The BRACED Commission, established by six South-South states in Nigeria for regional development in 1999, is struggling due to individualistic approaches by the states’ governors, as reported by GODWIN IJEDIOGOR. This lack of unity has hindered funding and progress. Despite these issues, Ambassador Joe Keshi, Director General of the Commission, revealed attempts to rejuvenate BRACED with the incoming Chairman and Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) is also holding discussions to revive the Commission. The need for unity among the South-South states and more support for the BRACED Commission is emphasized by stakeholders, including former governors and activists. They stress the benefits of a collective approach to addressing regional development issues.
Keshi acknowledges the leadership and followership issues plaguing the South-South region, particularly the focus on sharing the region’s resources rather than sustainable development. He emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize sectors like agriculture, education, and health. He sees hope in the emergence of four new governors in the region, but urges consistent commitment rather than sporadic effort. Keshi calls for the same level of attention that the Southwest governors give to the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, including up-to-date salary payments. The need for South-South governors to break from the past, foster collective development, and pursue initiatives such as pooling energy resources, decentralizing the Nigeria Ports Authority, and building railway connections, are emphasized. He also proposes the creation of a BRACED Business Committee to advise governors on investments and facilitate ease of doing business in the region.
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