The governors of the 17 southern states, under the umbrella of Southern Governors’ Forum have converged on Iperu-Remo, Ogun State calling for urgent security reforms, and unified development strategies across the South-East, South-South and South-West.
The governors in attendance included; Governor Alex Otti of Abia, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, among others.
The forum’s Chairman, Governor Abiodun, described the gathering as a strategic moment for Southern Nigeria to reaffirm its unity, strengthen security, and consolidate development gains.
Abiodun declared that the creation of State Police remains a non-negotiable demand of the Southern region to strengthen grassroots security and confront rising threats such as kidnapping, cultism, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining, and terrorism.
He urged the Forum to adopt a unified position, stressing that decentralised policing will enhance intelligence gathering, protect schools, secure farmlands, and strengthen border surveillance.
To further strengthen the security in the south, Abiodun proposed a digital, real-time intelligence-sharing and rapid-response platform linking all Southern states.
He said “The Southern region’s unique security exposure, due to its busy ports, highways, airports, and industrial hubs requires proactive, coordinated defence measures.
“I urge this Forum to pursue aggressive regional development through improved intra-regional connectivity, integrated agricultural value chains, and the establishment of a Joint Centre for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship to equip young people with modern skills.
“Southern Nigeria is endowed with vast crude oil and gas deposits, bitumen belts, limestone, solid minerals, fertile land, long coastlines, and a highly skilled population, resources which, if harmonised through regional industrialisation, could unlock millions of jobs.
The Ogun governor urged his colleagues to rise above geographical and political boundaries, insisting that Southern states must plan together because they face similar challenges.
His words “Our region stands at a critical moment. We must think together, work together, and secure our people together. With unity of purpose, we can confront our challenges and build the future our people deserve.
“I congratulate Governor Charles Soludo on his recent electoral victory, and commended all Southern leaders for their commitment to a united, peaceful, and prosperous region.”
