Obaseki Emerges Chairman BRACED Commission Meeting, Commits to Regional Development

The BRACED Commission meeting on Thursday, hosted by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, brought together the Governors of the South-South States, which is comprised of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta; to discuss regional cooperation and address pressing challenges.

The meeting, which held at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, had in attendance Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Sim Fubara of Rivers; Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme. The meeting focused on various areas, including rail and ports development, agriculture, security, and more.

During the closed-door session, Governor Obaseki was elected as the new chairman of the BRACED Commission. In his capacity as chairman, Obaseki outlined the need for collaboration to find solutions to the critical challenges facing the South-South region.

The meeting which emphasized the importance of addressing socio-economic challenges and fostering development in the area, had in attendance the Commissioners of Budget and Planning from the six participating states, highlighting the commitment of the region to comprehensive planning and coordination.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the newly elected chairman, Governor Obaseki, expressed the significance of the meeting, stating that it was convened at a critical time in Nigeria’s history, where the country is confronted with substantial developmental challenges.

In a communique, the BRACED Commission resolved to recommit to addressing the socio-economic challenges specific to the South-South region. The next meeting is scheduled for March, and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri will host the gathering.

The emphasis on cooperation in areas such as rail and ports development, agriculture, and security underscores the regional commitment to collective progress and development.
“The Director General of the Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi made a presentation briefing the members of the work done by the Commission since it came into inception, briefing the Commission of work done in the areas of agriculture, power, education, environment and sports.

“The Council members spoke of the compelling need to collectively accelerate the development of the States and affirmed their support for the imperatives of the South-South economic cooperation and integration as a practical step towards the creation of a zone of economic development.

Arising from this, the Council expressed determination and commitment to drive the process for cooperation and integration in the zone and pledged to address the challenges faced by the BRACED Commission.

The communiqué further reads, “Accordingly, the Council resolved as follows: To foster regional economic cooperation and integration with a view to achieving sustainable development through the development of a strong regional economy for the collective benefits of the people of the South-South and invigorate the process of regional economic cooperation and integration.

“To establish and inaugurate the BRACED Business Council. This Council should endeavor to forge a closer partnership with the business council and utilize it to provide an improved business climate to attract businesses and investors into the region.

“To collectively engage the Federal Government on the development of key infrastructure in the region particularly roads, rail development and the decentralization and rehabilitation of seaports in the region as well as management of security in the Country at large.”

He continued: “To engage the NDDC to ensure its activities benefit the BRACED States.

“To direct the Commissioners of Environment and Attorney-General of States to meet on climate issues affecting the States, particularly mangrove swamps.

“To forge a closer and cordial relationship with other regions for the creation of economic corridors that will be beneficial to the region.

“To pledge our commitment to work with the President of the Federal Government of Nigeria to improve the standard of living of the people of the South-South region. The Governors commit to work with and support each other for the purpose of improving the well-being and welfare of the people of the South-South.”

Obaseki added, “Finally, we directed the DG to take steps to implement all the decisions that we took today and report back to the Council before our next meeting in March 2024 in Bayelsa State.”