The leadership of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, MMI, has thrown its weight behind the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission, SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, pledging its full cooperation and support for her administration.
The 12th International President of MMI, Akparawa (Elder) Ini-Abasi Ekanem, gave the assurance on Sunday when he received Ms Akpabio and her delegation at the MMI International Secretariat, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
Ekanem also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing an indigene of Akwa Ibom State to head the Commission, describing the appointment as a welcome development for the state and the South-South region.
“We are happy that President Bola Tinubu has appointed an indigene of the state to this exalted office of MD/CEO of the SSDC, and we pledge to cooperate with the Commission.”
The MMI President, who was accompanied by members of the International Executive Council, said the organisation was prepared to work with the SSDC to promote initiatives that would advance the development and wellbeing of the people.
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He urged Ms Akpabio to consider MMI a willing partner, stressing that the organisation stands firmly for the peace, unity and development of Akwa Ibom State.
“Feel free to work with MMI. We are an organisation committed to the peace, unity and development of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Responding, Ms Akpabio said her visit was a demonstration of the high regard she has for MMI and part of the Commission’s ongoing engagement with critical stakeholders across the South-South region.
She said the SSDC was established to facilitate the development of the region and that the Commission was consulting widely to understand the needs of the people and communicate its vision, programmes and policies.
“The SSDC was established to facilitate the development of the region, and we are going round to get acquainted with their needs and to communicate our vision, programmes and policies to them.”
The SSDC boss disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State office of the Commission would soon commence engagement with major stakeholders across the state as part of efforts to drive inclusive development.
Also speaking, the immediate past president of MMI, Akparawa James Edet, NPOM, and the chairman of the advisory council and past president, Akparawa (Elder) Udo Sam Umoatan, congratulated Ms Akpabio on her appointment.
They challenged her to deploy her competence and experience to make a difference in the development of the region, assuring her that MMI would provide the necessary support for her success.
The MMI leaders reiterated that the organisation was founded on the principles of peace, unity and development, noting that these ideals remain central to its engagement with governments and development institutions.
Ms Akpabio and her delegation later attended and addressed the Central Working Committee of MMI, where she further outlined the vision and programmes of the SSDC and interacted with members of the Committee.
