On Tuesday, the governors of the South-South geopolitical zone convened in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to discuss economic and security challenges facing the region.
The meeting was attended by Governors Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and host Governor Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).
However, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo was absent, and did not send his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to represent him at the meeting, which aimed to promote regional development and cooperation.
Governor Diri, who hosted the session at the Governor’s Conference Room in Yenagoa, emphasized the importance of fostering stronger collaboration among the six South-South states.
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He highlighted key areas of focus such as 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 openly discussed the major challenges confronting the region, expressing concern over the negative impact of oil exploration.
He pointed out the insufficient benefits the region receives, despite being the economic backbone of Nigeria.
“Everywhere we turn, it seems that the proverbial curse of oil wealth has held us hostage,” he observed.
Governor Diri urged his fellow governors to take proactive steps by utilizing the BRACED Commission, a think tank created in 1999 to promote collaborative development in the South-South region.
He emphasized the importance of going beyond just issuing communiqués and memoranda.
“It is time to turn words into action and transform our shared aspirations into tangible results,” he asserted.
“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 emphasized 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.
Governor Diri stressed the importance of stimulating regional investment and development by targeting sectors with high potential for job creation and socio-economic growth.
He particularly highlighted proposals for a regional flight network and the construction of a regional railway line to improve transportation.
Additionally, he called for the prompt completion of the East-West Road, a vital route linking all South-South states.
Regarding regional security, Governor Diri addressed recent incidents in Okuoma, Okoloba, and Igbomotoru, underscoring the need for tailored security measures specific to the region.
“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.
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