Pa Edwin Clark, a respected elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), emphasizes the organization's focus on diversity in its membership. The forum brings together leaders and individuals from various Southern regions like the South-West, South-South, and South-East, collaborating closely with 17 governors. Additionally, the Middle Belt segment of the forum includes representation from states such as Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nassarawa, and Kogi.
In addition to geographical diversity, Clark acknowledges the presence of groups such as Southern Kaduna within the forum. Leadership positions within these regions are clearly defined, with Major General Lekwot leading Southern Kaduna and Dr. Bitrus Pogu serving as the President of the Middle Belt Forum.
The forum's fundamental value of inclusivity is evident through its dedication to representing and advocating for the varied needs and aspirations of communities and regions across the Southern and Middle Belt areas. By empowering leaders like Major General Lekwot and Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the SMBLF strives to foster unity, cooperation, and inclusive decision-making among its diverse members.
In an interview with The Sun, Clark said, "The Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum is an organisation set up by the leaders and the people of these areas. Southern means South-West, South-South and South-East, together with 17 governors. In the Middle Belt, we’re talking about Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nassarawa, and Kogi. But it expands beyond geographical extension. For instance, Southern Kaduna is part of us, and then Major General Lekwot is the leader of Southern Kaduna, with Dr. Bitrus Pogu as the President of the Middle Belt Forum."