HEADLINENEWS.NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
— By Headlinenews.News Editorial Team
In a strong show of unity and shared vision, Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) convened in Benin City, Edo State, for the inaugural zonal meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF)—a strategic coalition committed to reinforcing good governance and fast-tracking national development.
The landmark gathering, held in the historical capital of Edo State, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s political coordination at the subnational level, as APC governors aligned their development priorities with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promising stronger inter-state cooperation, economic growth, and people-centred leadership.
Strategic Collaboration for National Transformation
Hosted under the theme “Progressive Governance: Renewed Synergy for National Development”, the forum brought together state chief executives, policy experts, and development strategists who engaged in high-level deliberations on how to strengthen governance frameworks, promote fiscal discipline, improve service delivery, and foster inclusive development across states.
Key focus areas included:
- Inter-State Infrastructure Projects: Joint planning for road networks, energy sharing, and economic corridors.
- Education & Healthcare Collaboration: Establishing common minimum standards and technical exchanges.
- Security Coordination: Intelligence-sharing mechanisms to curb banditry, insurgency, and trans-border crimes.
- Economic Empowerment & MSME Support: Launch of regional entrepreneurship frameworks and skill acquisition hubs.
The governors also pledged to advance digital governance innovations to reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and boost efficiency in public service delivery.
A Renewed Mandate under the APC Vision
Addressing the Forum, several governors reiterated their allegiance to the vision of President Tinubu, emphasizing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a Federal promise, but a national commitment that must find full expression across all APC-led states.
“We are united not just by party, but by purpose. The Renewed Hope Agenda challenges us to be bolder, smarter, and more responsive in our leadership,” remarked Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State.
“Our collaboration today is about legacy—how we prepare our states to deliver prosperity, peace, and opportunity to every Nigerian, not tomorrow, but now,” echoed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.
The host, Governor Godwin Obaseki, commended the symbolic importance of Benin City in hosting such a visionary gathering, while emphasizing that Edo remains a gateway to reformist governance and innovation, even as it transitions politically.
Unity as a Tool for Inclusive Growth
In a final communiqué, the Progressive Governors unanimously committed to:
- Shared Policy Frameworks: To reduce policy inconsistencies across states and encourage regional development planning.
- People-First Leadership: Anchoring governance on inclusivity, equity, and community engagement.
- Subnational Economic Competitiveness: Driving investment reforms, tourism growth, and local manufacturing clusters.
The PGF also expressed intent to expand strategic dialogues with the National Economic Council and Federal Executive Council to ensure policy alignment and shared implementation metrics.
A Call to Action and Confidence
The Progressive Governors Forum is poised to institutionalize periodic zonal meetings as a platform for peer review, mutual accountability, and creative policy brainstorming. Observers believe this renewed unity signals an era of bold leadership that could redefine subnational governance across Nigeria.
“Nigeria does not need perfect leaders; it needs sincere, progressive leaders who work together across states to deliver results,” stated Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Governance & Perception Management Consultant. “This PGF meeting is a model of such synergy.”
Conclusion
The Progressive Governors Forum’s inaugural regional meeting has set a new benchmark for collaborative governance in Nigeria. In the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, APC governors are sending a clear message: the era of isolated leadership is over. The future belongs to those who lead together.
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” – Mattie Stepanek.
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