For the first time in 12 years, governors from the southern on Monday met in Lagos to deliberate on how to forge stronger ties between the three geo-political zones – Southwest, Southsouth and Southeast.
Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, in a statement, said the meeting which was be co-hosted by the Governors of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode and Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Udom addressed issues that are germane to the development of the three zones.
Bello said the meeting is in line with the realisation that the different states in the south have since 2005 developed several areas of comparative advantage which could be harnessed and become mutually beneficial.
He said: “The 2017 Lagos summit of the 17 Southern Governors representing the South South, South West and South East zones is expected to come up with a communiqué after the deliberation.
“It is noteworthy to recall that the inaugural meeting of the Southern Governors took place in Lagos in 2001 under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”
This meeting is coming 12 years after a similar meeting was held in Lagos, when former governor Ahmed Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State.
The Governors present at the meeting include the Six Southwest Governors. They include Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
Also present are the Governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom and Ebonyi State, David Umahi.
Three of the governors were represented by the deputy governors.
Deputy Governor’s of Anambra, Dr Nkem Okeke and Cross River State, Professor Ivara Esu and some federal lawmaker are also present in the event.
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