ITSEKIRI INTEREST GROUP CELEBRATES PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON HIS BIRTHDAY AND COMMENDS HIM FOR ESTABLISHING THE SOUTH-SOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Itsekiri Interest Group, under the leadership of Comr. Awala Gbubemi, joyfully joins Nigerians in celebrating His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his birthday. We extend our heartfelt wishes for good health, wisdom, and continued strength as he leads our great nation. Mr. President’s unwavering dedication to national development, economic growth, and inclusivity has been evident in his leadership, and we pray for greater accomplishments in his administration.
As we mark this special day, we also commend Mr. President for his visionary leadership in signing into law the South-South Development Commission (SSDC). This initiative represents a transformative step toward accelerating infrastructural growth, economic empowerment, and sustainable progress in the South-South region. It reaffirms Mr. President’s commitment to addressing the long-standing developmental challenges faced by oil-producing communities, whose resources have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economy.
As a major oil-producing tribe, the Itsekiri people have made substantial contributions to the nation’s economic stability. However, we have historically faced marginalization in leadership positions within federal interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other strategic institutions.
In light of this, we strongly appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to consider appointing an Itsekiri indigene as the Managing Director (MD) of the South-South Development Commission.
This appointment would serve as a corrective measure to decades of underrepresentation and ensure equity, fairness, and true inclusiveness in governance.
The appointment of an Itsekiri MD in the SSDC would:
Promote justice and fairness in leadership roles within the region.
Foster inclusiveness by ensuring that all major oil-producing ethnic groups are adequately represented.
Enhance the Commission’s efficiency, as the Itsekiri people have a wealth of experience in governance, resource management, and economic development.
Correct historical marginalization by acknowledging the vital role of the Itsekiri people in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
We urge Mr. President and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that fairness prevails in the appointment of the SSDC leadership. The Itsekiri people have remained loyal, patient, and committed to the Nigerian state, and we trust that this administration will uphold its Renewed Hope Agenda by ensuring inclusive representation in this critical agency. This is the reason why the Itsekiri Nation should be rewarded with the office of the Chairman of this great Commission.
Finally, we reaffirm our unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and pledge our commitment to working together to achieve sustainable development in the South-South region and across Nigeria.
Once again, we extend our warmest wishes to Mr. President on this special occasion. May his leadership continue to bring progress, unity, and prosperity to our beloved nation.
Signed:
Comr. Awala Gbubemi
Chairman, Itsekiri Interest Group
Comr Eyitemi Atake
Secretary, Itsekiri Interest Group
March 29, 2025