By Destiny Isong
The South South Development Commission (SSDC) has deepened its engagement with the traditional institution in Akwa Ibom, as the Commissioner representing the state, Hon. Chief Nkereuwem Christopher Ebong, KSJI, seeks collaboration with royal fathers to advance the Commission’s development mandate.
The engagement, held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the State Chamber of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, focused on strengthening collaboration with royal fathers, who remain closest to the people and play a pivotal role in grassroots development.
Receiving the delegation were His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council; the Chairman of the Council and Paramount Ruler of Abak, HRM Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia; as well as other Paramount Rulers across the state.
The gathering provided a platform for the monarchs and the SSDC to examine areas where traditional rulers could support the Commission in delivering interventions that directly address the needs of grassroots communities.
Leading the SSDC delegation, Chief Ebong outlined the Commission’s approach to regional development, emphasizing interventions that address pressing socio-economic challenges while creating sustainable pathways for inclusive growth across Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.
He noted that the region’s agricultural base, blue economy and maritime potential, infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, healthcare demands and growing youth population present significant opportunities for strategic investment, innovation and human-capital development.
The Commissioner stressed that the true measure of development lies not in the number of projects delivered, but in their capacity to transform livelihoods, invigorate local economies and create meaningful opportunities for the people.
He reaffirmed the SSDC’s resolve to translate its mandate into interventions with measurable and lasting impact, emphasizing programmes that are responsive to the realities and aspirations of communities.
Chief Ebong further identified peace and stability as essential foundations for sustainable development, investment and economic expansion, underscoring the strategic influence of traditional rulers in fostering both.
He noted that royal fathers, by virtue of their deep-rooted knowledge of their communities, are uniquely positioned to illuminate local priorities, strengthen community ownership and bridge the gap between development institutions and the people.
“Your Royal Majesties, I come here today at the instance of my Chairman, Managing Director, Board and Management of the South South Development Commission, to have this engagement with the Royal Fathers.
“I bring you warm greetings from our headquarters here in Uyo. I extend our sincere gratitude to the esteemed Royal Fathers for granting us this audience to initiate direct stakeholder engagement with the traditional rulership in Akwa Ibom State.
“We come with a clear and firm commitment that the South South Development Commission has come to deliver on its core mandate, and we cannot achieve meaningful and lasting success without the guidance, wisdom and active cooperation of our traditional institution,” Ebong affirmed.
The discussions further highlighted the importance of traditional institutions as a vital link between development agencies and the communities they seek to serve, particularly in identifying local priorities and ensuring that interventions are relevant and impactful.
Their proximity to the people provides a vital channel for discerning community priorities, anticipating local concerns and strengthening public confidence in development initiatives.
For the SSDC, this partnership presents an opportunity to bridge regional development policy with grassroots realities, ensuring that interventions are shaped from the bottom up and remain responsive to the people they are designed to serve.
The monarchs, in their respective remarks, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for facilitating the establishment of the Commission, describing its emergence as a significant development for the people of the region.
Welcoming the initiative, the royal fathers expressed their support and stressed the need for sustained engagement to ensure that development priorities are properly identified, collectively owned and effectively implemented.
They also emphasized the importance of peace and social stability as essential conditions for investment, economic activity and sustained development across communities.
The engagement marked a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between the SSDC and the traditional institution, with both sides recognizing the need for sustained partnership in advancing development that is inclusive, responsive and beneficial to communities across Akwa Ibom.
