BY BEN OGBEMUDIA
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have pledged to strengthen their collaboration to advance job creation and sustainable economic development in the South-South region, following a meeting in Abuja.
The meeting, led by SSDC Managing Director Ms. Usoro Akpabio concluded with a firm commitment from the NDE to reclaim and develop a long-dormant parcel of land in Akwa Ibom State, a key outcome of the engagement.
During the session, Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong, the SSDC Board Member representing Akwa Ibom State, specifically called on the NDE to reclaim a plot of land allocated to the agency years ago in Essien Udim Local Government Area, which has remained undeveloped. Dr. Ebong emphasized that utilizing the land would yield significant benefits for both the state and the wider region.
In response, the Director General of the NDE, Silas Ali Agara, directly assured Dr. Ebong that the land would be reclaimed and developed to its full potential, aligning with the agency’s objectives.
Earlier in the meeting, Ms. Akpabio commended the NDE for its nationwide efforts in employment generation and human capital development. She noted that the NDE’s mandate aligns closely with the SSDC’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, regional integration, and economic empowerment within the South-South states.
The strategic engagement was initiated when Ms. Akpabio led a delegation from the SSDC to the headquarters of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Abuja, with the primary aim of strengthening collaboration on critical areas of job creation and skills development.