Governors of the South-South geopolitical zone convened in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Tuesday to address pressing economic and security challenges affecting the region.
The meeting, hosted by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, was attended by Governors Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom). However, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was absent and did not send a representative.
In his opening remarks, Governor Diri emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing key issues, including security, agriculture, education, power, environment, tourism, and youth empowerment through sports, ICT, and entrepreneurship.
“The rapidly changing landscape of our country and the world underscores the urgent need for enhanced regional collaboration,” he stated.
He decried the environmental impact of oil exploration and the inadequate benefits accruing to the region despite its role as Nigeria’s economic hub. “Everywhere we turn, it seems that the proverbial curse of oil wealth has held us hostage,” he lamented.
Governor Diri called for the revitalization of the BRACED Commission, a regional think-tank established in 1999, urging his counterparts to move beyond policy statements and take concrete actions to drive economic growth.
He highlighted key development proposals, including a regional flight connection, a South-South railway network, and the completion of the East-West Road, which links all states in the region.
On security, he referenced recent violent incidents in Okuoma, Okoloba, and Igbomotoru, stressing the need for region-specific security measures. “By pooling our collective wisdom, experiences, and resources, we can devise strategies to prevent and mitigate future security threats,” he said.
Governor Diri also called for greater collaboration between the South-South states and federal agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure alignment with local priorities.
He expressed appreciation to the attending governors and stakeholders, urging them to seize the opportunity to drive meaningful development. “May this meeting mark a turning point in our collective journey towards realizing our true potential,” he concluded.
