Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been elected President of the Forum of African Regions, pledging stronger collaboration to advance inclusive development across the continent.
AbdulRazaq’s emergence was announced on Monday during a meeting held in Tangier, Morocco, on the sidelines of the United Cities and Local Governments World Congress.
He will be joined in the new leadership structure by four vice presidents representing Central, North, East and Southern Africa.
According to a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary at the Government House, Ilorin, Mashood Agboola, the new leadership is expected to deepen decentralisation, strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate socioeconomic development across Africa.
“The mandate of the Forum of Governors and Regions/States of Africa is to accelerate socioeconomic development, deepen decentralisation and devolution, and position subnational governments as key drivers of continental integration and sustainable development,” the statement said.
It added that AbdulRazaq would work alongside Ousmanou Oumarou of the Association of Regions of Cameroon for Central Africa, Mbarka Bouaida of the Association of Regions of Morocco for North Africa, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o of Kisumu County, Kenya, for East Africa, and Panyaza Lesufi of Gauteng Province, South Africa, for Southern Africa.
The statement noted that the body was poised to strengthen decentralised cooperation and amplify the voice of African regions in pursuit of sustainable development.
Speaking after his election, AbdulRazaq underscored the need for stronger partnerships among African countries and subnational governments to unlock the continent’s vast potential.
“It has often been observed that geography has constrained economic integration in parts of Africa. However, history has also shown that visionary leadership, strategic investment, and regional cooperation can overcome geographical barriers,” he said.
The Kwara governor identified infrastructure and connectivity as critical tools for addressing developmental challenges and boosting regional integration.
“Around the world, nations have reduced the limitations imposed by geography through infrastructure, transport corridors, canals, and other forms of connectivity that link people, markets, and opportunities,” he stated.
According to him, Africa possesses the capacity to achieve similar progress through collective action and sustained investment.
“Africa has the capacity to do the same. By working together, investing in connectivity, and strengthening partnerships among our cities and regions, we can create sustainable linkages that support trade, innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth,” he added.
He further urged leaders across the continent to embrace a shared vision of integration and prosperity.
“Tangier and Cape Town should not merely be seen as distant points on a map, but as anchors of a connected African future. This vision is achievable if we act collectively and embrace the spirit of cooperation that this Congress represents,” AbdulRazaq said.
The new leadership of the Forum of African Regions is expected to focus on strengthening inter-regional ties and promoting policies aimed at enhancing sustainable development and economic integration across the continent.
