Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has hailed the emergence of his Ogun state counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, as chairman of the Southern Governors Forum.
Aiyedatiwa in a statement signed by his spokesman, John Paul Akinduro, also praised his fellow Southern governors for electing Abiodun as the new chairman.
“The collective decision of governors from the southern part of Nigeria to elect Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, as chairman of its forum, has been applauded by his Ondo state counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa,” Akinduro said.
At its meeting, held in Abeokuta, Ogun state, on Monday, SGF unanimously elected Abiodun as chairman while Anambra state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, emerged as vice-chairman.
Speaking with journalists at the end of the meeting, Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said Governor Abiodun “posseses the requisite credentials to lead the region to prosperity”.
The Ondo state governor also said every decision taken at the meeting was to promote the region as well as foster economic integration among member states.
In his short remarks, the newly-elected chairman, Abiodun acknowledged the tasks ahead of the forum and thanked members for the nomination, which he said was “a great honor, indeed”.
Abiodun revealed that Monday’s meeting was the first in about three years, adding that “It underscores the commitment and determination to ensure that the southern states occupy their place of pride”.
He assured the forum of his commitment, and Governor Soludo’s to the developmental plans of the region.
“I want to thank you for this confidence so reposed in myself and Prof Soludo and pledge that we will ensure that the confidence is justified,” Abiodun submitted.
