South-South Governors Unite For Regional Devt – Gov. Diri

Bayelsa State Governor and Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Senator Douye Diri, has led his counterparts from the six South-South states in a strategic meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, with regional economic development and cooperation dominating discussions.

Hotnews reports that the meeting, hosted by the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, brought together the governors of the six states of the South-South region, either in person or through their deputies.

Governor Diri was joined by Governor Otu of Cross River State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, while the governors of Delta, Edo and Rivers states were represented by their deputies: Sir Monday Onyeme, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu respectively.

Also present at the meeting were the leadership of the BRACED Commission, led by its Chairman, Ambassador Joe Keshi, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Ambassador Boladei Igali.

The deliberations focused largely on strengthening regional cooperation and developing practical strategies to accelerate economic growth, infrastructure development and improved living conditions across the South-South.

The Governors emphasised the need for greater collaboration among the states, noting that the region’s shared economic, environmental and infrastructural challenges require collective action and a coordinated approach.

A major resolution of the meeting was the decision by the governors to make their engagements more regular.

The Forum resolved that meetings should be held at least once every quarter to sustain dialogue, monitor implementation of resolutions and deepen cooperation among the six states.

The next meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum is scheduled to hold from November 6 to 8, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Forum also reaffirmed its total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Governor Diri, who read the communiqué on behalf of his colleagues, said the governors remained committed to working together to advance the interests of the South-South and ensure that the region plays a stronger role in Nigeria’s economic and political development.

Another key resolution was the planned engagement with President Tinubu on critical issues affecting the region, particularly infrastructure and environmental remediation.

The Governors agreed to meet with the President to discuss the need for increased federal attention to infrastructure development across the South-South, as well as broader environmental remediation beyond the ongoing clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers State.

The position reflects the Governors’ concern over the environmental challenges facing several communities in the oil-producing region and the need for sustained intervention to address the effects of decades of oil exploration and other environmental degradation.

Beyond environmental concerns, the proposed engagement with the President is expected to provide an opportunity for the governors to collectively present the region’s priorities on roads, transportation, economic infrastructure and other development needs.

The involvement of BRACED Commission and PANDEF leadership in the meeting also underscored the importance of strengthening institutional and stakeholder collaboration in addressing the challenges confronting the region.

The South-South Governors’ Forum has continued to serve as a platform for the six states to harmonise positions on issues of common interest and promote regional development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to Governor Otu and the people of Cross River State for their hospitality and warm reception of the governors and other participants.

He said the successful meeting demonstrated the commitment of the South-South leadership to working collectively for the advancement of the region and the wellbeing of its people.

The Calabar meeting therefore marked another step in efforts by the six South-South states to strengthen regional unity, improve cooperation and pursue a common development agenda while maintaining a constructive relationship with the federal government.

~ Hot News Reporters
Wednesday, 9, September, 2026