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Nwuche:  Regional Commissions Will Accelerate Nigeria’s Development 

Nwuche:  Regional Commissions Will Accelerate Nigeria’s Development 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Board Chairman, South South Development Commission (SSDC), Hon. Chibudum Nwuche, has said that the establishment of regional commissions will accelerate the country’s development.

The former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of the members of the board of SSDC.

Nwuche recalled the critical role he played as the Deputy Speaker in the 4th National Assembly in the passage of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act, which was meant to catalyse the development of the Niger Delta region and to bring the needed succour to the menace of those regions. 

He said he believed that the SSDC Act was a further show of good faith by the government to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region. 

Nwuche noted: “Our country, from independence, has held a lot of promise, but unfortunately, we are still on the journey to development, while our contemporaries, like Malaysia, China and Indonesia, have made much more progress. 

“With the very bold move of Mr President in passing the development commissions into law, it will allow room for accelerated development of the country as a whole. 

“By the virtue of Section 8 of the SSDC Act, the commission has been given a clear, bold and urgent charge which includes identification of underlying causes of underdevelopment in the region and to formulate practical solutions and implement sustainable development projects and programmes for the benefit of the region.

“We are mandated to look at the overall development of the South-south region, including railways and road transportation, waterways transportation, industries, agriculture, telecommunication, electricity, urban and housing development, etc. We shall meticulously address these priority areas by strategically deploying resources to ensure steady and sustainable progress. 

“We will equally prioritise the empowerment of our youth and women, who have disproportionately endured the adverse effects of oil production, particularly amid the region’s unprecedented unemployment levels caused partly by our region being the oil-bearing part of our country.”

Nwuche said to achieve this mandate, the commission would work in isolation but in collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as the National Assembly and the governors of the South-south states. 

He explained that there would be constant consultation with other development organisations like the NDDC, sister commissions, Federal Government agencies and state government agencies. 

According to him, “We will work cooperatively and harmoniously to avoid duplication of projects and efforts. We all know that fulfilling the above mandate will not be a matter of chance but will be as a result of the choices we make, which must be deliberate, bold and sometimes difficult.” 

Nwuche stressed that the commission must adopt and operate a solid corporate governance framework that encourages inclusivity, transparency and accountability. 

“As far as public service is concerned, we need to be the reference point for governance and transparency in Nigeria. We should be able to leave behind a functional, efficient and replicable model of governance that will outlive our tenure,” he added.

The former lawmaker said there was a need to establish well-defined roles and responsibilities for the board, management, members and staff of the commission, ensuring that all decisions are taken with collective wisdom, guided by strategic planning and backed by law. 

He said the board would therefore meet regularly to assess progress, deliberate on critical issues and provide direction for the commission’s management, adding that: “We will also ensure that all committees function with efficiency and clarity of purpose.” 

Also, the Managing Director of the commission, Ms Usoro Akpabio, said the progress being witnessed today in the region  is not by chance, but as a result of strategic collaboration, bold leadership and unyielding commitment to a sustainable development.

She stated: “When we look at the South-south, we do not just see projects, we see movements. We see bold ideas taking shape, industries evolving, communities thriving and the region boldly stepping into its full potential. Together we are laying the foundation for a South-south that is strong, competitive and exclusive.

“Through deliberate investment, sound policy engagement and meaningful partnerships, we will be building the economic backbone of our region. We will ensure that our cities, our towns and rural communities are not left behind or positioned to lead. Infrastructure remains central to this transformation.

“Roads, ports, energy and digital connectivity are no longer luxuries, but they are critical assets that will unlock opportunities, enhance trade and attract investment. Every bridge we will build, every highway we will expand, every fibre-optic line we lay, we bring our people closer to prosperity. Yet development is not defined by structures alone.”

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja  The Board Chairman, South South Development Commission (SSDC), Hon. Chibudum Nwuche, has said that the establishment of regional commissions will accelerate the country’s development. The former
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Again, Gunmen Abduct Monarch in Kogi State

Again, Gunmen Abduct Monarch in Kogi State

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Suspected gunmen have abducted a second-class traditional ruler and the District Head of Bagaji Odo, His Royal Highness David Wada, in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

THISDAY gathered that the monarch, who was said to have been returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, headquarters of the Omala  Local Government Area, was waylaid at Ojuwo Ugweche at gunpoint and was taken into the bush.

The incident happened around 5 p.m. last Monday, as the locals noted that while the monarch was being taken away by a commercial motorcycle operator, they ran into an ambush at a dangerous Ugweche spot, and were forcibly commandeered into the bush, as the rider escaped by the whiskers.

The Ojuwo Ugweche, notorious for its kidnapping, was routinely manned by vigilantes and security personnel; however, on that fateful day, there was no security personnel at the scene.

Meanwhile, the state government had drafted the military and other sister security personnel to the local government area, yet insecurity and other crimes continue unabated in the area.

The Chairman of Omola Local Government Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu Ife, confirmed the incident and appealed to the security agencies to ensure his safe rescue.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Williams Aya, said his men have mobilised hunters, vigilantes, and state actors to comb the bush for his release.

It would be recalled that in the wake of the atal killings and burning of Bagana, Bagaji, Agojeju Odo, and Ajokpachi Odo communities by the bandits, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has deployed a detachment of the military and other security agencies to the area. Unfortunately, the carnage continues unabated as Fulani herders have blatantly taken control of the forests.

As of the time of filling this report, his abductors have not opened a line of communication with the family.

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Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Suspected gunmen have abducted a second-class traditional ruler and the District Head of Bagaji Odo, His Royal Highness David Wada, in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi
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NELFUND Blames Institutions’ Slow Verification for Student Loan Delays

NELFUND Blames Institutions’ Slow Verification for Student Loan Delays

Funmi Ogundare 

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has cautioned that delays in student loan disbursements are largely due to slow verification and approval of applications by tertiary institutions.

The Director, Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, in a statement, revealed that many prospective beneficiaries have lodged complaints, expressing concern that their institutions’ sluggish turnaround time is preventing them from accessing tuition fees and upkeep allowances on schedule.

She urged institutions to prioritise and speed up the verification of successfully completed and submitted applications.  

“Timely approval is critical to ensuring students receive their funds when due.”

In a related development, NELFUND has announced the relocation of its headquarters to a permanent office at House 12, Plot 103/104, Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Opposite Bon Hotel, Abuja, effective September 5, 2025. 

Oluwatuyi, who noted that all correspondence, visits and enquiries are to be directed to the new address, assured stakeholders that the move will not disrupt operations. 

“NELFUND remains fully operational and committed to its mandate of providing affordable education loans and support to Nigerian students across the country,” she said. Official communication channels remain unchanged: X (Twitter): @nelfund

Instagram: @nelfund; Facebook and LinkedIn; Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND, Website: www.nelf.gov.ng.

“We appreciate your trust and continued support as we work to expand access to higher education financing nationwide,” the director stated.

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Funmi Ogundare  The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has cautioned that delays in student loan disbursements are largely due to slow verification and approval of applications by tertiary institutions. The
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