Earl Dr. Osaro Onaiwu, the founding Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDPGF) and a prominent member of the party, has extended a warm message of felicitation and traditional welcome to the south-south governors attending the BRACED meeting in Edo State.

BRACED simply stands for the south-south States of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta. The gathering, set to take place in Benin City, is expected to host the newly elected governors of these states along with their commissioners of economic development and planning.

In a statement in Benin City on Tuesday, Onaiwu, who is currently a gubernatorial hopeful of the party, disclosed that in his capacity as the founding Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, he has been actively promoting the idea of governors coming together to discuss and formulate policies that will foster sustainable development in the region. He believes that such interactions provide an opportunity for peer review mechanisms among the governors.

According to him, “haven been at the epi-centre of the administration of the PDP Governors Forum secretariat, I have always encouraged and canvassed the governors fellowship together from time to time to compare notes on indices of development as a peer review mechanism.”

“I have no doubt that they will have a robust discussion about issues that underpins their leadership and come up with resolutions that will promote regional development and make the south-south region a model development in all ramifications for other regions to emulate.”

Having been deeply involved in the administration of the PDP Governors Forum secretariat, Onaiwu expressed confidence that the governors would engage in a robust discussion on developmental issues, leading to resolutions that would advance regional development and position the south-south region as a model for others to emulate.

Given that Earl Osaro Onaiwu is himself an Edo man, he said, “I see the meeting as a chance for governors from other states to witness firsthand the significant developmental strides in Edo State under the leadership of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obasekim who also, is the host and chairman of BRACED meeting.” 

He warmly welcomes the governors, saying “I encourage you all, my Excellencies, to enjoy the rich hospitality and culture of our dear Edo State.”