The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed several distinguished individuals as nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu to serve on the boards of Regional Development Commissions across the country. This confirmation marks a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to drive economic growth, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has been confirmed as the Chairman of the newly established South-South Development Commission (SSDC). This appointment is a testament to his leadership experience and expertise, which will be invaluable in guiding the commission’s efforts to promote economic development in the South-South region.
Usoro Offiong Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State has also been confirmed as the Managing Director of the SSDC. Akpabio’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the commission, particularly in driving projects and initiatives that will benefit the region.
Other notable appointees confirmed to serve on the SSDC board include:
– Larry Odey from Cross River State
– Charles Zuofa from Bayelsa State
– Nkereuwem Ebong from Akwa Ibom State
– Chika Chinedu from Rivers State
– Femi Oise from Edo State
– Charles Enukhowhate from Delta State
These individuals bring a diverse range of skills and expertise to the commission, which will be essential in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing the South-South region.
In addition to the SSDC appointments, the Senate also confirmed several other nominees to serve on various Regional Development Commissions. These include:
– Tabitha Sallah from the North-East region
– Yusuf Amao from the North-Central region
– Joseph Mmamal from the South-East region
– Bukonola Braimoh from the South-West region
The Senate also confirmed several Executive Directors to key positions, including:
– Marcus Eji as Executive Director, Projects, from Rivers State
– Aganaba Steven as Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development, from Bayelsa State
– Timi Ayibatonye as Executive Director, Corporate Services, from Delta State
– Joseph Ugheoke as Executive Director, Commercial and Environmental Development, from Edo State
– Ambassador Sony Abang as Executive Director, Finance, from Cross River State
These appointments demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting regional development and economic growth across the country. The confirmed nominees are expected to work tirelessly to drive projects and initiatives that will benefit their respective regions and contribute to the nation’s overall economic prosperity.
In other appointments, the Senate confirmed Olubunmi Adetunmbi as Chairman of the South-West Development Commission and Cosmas Atighir as Chairman of the North-Central Development Commission. Thompson Oludare was confirmed as Managing Director, and Kabir Katata as Executive Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
However, Tijani Kaura, who was nominated to represent the North-West region in one of the commissions, was not confirmed. The Senate Committee reported that Kaura neither submitted the required documents nor appeared for screening. Although not disqualified outright, the Committee stated that he would be considered if he fulfills the screening requirements.
The confirmations followed the presentation of the report by Senator Benson Konbowei (PDP – Bayelsa Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-South Development Commission. With these appointments, the Regional Development Commissions are expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth, infrastructure development, and regional integration across the country.
