THIS DAWN — Governors and traditional rulers from across Southern Nigeria have taken a historic joint position on key national issues.
The leaders unveiled a unified framework aimed at strengthening security, boosting economic resilience, and enhancing governance structures in the region.
The resolutions emerged on Wednesday at a high-level meeting of the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, held in Iperu, Ogun State.
The gathering marked one of the most cohesive demonstrations of regional cooperation in recent years, as leaders from both political and traditional institutions aligned on shared priorities.
Vote of confidence for Tinubu
A central highlight of the meeting was a collective vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governors and traditional rulers commended the President’s efforts to stabilise the country and steer ongoing economic reforms.
They acknowledged the complexity of the challenges facing the nation.
Security took centre stage in the deliberations, with leaders approving a coordinated, region-wide strategy to address escalating threats.
A major component of this strategy is the creation of a Southern zonal security fund to support cross-state operations and reinforce early response mechanisms.
Additional measures adopted include:
- enhanced intelligence-sharing between federal agencies and state governments,
- renewed advocacy for the establishment of state police, and,
- the rollout of a harmonised resident identification system to improve security planning and demographic management.
Strengthening existing networks
The forum also agreed to strengthen existing regional security networks and deepen operational collaboration among neighbouring states.
Beyond immediate security concerns, the meeting produced significant resolutions on governance and economic development.
The leaders committed to curbing illegal resource exploitation, particularly in land and mining sectors, by tightening regulatory oversight and promoting sustainable extraction practices.
They further agreed to elevate the role of traditional institutions, emphasising their importance in mediation, community mobilisation, and grassroots governance.
The Southern leaders reaffirmed the region’s resolve to maintain a united voice on national matters.
They pledged continued engagement with the Federal Government to advance policies that support peace, stability, and inclusive growth.
Anambra State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, reiterated his state’s full alignment with the collective agenda.
He pledged support for deeper regional cooperation, institutional reforms, and people-centred governance.
He emphasised that these remain essential pillars for building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.
