Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, Elected Chairman of South-South Governors’ Forum: A New Era of Regional Cooperation and Development
In a significant development, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has been unanimously elected as the chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, with Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, serving as vice chairman. This election took place during the forum’s meeting in Yenagoa on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in regional cooperation and development.
Governor Diri’s Vision for the South-South Region
Governor Diri, who was nominated by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and seconded by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, described his election as a call to service, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to address regional challenges. He highlighted several key priorities, including:
1. Enhancing Security: Improving security measures to ensure a safe and stable environment for citizens, investors, and visitors.
2. Agricultural Development: Promoting agriculture as a key sector for economic growth and development, with a focus on value addition, job creation, and food security.
3. Education and Youth Empowerment: Investing in education and youth empowerment programs to equip the next generation with skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Regional Air Travel Connectivity: Improving air travel connectivity within the region to facilitate economic growth, trade, and tourism.
5. Economic Diversification: Diversifying the region’s economy beyond oil and gas to drive sustainable growth, development, and job creation.
The Governors’ Forum: A Platform for Regional Cooperation and Development
The South-South Governors’ Forum provides a platform for regional cooperation and development, enabling governors to share best practices, address common challenges, and promote economic growth and development. The forum’s priorities align with the regional and national development agendas, focusing on areas such as:
1. Infrastructure Development: Enhancing regional infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports, and seaports.
2. Economic Empowerment: Promoting economic empowerment programs, including entrepreneurship development, job creation, and poverty reduction.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Addressing environmental challenges, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
4. Social Development: Improving social development indicators, including education, healthcare, and human development.
The Way Forward: A Unified Approach to Drive Development and Growth
The South-South Governors’ Forum has emphasized the need for a unified approach to drive development and growth in the region. This approach involves:
1. Collaboration and Cooperation: Fostering collaboration and cooperation among governors, governments, and stakeholders to address common challenges and promote regional development.
2. Regional Integration: Promoting regional integration, including economic, social, and cultural integration, to enhance regional cohesion and development.
3. Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Pursuing inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that development programs and projects benefit all citizens, regardless of their background, income, or social status.
Conclusion: A New Era of Regional Cooperation and Development
The election of Governor Douye Diri as chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum marks a new era of regional cooperation and development. With a unified approach and a focus on key priorities, the forum is poised to drive development and growth in the region, improving the lives of citizens and promoting economic prosperity.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has been elected chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, with Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, as vice chairman. The election took place during the forum’s meeting in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Gov. Diri, nominated by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and seconded by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, described his election as a call to service, emphasizing collaboration to address regional challenges. He highlighted priorities such as security, agriculture, education, youth empowerment, and regional air travel connectivity.
The governors expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms while urging increased oil derivation beyond the current 13%. They also called for expedited completion of the East-West Road, extension of Ogoni remediation efforts, and commencement of the coastal road project from Calabar.
A communiqué emphasized the need for a unified approach to drive development and foster economic growth beyond oil and gas.
The meeting concluded with a celebration of Rivers Governor Sim Fubara’s 50th birthday.
© Niger Delta Insider
