•South-South governors meet in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital today
Governors of the South-South geopolitical zone today met in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital over economic and security issues plaguing the region.
In attendance at the meeting were Governors Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and the host governor Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).
However, Edo State ggovernor, Monday Okpebholo, was noticeably absent, reports Channels TV.
The governor did not send his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to represent him at the meeting that seeks to foster regional development and cooperation.
The session, hosted by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, took place at the Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Yenagoa.
In his opening address, Governor Diri underscored the strategic importance of the gathering, emphasizing the need for greater synergy among the six South-South states.
He highlighted critical areas for collaboration, including security, agriculture, education, power, environment, tourism, and youth empowerment through sports, ICT, and entrepreneurship.
“The swiftly changing landscape of our country and the world at large highlights the clear and urgent need for enhanced regional collaboration and development,” the governor noted.
“Our shared progress and prosperity are tightly connected to our capacity to work together toward a common aim.”
Governor Diri did not shy away from addressing the significant challenges facing the region.
He lamented the adverse effects of oil exploration and the inadequate returns for the region despite being Nigeria’s economic backbone.
“Everywhere we turn, it seems that the proverbial curse of oil wealth has held us hostage,” he observed.
Calling for decisive action, Governor Diri urged his fellow governors to leverage the BRACED Commission, a think-tank established in 1999 to facilitate collective development in the South-South region.
He stressed the need to move beyond mere communiqués and memoranda.
“It is time to turn words into action and transform our shared aspirations into tangible results,” he asserted.
He emphasised the necessity of catalysing regional investment and development by focusing on key sectors with immense potential for job creation and socio-economic growth.
Of particular interest to the governor were proposals for a regional flight connection and the establishment of a regional railway line to ease transportation.
He also called for the speedy completion of the East-West Road, a critical artery connecting all South-South states.
Addressing regional security concerns, Governor Diri highlighted recent incidents in Okuoma, Okoloba, and Igbomotoru, stressing the need for region-specific security measures. “By pooling together our collective wisdom, experiences, and resources, we can devise strategies to prevent and mitigate future security threats,” he stated, underscoring the role of governors as chief security officers.
The governor also emphasised the importance of cooperation with the federal government and other regions. He called for federal interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to work more closely with state governments to align with local priorities.
In conclusion, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to the attending governors and stakeholders for their dedication to the region’s development.
“May this meeting be a turning point in our collective journey towards realizing our true potential. Together, let us rise above our challenges, seize our opportunities, and fashion a brighter future for our region,” he declared.
