Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has been appointed chairman of the South-South Governors Forum.
Diri, who is currently serving his second term as governor, was selected during the ongoing South-South Governors Forum meeting in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
The announcement was made in a communique released on Tuesday following the meeting.
“The South-South Governors’ Forum convened on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, at Government House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to discuss pressing issues and strategies vital for the unity and development of the region,” the communique read.
“We the Governors representing the States that form the South-South of Nigeria, are committed to collaborative governance, ensuring the well-being of our people, and advancing sustainable development.”
The Governors reaffirmed their commitment to working in the best interests of their states and the South-South region. They expressed their dedication to promoting unity, strengthening collaboration, and driving sustainable development in the region.
Present at the meeting were Governors Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and the host governor, Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
However, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was noticeably absent, and did not send his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to represent him at the meeting, which was aimed at fostering regional development and cooperation.