On Tuesday, governors from the South-South region gathered in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, to tackle urgent economic and security issues.
The objective of this meeting was to encourage collaboration and development among the states, emphasizing the necessity of unity to confront shared challenges.
Among those present were Governors Bassey Otu from Cross River, Sheriff Oborevwori from Delta, Siminalayi Fubara from Rivers, Umo Eno from Akwa Ibom, and the host, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Notably, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo was absent, and he didn’t send his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to this significant meeting.
Governor Diri led the session in the Government House’s Conference Room in Yenagoa.
During his opening remarks, he emphasized the meeting’s strategic importance.
Moreover, he urged the six South-South governors to collaborate effectively to tackle their shared challenges.
Additionally, he identified critical areas for cooperation.
These included security, agriculture, education, power, environment, tourism, and youth empowerment through sports, information technology, and entrepreneurship.
“The rapidly changing landscape of our country underscores the urgent need for improved regional cooperation and development,” Governor Diri passionately stated.
“Our progress and prosperity depend on our teamwork towards a common goal,” he added.
Governor Diri openly addressed the significant challenges facing the region, highlighting concerns about oil exploration’s negative effects.
He pointed out that the South-South, despite being Nigeria’s economic backbone, receives insufficient benefits.
“Everywhere we look, the curse of oil wealth seems to be holding us captive,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
To tackle these issues, he urged fellow governors to take decisive action.
He encouraged them to leverage the BRACED Commission, established in 1999, to foster collective development across the region.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of moving beyond mere statements and reports.
“It’s time to move from words to action. Therefore, we must transform our shared dreams into real outcomes,” he asserted. He emphasized the need for tangible results.
Furthermore, Governor Diri showed a strong interest in proposals for a regional flight service, focusing on job-generating sectors.
This concentration on specific areas aims to stimulate economic growth and enhance local employment opportunities.
Additionally, he advocated for a railway line to improve transportation throughout the region.
He also pushed for the speedy completion of the East-West Road, which is vital for connecting all South-South states.
Governor Diri addressed security issues in the region, referencing recent incidents in Okuoma, Okoloba, and Igbomotoru. He emphasized the need for customized security measures.
“He emphasized that by combining our wisdom, experiences, and resources, we can devise effective strategies.
Consequently, this approach enables us to prevent and manage future security threats, reinforcing the governors’ roles as essential security leaders.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of working together with the federal government and neighboring regions.
Governor Diri urged federal agencies, like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to collaborate more closely with state governments to effectively meet local needs.
In closing, Governor Diri thanked the attending governors and stakeholders for their dedication to the region’s progress.
“Let this meeting be a turning point in our journey towards realizing our full potential. Together, let’s rise above our challenges, grab opportunities, and build a brighter future for our region,” he declared confidently.