Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, hosted the 17 Southern States’ Governors to a meeting as part of the strategies to deliberate on matters of shared regional interest, as well as strengthen collaborations between political and traditional leadership.

The meeting, which is currently holding at his private residence in Iperu Remo, in the Ikenne local government area of the State, was also expected to examine and build on the strength of regional cooperation, as well as shared developmental agenda among other pressing national issues.

In his welcome address, Governor Abiodun, who is the chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) disclosed that the convergence of the 17 state governors from the Southern part of Nigeria goes beyond a mere geographical proximity, but a union defined by shared aspirations, common challenges and a collective determination to build a future of stability and prosperity of the people of the Southern region of Nigeria.

The Ogun governor emphasised that the convergence reflected the common “spirit of unity and cooperation that guided our forefathers in the old Southern Protectorate long before the amalgamation of 1914.

“It is this historical consciousness that must continue to guide our collaborative efforts as we navigate the complex realities of our contemporary Nigerian federation.”

He declared that the current rising security threats and economic pressures in the country, which has placed Nigeria at a pivotal moment, called for an urgent need for coordinated leadership.

“Recent mass abductions in schools, religious centres, and rural communities across the country demonstrate that no region is insulated from organised criminality or violent extremism,” he stated.

Those in attendance at the meeting included: Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Alex Otti of Abia, Biodun Oyebamiji of Ekiti, Francis Nwifiru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, as well as Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, while others were being expected to join as the meeting progresses.

The deputy governors representing other State governors at the meeting included Kola Adewusi of Osun State, Bayo Lawal of Oyo State, Peter Odey of Cross River State, and Dennis Idahosa of Edo State.

Against the backdrop of rising security threats, hbiodun emphatically declared that the Forum’s advocacy for the creation of State Police remained a non-negotiable component of the collective demand of the Southern Governors Forum.

“The forum must reiterates and reaffirms its support for the establishment of state police as we have all submittedent in our individual positions on this subject.

“To respond effectively to these threats, Southern Nigeria must adopt a proactive and integrated security framework anchored on intelligence-sharing, border protection, safe-school systems, corridor surveillance, and strong community participation.

“As we deliberate on the security architecture of Southern Nigeria, it is important to state clearly that the creation of State Police remains a non-negotiable component of our collective demand for true federalism and effective grassroots security.

“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face. The recent incidents across the country reinforce the urgency of decentralising policing so that states can take direct responsibility for safeguarding their citizens”.

“A unified Southern position on State Police will not only enhance intelligence gathering and early-warning capabilities but also strengthen our ability to secure schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure across our states.”

Abiodun, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts at nation-building, which he said have been nothing short of transformative.

“Through his visionary ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra, Mr. President has implemented far-reaching socio-economic reforms that are already yielding visible and measurable dividends.

“President Tinubu has consistently affirmed that an indivisible and united Nigeria is the foundation of sustainable prosperity. It is this conviction; his unshakeable belief in unity as a catalyst for development,” he said.

Abiodun particularly saluted Tinubu for what he described as “his exceptional leadership” at responding to the recent wave of abductions targeting schoolchildren.

“His decision to personally coordinate rescue efforts, rather than delegating responsibility, demonstrated a rare commitment to the protection of li es of every Nigerian.

“The successful rescue of abducted students is evidence of a security strategy that is becoming more coordinated, more intelligence-driven, and more responsive. This act of leadership reassures citizens that the safety of our children remains a top national priority and that Nigeria will not allow criminals, insurgents, or opportunistic elements to undermine the nation’s stability.

“The President’s swift action reminds us that leadership is measured not only in policy decisions but also in empathy, urgency, and decisive intervention,” he further stated.

The Ogun governor also disclosed that the forum would be meeting with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council shortly after its meeting.

A communique is also expected to be issued after the two meetings.