The Southern Governors' Forum has unveiled plans to establish the Southern States Development Agenda (SSDA), a comprehensive initiative designed to boost trade and investment, promote sustainable growth, ensure economic prosperity, enhance social harmony, and secure food supply within the region.According to Vanguard, this agenda aims to collaborate closely with individual states' Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agencies, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and various multilateral organizations to achieve its strategic goals.
This announcement was made in a communique issued following a meeting held on Monday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. The meeting saw the participation of 13 governors and three deputy governors, who collectively elected Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as the new Chairman of the forum. Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, was chosen as Vice Chairman.
One of the key resolutions from the meeting was a commitment to aggressively pursue food security. The forum urged all member states to amplify their agricultural initiatives, focusing on the cultivation of cash and food crops best suited to each region's climate and soil conditions. This strategy is intended to achieve food sufficiency, foster self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the forum encouraged states to establish special agro-processing zones to maximize the value derived from the agricultural value chain. This move is expected to enhance the processing and marketing of agricultural products, thereby increasing revenue and improving livelihoods.
In their communique, the Southern Governors lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commendable economic recovery reforms and policies, particularly the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA). They expressed unanimous support for the President's determination to reposition the nation and build a prosperous future.
The governors also praised President Tinubu for initiating the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, which spans eight states. This infrastructure project is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities along the southern corridor of Nigeria.