Ukorebi Esien | September 16, 2026
CALABAR — The Cross River State Representative on the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, SSDC, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, has assured Governor Bassey Otu of the commission’s support for his administration and promised that Cross River would benefit from interventions within its mandate.
Odey gave the assurance during a stakeholder engagement in Calabar, where the commission met with representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Cross River State Chapter.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for nominating him to serve on the SSDC Governing Board, describing the appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the state and the South-South region.
Odey also commended the governor for his efforts in Cross River, assuring him of the commission’s “absolute support” in areas where its programmes could complement the state government’s initiatives.
He said the SSDC would work with the state government and other stakeholders to identify areas requiring attention and determine how its programmes could best respond to the needs of the people.
The board member said the ongoing stakeholder consultations were important to the commission because they provided an opportunity to hear directly from communities, youth groups and other critical stakeholders before programmes are implemented.
According to him, the views gathered during the consultations would help the commission better understand the priorities of Cross River and guide its engagement with the state.
Odey assured stakeholders that their concerns would be taken into consideration as the SSDC develops its programmes for the region.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Cross River youths to present a seven-point charter to the commission, containing demands on employment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship funding, agriculture, digital development, youth participation and equitable distribution of opportunities across the state's 18 local government areas.
The NYCN leadership urged the commission to focus on sustainable opportunities rather than short-term empowerment, while calling for youth inclusion in programmes, internships, apprenticeships and other opportunities arising from SSDC-supported projects.
Odey, who led the SSDC delegation, said the commission was committed to maintaining engagement with stakeholders as it proceeds with its work across the South-South region.
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