The swearing-in of Dr. Nkereuwem Christopher Ebong as Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State on the board of South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and Ms. Usoro Akpabio as Managing Director has been described as an inspiring milestone that ended in songs of praise and jubilation.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, stalwart from Abak LGA, Mr. Anietie Udoh in his goodwill message congratulated his “boss and benefactor,” Dr. Ebong, on what he called a meritorious appointment, while also commending Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme J. Otong, and NDDC’s Executive Director, Rt. Hon. Victor Antai, for honouring their own at the occasion.

Describing Dr. Ebong as a visionary technocrat, Udoh noted that his appointment reflects hope for a more inclusive and people-centered development agenda for Akwa Ibom and the South South region.

The SSDC’s Commissioner, Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong is a renowned academic and advocate of people-centered governance, who comes to the SSDC board with a track record of bridging policy and grassroots realities.

With advanced degrees in the social sciences and public administration, he has combined scholarship with practical interventions in environmental governance, youth empowerment, and community development.

Prior to his appointment, he served in several advisory roles within Akwa Ibom State, especially in education, rural development, and youth inclusion. He has also been a strong voice for environmental justice in oil-producing communities.

Speaking after his Senate confirmation, Dr. Ebong pledged that the SSDC would not become another redundant bureaucracy but an engine of empowerment, fairness, and sustainable growth.

He vowed to prioritize equitable resource allocation, infrastructure, education, and ecological renewal across the region.

“The time has come to prove that the South-South can write its own story of progress, a story where our oil wealth fuels schools, industries, and innovation, not poverty and pollution,” he said.

With the swearing-in, expectations are high that Dr. Ebong’s leadership at the SSDC will champion a new era of development, fairness, and accountability for Akwa Ibom State and the entire South South.