A New Dawn for the South South: Governor Otu Lauds Tinubu’s Historic SSDC Establishment
The establishment of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) by President Bola Tinubu has been hailed as a historic and justice-driven milestone by Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu. This landmark decision signifies a turning point for the oil-rich South South region, which has long contributed immensely to Nigeria’s wealth but lacked a dedicated institutional mechanism to address its unique developmental needs. Governor Otu lauded the President’s vision and commitment to equitable development across Nigeria’s diverse regions, emphasizing the SSDC’s potential to transform the region’s trajectory and usher in an era of enduring prosperity. The commission represents a long-awaited response to the region’s yearning for a framework that translates its abundant resources into tangible benefits for its people.
The inauguration of the SSDC Board, comprising distinguished individuals from the region, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the South South’s development journey. Governor Otu extended his congratulations to the newly appointed board members, particularly highlighting two Cross River indigenes, Soni Abang and Larry Odey, whom he described as distinguished sons of the soil. Recognizing the significance of their roles, the Governor urged them to view their appointments as a sacred call to service, an opportunity to etch their names in the annals of the region’s renaissance. He emphasized the need for visionary leadership, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring the Commission becomes a beacon of inclusive growth, progress, and regional integration.
Governor Otu’s charge to the SSDC Board underscores the weight of expectation placed upon them. He urged them to lead with vision, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose, transforming the SSDC into a catalyst for progress, inclusivity, and shared opportunities for every community within the South South. The Governor’s words resonate with a deep-seated desire for the Commission to become a symbol of hope and a testament to the transformative power of equitable development. He called upon the board members to leverage their experience, expertise, and unwavering passion to ensure the Commission radiates as a beacon of progress, inclusivity, and shared opportunities for all communities in the South-South.
The Governor’s address to the newly inaugurated board emphasized the importance of their mandate and the transformative potential it holds. He urged them to approach their responsibilities with uncommon fidelity, focusing on delivering tangible legacies that empower youth, uplift communities, and weave the six states of the region into a cohesive fabric of development. The Governor’s vision for the SSDC extends beyond mere economic progress; it encompasses social upliftment and regional integration, ensuring the benefits of development are shared across the entire South South. He challenged them to create a legacy that would endure for generations to come, a testament to the region’s resilience and potential.
Governor Otu’s assurance of Cross River State’s unwavering support and pledge of close collaboration with the SSDC underscores the importance of collective action in achieving the region’s developmental aspirations. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with the SSDC to break the cycles of deprivation and set the South South on an irreversible path of inclusive prosperity. This commitment reflects a broader recognition that the region’s vast natural wealth must finally be harnessed for the benefit of its people, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
The establishment of the SSDC represents a watershed moment for the South South region, offering a renewed sense of hope and the promise of a brighter future. Governor Otu’s address captures the significance of this historic development, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership, collaborative action, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring the Commission fulfills its mandate and transforms the region’s developmental landscape. The SSDC holds the potential to usher in an era of sustained progress, inclusivity, and shared prosperity for all communities within the South South, finally realizing the region’s long-held aspirations for equitable development and a brighter future. The Governor’s words serve as a rallying call for all stakeholders to work together towards this shared goal, ensuring the SSDC becomes a true catalyst for positive change and a beacon of hope for generations to come.
