner with you in pursuit of the prosperity of our state and indeed, our region,” Diri added.

Governor Diri’s pledge of support is expected to strengthen cooperation between the commission and Bayelsa State as the SSDC begins its mandate of fostering inclusive growth and regional development.

The visit provided an opportunity for the commission’s leadership to engage with the Bayelsa state government as part of its consultations with state governments and critical stakeholders across the South-South geopolitical zone for sustainable development.

~ Hot News Reporters
Thursday, 2, June, 2026