The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed his support for the selection of Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, as the chairman of the Southern Governors Forum.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, John Paul Akinduro, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended the Southern governors for their choice of Dapo Abiodun as the newly appointed chairman, expressing his admiration for their decision.
He said, “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.”
During their meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) elected Dapo Abiodun as the chairman with unanimous support. Additionally, Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, was chosen as the vice-chairman. In his conversation with journalists after the meeting, Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, expressed that Governor Abiodun has the necessary qualifications to guide the region towards prosperity.
The governor of Ondo State also emphasized that all the decisions made during the meeting aimed to enhance the development and economic integration among the member states of the region. During his brief speech, the recently appointed chairman, Abiodun, recognized the challenges that lie ahead for the forum and expressed gratitude to the members for nominating him, describing it as a significant and esteemed honor.
Abiodun disclosed that the meeting held on Monday marked the first gathering in approximately three years and he emphasized, “It underscores the commitment and determination to ensure that the southern states occupy their place of pride”.the commitment and determination to ensure that the southern states reclaim their rightful position of importance. He reassured the forum of his and Governor Soludo’s dedication to the developmental agenda of the region.
Abiodun stated, “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. “
