The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm directive to the newly inaugurated South-South Development Commission (SSDC), urging them to align fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and drive development that resonates directly with the grassroots across the region.
Addressing the Board and management team of the Commission led by its Chairman, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, during a courtesy visit to his Abuja office on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Wike made it clear that their appointments were not mere political gestures but a strategic demonstration of Tinubu’s confidence and generosity toward the South-South.
The Minister emphasized that the Commission’s success will be judged by its loyalty to the President’s vision.
“Your loyalty is to Mr. President. The only way to justify your appointment is to deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda. Make the president proud.”
Wike cautioned the new appointees against becoming tools in the hands of political actors seeking to undermine the president’s regional development plans. He reminded them that the SSDC was created primarily to uplift communities across the South-South, and warned that any attempt to politicize its mandate or misuse public funds would not be tolerated.
He laid down clear political and administrative principles: financial discipline, teamwork, and a strict commitment to executing only projects backed by proper funding.
“Don’t award projects for selfish interests. Don’t abandon your core responsibility,” he stressed.
Highlighting the critical need for collaboration with state structures, Wike urged the Commission to consult governors and avoid duplicating existing state and local government projects.
He emphasized that genuine development can only be achieved through strategic alignment with state leadership many of whom, he said, are key stakeholders in the president’s political coalition.
Also see: Bayelsa Strengthens Primary Healthcare After Survey Validation
Wike further applauded what he described as Tinubu’s bold decision to establish regional development commissions, calling it an unprecedented demonstration of courage and visionary leadership.
“No former President has done this. Leadership without courage cannot achieve anything,” he asserted.
In his remarks, SSDC Chairman Hon. Chibudom Nwuche expressed appreciation to Wike, acknowledging his influential role in the establishment of the Commission. He praised Wike’s “result-driven leadership” and pledged that the Commission would emulate his model, especially in the prompt execution of infrastructure projects.
Managing Director Miss Usoro Akpabio also reaffirmed the Commission’s loyalty to the President and commitment to accelerating development across the South-South region.
