Date: 2009-05-24

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the Kennedy School Government, Havard University, on provision of academic support for the Governors on capacity building, best practices and good governance.

The MOU was secured by the Forum during its visit to the University as part of the working visit to the US by four of its members, Dr Bukola Saraki of Kwara, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom,Alhaji Isa Yuguda of Bauchi and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo states.

According to the terms of the agreement, the Nigeria Governors under the umbrella of the Governors’ Forum will be visiting the Havard University in batches for acquisition of knowledge on good governance and best practices.

The capacity building programme being offered by the University, which is expected to commence later in the year would also benefit the senior staff of the institution and that of the Governors’ Forum.

Speaking while welcoming the Governors to the University, the Director of the institution, Professor Robert Rotberg stated that the center has done extensive work on Africa affairs, noting that the Governors' visit was among the first by any African leaders. He assured the delegation of his readiness to work with the Nigeria Governors' Forum.

Responding, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State traced Nigeria's problem to the negative perception being given by the rest of the world.

According to him, the situation is not as bad as was being painted and blamed discredited Nigerians who go abroad to paint negative picture of the country.

The Bauchi State Governor noted that the country is among the richest in the world in human and natural resources and wondered why the advanced nations of the world are not taking advantage of these resources, which they believe would certainly reap bountiful harvest.

He expressed the readiness of the Governors’ Forum to work with the University to tap on their knowledge through which they will make positive impact on their people.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state in his remarks wondered why in spite of the deregulation efforts of the Nigerian government, the expected foreign investments are not coming in.

He submitted that leadership is the bane of the country's development, adding that if other countries can grow their democracy on the established democratic principles, why not Nigeria.

The Governors were also at the National Democratic Institute, NDI in Washington DC where they secured its support to help the Forum achieve its set objectives.

The Vice-President of the Institute, Sharri Bryan commended the Governors for their commitment to good governance saying what they were doing is not seen in many African countries.

He stressed the need for the Institute to focus more on the states where people feel the impact than the Federal Government, noting that the Institute is prepared to collaborate with the Governors' Forum.

Sharri Bryan stated further that the Institute has put in place peer review mechanism for some public institutions like Power Holding Company of Nigeria(PHCN),adding that the Institute is aware of the success Kwara State has achieved in electricity supply.

 

Billy Adedamola

S A Media to the Kwara State Governor

24/05/09