OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO/GODWIN AYOBAMI RACHEL
Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Odidigborigbo of Africa, Oghara born former governor of oil rich Delta State has been appointed patron of Former Governors Forum of Nigeria.
The Forum in a letter to Chief Ibori dated Monday, July 13, 2020, signed by Dr. Aliyu Babangida, former Governor of Niger State and Prof. Tunde Esan, Chairman and Executive Secretary respectively, said that the Forum is recognizing Chief Ibori not only because of his role as a former governor but because as a respected elder statesman with passion for the promotion of unity in Nigeria, which is the major objective of the Forum.
According to the letter, “in line with the provision of the constitution of Former Governors Forum: a body of elected Former Governors in Nigeria from 1979 to date and based on the unanimous decision of the Executive Committee of the Forum, we convey to you, your appointment as the Patron of the Forum.”
The letter added, “your role as a Patron will be invaluable in the development of good leadership qualities among the emerging leaders in Nigeria because one of the key objectives of the Forum is a development of a body of experienced and patriotic Nigerians that provides a resource platform for the emergence of selfless leaders, that will make appropriate input for the furtherance of peace and prosperity of the nation at all times.”
The letter further added, “the Forum has the largest pool of leaders with experience in governance in Africa and its role as a major leadership resource base in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized.”
