South South Development Commission Commends Olukoyede on Reforms

The Managing Director of South South Development Commission, SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the reforms he is driving in the Commission in the last two years.

She gave the commendation in Abuja on Thursday, September 11, 2025 when she led the management team of SSDC on a courtesy visit to Olukoyede at the EFCC corporate headquarters.

“We would like to acknowledge the reforms you and your Commission have put in place in the anti-corruption fight under your watch. You have brought in a lot of accountability, integrity and transparency in this Commission. We are here to say that we want to collaborate with you. We are open to initiatives and training from the EFCC, especially in ensuring that all our internal and external activities embrace full compliance not just for the commission, but also to join in the fight to uphold regional integrity”, he said.

While adding his voice in commendation of Olukoyede’s leadership, Larry Odey, SSDC board member, representing Cross River State, said, “Your tenure truly represents a watershed, the end of an era and the beginning of another. That in itself speaks volumes of what everyone is saying that you have tried to be above board and tried to walk your talk. There are clear indications everywhere to show to the whole country that you are set to change the narratives. I can only implore you and your team to continue the good work. It’s not easy to change an individual, not to talk of changing the society,” he said.

Olukoyede, who welcomed the delegation with delight observed that much was expected of the SSDC management, being a pioneer team, saddled to make a difference in the lives of the people of the six states of the Niger Delta region.

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“Given your mandate, so much is expected of you and your team. I remember that there was so much expectation from the NDDC when it was put in place, but at a point, we had to go in there. Establish yourself and let people know that your commission is founded on integrity, accountability and transparency. In whatever you are doing, those three keywords must play major roles: integrity, accountability and transparency. You need to be upright for you to be able to drive your management team. He that comes to equity, must come with clean hands. If you don’t have integrity, you have lost it all, so also with accountability,” he said.

While reminding Akpabio and her team that they should see their appointment as a call to service, Olukoyede said, “You have been put in place to serve the people of that region. The last time I was in that place, I saw abject poverty in spite of the fact that the region is the goose that lays the golden egg. The people have been deprived of the natural gift, the natural resources that God has given them. That was why I went to Bayelsa sometime ago to commission some NDDC projects because those projects were executed with the funds that we recovered for them, billions and millions of dollars. And we are still recovering more for them. We just feel that that region should be given a sense of good governance, at least for the first time. So, I want to implore you from day one to start making your impact.

“Identify those areas where you know you will be able to make an impact. Whatever fund you have access to, make sure you apply it transparently. The keyword is transparency. Design your website. Whatever you apply for, put it in there and let people verify. That’s how you can leave a name and legacy behind. Don’t follow the route of others. We are ready to work with you and to collaborate with you in whatever capacity,” he said.

He advised Akpabio strongly against veering off the rails. “I advise all of you to go and get the financial laws and regulations of Nigeria; get the Public Procurement Act, familiarize yourself with them. Let them be your Bible and your Quran. The Public Procurement Act will guide your procurement processes. Don’t make yourself vulnerable. Make sure that there is value for every dime you spend. Make sure there is value for every contract you award. Madam MD, take your time before you put your signature on any paper. If you don’t understand, ask those who have the knowledge in that to explain to you, and explain to you again. You are the one that my people will go for. Rest assured of our support and collaboration in ensuring that you succeed with your mandate.”