Abuja, Nigeria – It was a moment of pride and jubilation for Edo State as Hon. Joseph Ugheoke was officially sworn in as the Executive Director for Commercial and Environmental Development of the newly established South South Development Commission (SSDC) in a ceremony held in Abuja.

The event marked a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward infrastructure renewal, economic growth, and sustainable development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony, attended by top government officials, dignitaries, and stakeholders from the South-South region, underscored the importance of the SSDC in addressing long-standing challenges such as environmental degradation, infrastructural deficits, and economic stagnation in the Niger Delta.

Hon. Ugheoke, a former Local Government Council Chairman and Commissioner in Edo State, was joined by other board members, including Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Chairman, Rivers State) and Madam Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Managing Director, Akwa Ibom State), as the commission’s pioneer leadership was formally inaugurated.

In his new role, Ugheoke is tasked with driving initiatives to boost trade, promote sustainable commercial activities, and address environmental concerns across the South-South region.

His appointment has been widely praised as a recognition of his extensive experience, intellectual capacity, and proven track record in public service.

Barr. Alabh George Turnah, PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman in Bayelsa State, described the appointment as “timely and strategic,” noting Ugheoke’s competence and leadership acumen as critical to the commission’s success.

Following the ceremony, guests and dignitaries were treated to a grand dinner hosted in honor of the newly sworn-in board members.

The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to celebrate this historic moment and express optimism about the SSDC’s potential to transform the South-South region.

Attendees lauded Ugheoke’s appointment, highlighting his dedication to improving infrastructure and fostering economic growth in Edo State and beyond.

Hon. Pius Alile, in a congratulatory message, praised Ugheoke’s appointment as a testament to his “exceptional intellect” and “commendable track record” as a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“His contributions have been instrumental in advancing the growth and fortunes of our great party and the people of Edo State,” Alile stated.

The SSDC, established to address critical developmental challenges in the South-South geopolitical zone, is expected to play a pivotal role in executing projects that tackle economic sabotage, environmental degradation, and infrastructure decay.

With Ugheoke and other appointees at the helm, stakeholders are hopeful that the commission will deliver transformative results, fostering job creation, industrialization, and sustainable development across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

As the commission begins its work, all eyes are on Hon. Joseph Ugheoke and his colleagues to deliver on the promise of a revitalized South-South region, aligning with the federal government’s vision for equitable national development.

The people of Edo State and the broader Niger Delta region celebrate this appointment as a step toward a brighter, more prosperous future.