NGF Hosts Oshiomhole, Mimiko to Dinner at Aso Rock
Tobi Soniyi
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday night held a farewell dinner in honour of two of their colleagues, former Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and the outgoing Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event held at the State House Conference Centre shortly after the NGF meeting.
Speaking at the dinner, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said both Mimiko and Oshiomhole made great impact in their respective states.
Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Chief Victor Attah, were among dignitaries who spoke at the event.
Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State also poured encomiums on the governors.
The event was attended by all governors including past ones. Governors who did not come were represented by their deputies.
Oshiomhole in his remarks, thanked the forum and said the gathering must remain to represent the diverse nature of the country.
He said the NGF should be seen as an organisation that would unite the country and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
He commended Osinbajo for the leadership he has always provided for the National Economic Council (NEC) which he was a member.
In his remarks, Mimiko said it was a thing of pride for the NGF for the first time to celebrate their own who were leaving office.
He said there was a need to find ways to empower governors for them to deliver more in the states.
He said: “We have to recreate the image of the governor in Nigeria. There is a level of perception between the governor from the people and what they are delivering in the states.
“I think we need to rethink the image of the governor. Africa can not come of age if Nigeria does not come of age.”