Bayelsa Governor Duoye Diri Emerges Chairman of South-South Governors Forum

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has emerged as the chairman of the South-South Governors Forum. Diri, a serving two-term governor, emerged during the meeting of the South-South Governors Forum which took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

This was disclosed in a communique issued on Tuesday after their meeting. “The South-South Governors’ Forum convened on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, at Government House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to discuss pressing issues and strategies vital for the unity and development of the region,” the communique reads.

“We the Governors representing the States that form the South-South of Nigeria, are committed to collaborative governance, ensuring the well-being of our people, and advancing sustainable development.”

The Governors who expressed their readiness to work in the interests of their States and the South-South region stated their commitment to fostering unity, strengthening collaboration, and pursuing sustainable development for the region.

In attendance at the meeting were Governors Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and the host governor Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).

However, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was noticeably absent. The governor did not send his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to represent him at the meeting that seeks to foster regional development and cooperation.

Earlier, Diri noted the strategic importance of the gathering, as there is a big need for greater synergy among the six South-South states.

He mentioned critical areas for collaboration, including security, agriculture, education, power, environment, tourism, and youth empowerment through sports, ICT, and entrepreneurship.

“The swiftly changing situation of our country and the world at large indicates 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 did not shy away from addressing the significant challenges facing the region. He lamented the adverse effects of oil exploration and the inadequate returns for the region despite being Nigeria’s economic backbone.

“Everywhere we turn, it seems that the proverbial curse of oil wealth has held us hostage,” he observed.

Calling for decisive action, Governor Diri urged his fellow governors to leverage the BRACED Commission, a think-tank established in 1999 to facilitate collective development in the South-South region.

He stressed the need to move beyond mere communiqués and memoranda. “It is time to turn words into action and transform our shared aspirations into tangible results,” he asserted.

He buttressed the necessity of catalysing regional investment and development by focusing on key sectors with immense potential for job creation and socio-economic growth.

Of particular interest to the governor were proposals for a regional flight connection and the establishment of a regional railway line to ease transportation. He also called for the speedy completion of the East-West Road, a critical artery connecting all South-South states.

Addressing regional security concerns, Governor Diri mentioned recent incidents in Okuoma, Okoloba, and Igbomotoru, stressing the need for region-specific security measures. “By pooling together our collective wisdom, experiences, and resources, we can devise strategies to prevent and mitigate future security threats,” he stated.

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.

“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