The Ogun Indigene Forum (OIF), an organization made up of Ogun indigenes in Ghana has congratulated the Ogun State Governor on his emergence as the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.

The Governor will be supported by his Anambra State counterpart, Prof Charles Soludo, who emerged as the Vice Chairman of the forum.

The Southern Governors’ Forum serves as the umbrella body for the 17 governors from the South-West, South-South, and South-East geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Abiodun succeeds the former governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who died in December last year.

Reacting in a statement, the National President of the OIF Ghana chapter, Bola Akinsanya, described the governor as an asset to the nation and the unanimous election by his colleagues is a demonstration of their confidence in his leadership capacity and integrity.

He said that it is a well-deserved position that will showcase what gateway state has in stocks in turning over southern Nigeria for others to emulate.

According to him, Governor Abiodun will bring his wealth of experience, strategic insight, and collaborative quintessence to foster greater unity, peace and collective progress among southern states.

He added that Southern Nigeria has a greater role to play in the economic growth, security challenges, and holistic development of the nation hence leadership is key to its attainment.

In attendance at the meeting of the governors held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, was Abiodun of Ogun State, Soludo, Anambra; Godwin Obaseki, Edo; Seyi Makinde, Oyo; Alex Otii, Abia; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos; Ademola Adeleke, Osun; Francis Nwifuru, Ebonyi; Peter Mbah, Enugu; Douye Diri, Bayelsa; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom; Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti and Bassey Out of Cross River State.

The Imo State Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaru, represented Governor Hope Uzodimma; Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.