Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was elected as the new chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum on Monday.
The announcement came following a closed-door meeting that lasted approximately five hours at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun succeeds the late Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, former governor of Ondo State, who passed away in December last year. Alongside Abiodun, Anambra State Governor Professor Charles Soludo was elected as the Vice Chairman of the forum.
The Southern Governors’ Forum, comprising the 17 governors from Nigeria’s South-West, South-South, and South-East geopolitical zones, serves as a crucial platform for addressing regional issues and fostering unity among the states.
The election saw the attendance of 16 governors, with the notable absence of Rivers State Governor Mr. Siminalayi Fubara.
Governors present included Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Alex Otti of Abia State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Abiodun’s election marks a new chapter for the Southern Governors’ Forum as they continue to address the unique challenges and opportunities within their regions.
