A member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, has congratulated Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on his emergence as the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
Abiodun, who succeeded the late governor of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu, was elected on Monday by 16 governors from the three geo-political zones of South-West, South-East and South-South as the new chairman of the forum.
Hs Anambra State counterpart, Prof Charles Soludo, was elected as the vice chairman.
Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Bankole emphasised that Abiodun’s election by his colleagues was a testament to his leadership and commitment to advancing regional development across Southern Nigeria.
He said, “We are confident that under his stewardship, the Southern Governors’ Forum will thrive, contributing significantly to the prosperity and progress of our beloved nation. I also congratulate Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State on his election as Vice Chairman and commend all governors involved for their dedication to fostering unity and development in our region.
“Moving forward, it is imperative for the SGF to collaborate closely with the Federal Government to harness synergies and resources necessary for comprehensive regional development. By fostering a cooperative relationship, Southern Nigeria can leverage federal initiatives and policies to address infrastructure challenges, economic disparities, and security concerns effectively.
“Furthermore, transcending party lines within the forum is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. Political diversity should be seen as a strength that enriches policy discussions and fosters innovative solutions to complex challenges. This approach not only strengthens regional integration but also reinforces the commitment to democratic principles and good governance.”