Chinedum Treasure
Ohaneze Ndigbo has described the re-emergence of the Southern Governors Forum as a major milestone towards securing the interests and aspirations of the Southern States and their people.
Acting National Youth Leader of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu stated this in reaction to the coming together of the Forum after three years.
The forum had, at Abeokuta, Ogun State met and appointed a new leadership, with the host governor, Dapo Abiodun as Chairman and Anambra Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo as Vice Chairman.
Okpalaezeukwu argued that the decision of the governors to come together, to form a formidable voice for the people of Southern Nigeria was a representation of a new dawn for the bloc.
While regretting that the absence of the forum over the years had fuelled division and undue friction among the states that ought to have been working together, the youth leader however noted that it was not too late to begin again.
He said, “Ohaneze youths believe that the decision to reconstitute the Southern Governors Forum again is a step in the right direction.
“As it is said, united we stand and divided we fall. Nigeria is grouped into North and South, so it is always good for every part to work together for the development of their regions.
“We therefore want to commend the Southern Governors for being proactive to create the forum.”
Describing the new leadership of the forum as round pegs in round holes, Okpalaezeukwu said the forum was now better poised to step forward to pursue the collective well-being of people of the South.
“The appointment of Governor Soludo as the Vice Chairman of the forum speaks to his exemplary leadership qualities and unique approach to governance that transcends state and national structures.
While pledging their support to the governors’ leadership, the youths urged them to do more in engaging and working with relevant youth organizations for greater collaboration and synergy in the geopolitical zone.
“We appreciate the Southeastern governors for their respective efforts towards the development of the Southeast.
“We look forward to a more pragmatic and realistic approach towards championing the interests and aspirations of the southern states.
“The people are now expectant of a collective commitment to ensuring that the southern bloc’s influence finds expression in national affairs,” he added.
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