The South-South Development Commission, SSDC, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, commenced its maiden regional tour across the six South-South states with a courtesy visit, stakeholders’ engagement, and project inspection in Bayelsa State.
The SSDC delegation, led by the Chairman of the Board Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, Executive Directors, Board Members and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, was received by Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, and members of the State Executive Council.
Speaking during the engagement, the SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnering with South-South state governments to deliver sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred development. He noted that interventions would be aligned with the priorities of each state.
The delegation also inspected key projects across Bayelsa, an exercise the Commission said provided insights into the state government’s development agenda. Areas identified for potential collaboration include infrastructure, human capital development, youth and women empowerment, environmental sustainability, the blue economy, renewable energy, ICT, investment promotion and community development.
Governor Diri welcomed the regional tour and urged the Commission to work closely with governors of the South-South to identify and implement impactful projects that will accelerate development in the region.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the SSDC Board expressed appreciation to the Governor and the Government of Bayelsa State for the warm reception. He also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to building strong partnerships with South-South governments.
The Bayelsa visit marks the first leg of the SSDC’s tour of the region. The Commission said it will engage each governor in the zone as part of efforts to strengthen regional partnerships and deliver shared prosperity across the South-South.
