The 17 governors from the South-west, South-east and South-south are to meet in Lagos today (Monday) to discuss latest national issues and forge stronger partnership.

The meeting is coming after 12 years of a similar gathering.

A statement by Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, said the meeting would be co-hosted by the Governors of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Akwa Ibom, Mr Emmanuel Udom.

Bello said the meeting is in line with the realisation that the different states in the South have since 2005 developed several areas of comparative advantage which could be harnessed and become mutually beneficial.

According to him, the governors would also be expected to adopt a common position on the issues of armed robbery, kidnapping, devolution of powers and issue of fiscal federalism which have all gained prominence of late.

“The 2017 Lagos summit of the 17 Southern Governors representing the South-south, South-west and South-east zones is expected to come up with a communiqué after the deliberation.

“It is noteworthy to recall that the inaugural meeting of the Southern Governors took place in Lagos in 2001 under the administration of Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Bello said.

The statement added that the predominance of views is that if the Southern states speak with one voice, they are bound to attract weighty and credible listenership.

NAN