The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has announced firm support for programmes that strengthen women’s welfare, endorsing the newly introduced Empower Her Project as an essential platform for national development. She made this known on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, while delivering the keynote address as Chairlady of the project’s official unveiling at the Dr. Mariam Babangida Centre for Women Development in Abuja.
Ms. Akpabio called for a long-term and sustained commitment to women’s empowerment, describing it as a strategic investment that can shape Nigeria’s stability and prosperity. She explained that the philosophy behind the Empower Her Project aligns with her personal beliefs and the SSDC’s mandate of promoting development across the South-South geopolitical zone.
In her remarks, the Managing Director highlighted that women’s inclusion is a major driver of socio-economic progress, stressing that nations grow faster when women are supported to reach their full potential. “When women have access to education, skills, opportunities, and the freedom to thrive, they contribute significantly to economic growth, innovation, and social stability,” she stated.
She added that the strength of any nation is closely linked to the empowerment of its women, noting that resilient women are central to achieving long-lasting national development. While celebrating the project’s unveiling, she cautioned that real empowerment goes beyond launching a programme. She urged governments and NGOs to remain committed, saying, “As we celebrate this unveiling, let us remember that empowering women is not a one-time event. It is a continuous commitment, a shared responsibility, and a promise to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”
Ms. Akpabio also praised the leadership and dedication of the project’s Chairperson, Hon. Tabitha Illiya, commending her efforts in strengthening the capacity of Nigerian women. She described the Empower Her Foundation as a key mechanism to help women discover their potential, build sustainable means of livelihood, and take their rightful place as contributors to national growth.
The event also included the inauguration of the Northern Nigeria Christian Women for Asiwaju (NNCWA). Commenting on the development, Ms. Akpabio said the group’s launch is timely and noted that their commitment to praying for and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aligns with broader efforts to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027.
The ceremony drew several dignitaries, including Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Media and ICT, Office of the Vice President, Hon. Kwapchi Bata Hamman. Other attendees were the Mother of the Day, Mrs. Amina Elizabeth Yakowa, former First Lady of Kaduna State; Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, President of POWA; Dame Pauline Kedem Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs; Senator Binta Garba; and Dr. Mathias Byuan, Executive Director (Finance), Federal Housing Authority.
