Meet Usoro Akpabio, new MD of SSDC

On May 8, 2025, President Bola Tinubu nominated Miss Usoro Akpabio as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission (SSDC).

Her nomination would need to be confirmed by the National Assembly before she assumes office. Her appointment postioned her in the forefront to address the development challenge facing the Niger Delta region.

However, considering that she shares the same surname with the Senate President, many Nigerians are curious if she is related to Godswill Akpabio, who also ruled Akwa Ibom State between 2007-2015.

Although the Akpabio name is popular in the Nigerian political arena, considering the political feat and positions held by the Senate President over the years, however, Usoro Akpabio is not a prominent name until the announcement of her appointment by President Tinubu.

However, the two families are allies, and reports stated that Usoro’s mother worked closely with the Senate President in his political sojourn in recent years.

What is SSDC?

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) is a newly established agency by the Nigerian federal government. It follows the establishment of similar development agencies for other regions in the country by the federal government.

The bill for the establishment of the Commission was sponsored by Cross-River South Senator, Asuquo Ekpenyong. It was signed into law by President Tinubu in March 2025.

The establishment of the agency by the federal government follows the failure of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to address environmental and development challenges facing the South-South region.

Who is Usoro Akpabio?

Her full name is Usoro Offiong Akpabio. There are conflicting reports on her date of birth, but reports stated that she was born on June 10, 1983, which means Usoro is currently 42 years old and will be 43 years old by June 10, 2025.

However, a check on her foundation page, Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation, on Facebook, indicated that she is 44 years old as of June 5, 2024, which means she will be 45 years old by June 5, 2025.

A further check of previous posts on the page confirmed that Usoro Offion Akpabio was born on June 5, 1980.

Her state of origin and tribe

Usoro Akpabio, is from Mbiaya Uruan, Uruan Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state. She is of the Ibibio ethnic group. The Ibibio people are a coastal people in southern Nigeria, primarily located in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

They speak dialects of the Ibibio-Efik language, which belongs to the Niger-Congo family.

Who is Usoro Akpabio?

Her full name is Usoro Offiong Akpabio. Some reports stated that she was born on June 10, 1983, which means Usoro is currently 42 years old and will be 43 years old by June 10, 2025.

However, a check on her foundation page, Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation, on Facebook, indicated that she is 44 years old as of June 5, 2024, which means she will be 45 years old by June 5, 2025. A further check of previous posts on the page confirmed that Usoro Offion Akpabio was born on June 5, 1980.

Is Usoro related to Godswill Akpabio

Although Senate President Godswill Akpabio is from Akwa Ibom state

Akpabio was born in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom. There is no evidence that confirms Usoro and Godswill are relatives.

But there is, however, rumoured to be a close ally of Senator Akpabio.

Who is Usoro Akpabio’s mother?

According to reports, her mother’s name is Magdalene Akpabio, a former South- South PDP National Women Leader who has played a major role in regional politics in the current republic. She is a grassroots politician who worked with leading politicians and mobilised women for party electoral success in the past two decades.

However, in Akwa Ibom State, many people have kicked against Usoro’s appointment, which is most common among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC members are accusing Usoro’s mother of supporting Tinubu’s opponent in the 2023 presidential poll, wondering why she should be appointed to such an exalted position.

Education

Akpabio had her primary and secondary education at Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state. She would later proceed to study political science during her tertiary education.

There is no information on where and when she did her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Career

According to reports, she started her career as a policy analyst in the government ministry in Akwa Ibom State.

Usoro is a politician and political strategist.

She has been involved in governance, public policy and community engagement over the years and was part of the students’ union government in her undergraduate days.

Reports stated that she has been involved in project execution and grassroots mobilisation, especially with her foundation in recent years.

Awards and nominations

In recognition of her contribution to energy and education, she was awarded, in 2019, the African Achievers Award for impact in energy and education.