In a significant and unprecedented move, the six governors of the South-South region are set to converge in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, January 18, 2023, under the banner of the BRACED Commission. Chaired by the dynamic Governor of Edo State, H.E Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who also serves as the Chairman of the BRACED Commission Governors Council, this gathering marks a pivotal moment for the region’s collective vision of development and integration.
The distinguished attendees will include the newly elected governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta states, accompanied by their commissioners of economic development and planning. This assembly is poised to be a catalyst for reshaping the trajectory of the South-South region, focusing on the revival and fortification of the BRACED Commission—a critical institution born out of the region’s shared economic aspirations.
The inception of the BRACED Commission traces back to the first South-South Economic Summit held in Calabar in 2009. The vision birthed from that summit envisioned a sustainable regional economy capable of providing employment, prosperity, and global competitiveness for the people of the South-South. Now, over a decade later, the governors gather to breathe new life into this vision and discuss strategies to propel the region toward collective prosperity.
The primary agenda of this historic meeting revolves around reinvigorating the BRACED Commission and harnessing its potential to drive the region’s multifaceted development goals. As the newly elected governors take the helm, their collective mission is to align the Commission with contemporary needs, ensuring it becomes a dynamic force for progress, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Among the key focal points for discussion will be the security landscape of the region—an issue of paramount importance. The governors will deliberate on effective strategies to address security challenges, safeguarding the welfare and well-being of the South-South communities.
In addition to economic and security matters, the meeting will delve into how the region can strengthen its knowledge-sharing initiatives and peer-review mechanisms. These discussions aim to foster a collaborative environment where the wealth of experience and best practices among the South-South states can be harnessed for mutual benefit.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, as the host and chairman, expressed his optimism regarding the potential outcomes of this historic gathering. He stated, “This meeting is not just about discussions; it is about charting a course for the South-South region that reflects our collective aspirations. We are here to harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared vision to propel our region to new heights.”
The anticipated issuance of a comprehensive communique after the meeting is expected to outline the key resolutions, action plans, and collective commitments agreed upon by the governors. This document will serve as a roadmap for the South-South region’s development journey in the coming years.
As the curtains rise on this pivotal summit, all eyes are on Benin City, where the South-South governors will converge to script a new chapter in the region’s story. The aspiration for a stronger, more integrated, and prosperous South-South is palpable, and the BRACED Commission stands poised to be a driving force in turning these aspirations into reality. The echoes of this historic gathering are expected to resonate far beyond the confines of Benin City, impacting the lives and futures of millions in the South-South region.
