SSDC, NDE Seal Partnership to Boost Job Creation, Skills Development in South-South

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) have reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger alliance aimed at expanding job opportunities and deepening skills development across the South-South region.

The renewed partnership followed a high-level meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, where SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, led a delegation to the NDE headquarters. The discussions centered on strengthening institutional collaboration to drive employment generation and economic empowerment in the region.

A key outcome of the meeting was the NDE’s pledge to reclaim and develop a long-abandoned parcel of land in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, originally allocated to the agency years ago. The commitment followed an appeal by Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong, SSDC Board Member representing Akwa Ibom State, who emphasized that developing the dormant site would deliver “significant economic and social value” to the state and the wider region.

Responding, NDE Director General, Silas Ali Agara, assured the delegation that the agency would take immediate steps to repossess and put the land to productive use, in line with its mandate of promoting skills acquisition and job creation.

Ms. Akpabio commended the NDE for its nationwide contributions to employment development, noting that the agency’s mission aligns strongly with the SSDC’s agenda of inclusive growth, regional integration, and sustainable development across the South-South.

The SSDC boss said the collaboration would open new opportunities for youth empowerment, skills training, and enterprise development in the region.

The engagement marks a significant step toward unlocking fresh employment pathways and expanding the economic landscape of the South-South.

Comments

Breaking: A’Ibom Governor Removes Two Aides Amid Restructuring, Alleged PDP Links

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday. The affected officials are: Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal. However, it was gathered from multiple political sources that the decision may be linked to the aides’ alleged association with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The claim has not been officially confirmed, and the government has not commented on the speculation. Political analysts no...

Tragedy at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital: Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Probe Into Maternal Death

By Asuquo Edem UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation. A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state. Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures. In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies f...

AKIRS secures N1.2b judgement against Ardent Energy Services LTD ....warns against tax evasion

The Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) has secured a landmark judgement against Ardent Energy Services Ltd, an oil servicing company operating in Akwa Ibom State. In a judgement delivered on July 3, 2025 at the Revenue Court of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo, by the Presiding Revenue Judge, Maureen-Idongesit M. Udoka, the court ordered the defendant to pay to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the sum of N1.2bilion, including penalty and interest on the principal sum. The judgement was in consequence to Suit No. Rue/77C/2022, filed by AKIRS. With this judgement, which is a major milestone in AKIRS tax compliance drive, the agency warns taxpayers to willingly comply to their civic obligations of always paying their taxes as and when due as there was no hiding place for defaulters.

The Empire Naija

Search This Blog