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A former senator and chairman of the South-South Zonal Summit in Asaba, Adedayo Adeyeye, has described the South-South region as the economic lifeline of Nigeria, stressing that oil-producing states remain the backbone of the nation’s economy.

Adeyeye noted that revenue from crude oil continues to sustain Nigeria’s economic framework, giving the country its fiscal relevance.

The summit, held at the new Government House Press Centre, Asaba, brought together key political figures including Imo State Governor and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hope Uzodinma, and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who both called for unity of purpose, message, and mobilisation across the country.

Speaking at the strategic communications and mobilisation summit themed “One Party, One Message, One Mobilisation,” the governors emphasized that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms would only succeed through coordinated messaging and strong grassroots engagement.

The event also attracted top party stakeholders, including Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) moved to strengthen communication strategies and deepen nationwide support.

In his address, Uzodimma revealed that the summit produced a comprehensive national work plan with clear timelines and deliverables aimed at driving economic growth and national development. He described the framework as the “compass and spine” guiding Renewed Hope Ambassadors across the country.

He acknowledged improvements in key macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, increased oil production, and higher revenue allocation, but admitted that many Nigerians at the grassroots have yet to feel the impact.

According to him, the responsibility lies with party ambassadors to bridge the gap by simplifying government policies and engaging directly with citizens.

“You are the interpreters of government vision and the bridge between performance and public understanding. You must go where the President cannot reach and explain reforms in ways people understand,” he said.

Uzodimma maintained that reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, though painful, are necessary steps to correct long-standing structural imbalances in the economy. He urged stakeholders to adopt a more conversational and transparent communication style while countering misinformation with facts.

On his part, Oborevwori described the summit as a strategic platform to reinforce party structures and intensify grassroots mobilisation in the South-South.

He warned that disjointed messaging could weaken the party’s effectiveness and create openings for opposition forces, stressing the need for unity backed by action.

“Unity must be matched with action. We must take the message to the people, defend our reforms, and mobilise effectively,” he said.

Earlier, former Delta State Governor and South-South Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ifeanyi Okowa, said the summit was designed to equip participants with tools to effectively communicate the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okowa explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda was introduced to tackle long-standing economic challenges, including weak fiscal structures, unemployment, and low investor confidence.

He listed achievements of the administration to include improved foreign reserves, increased oil output, expanded healthcare access, education reforms, and infrastructure development, while conceding that a communication gap has limited public appreciation of these gains.

He urged ambassadors to engage citizens directly in markets, communities, and institutions using facts and relatable examples to counter misinformation.

Adeyeye, in his remarks, expressed confidence that the APC would secure victory in the 2027 general elections, noting that the South-South remains pivotal to Nigeria’s political direction and is increasingly aligning with the ruling party.

Participants were charged to replicate strategies discussed at the summit in their respective states and local government areas, with emphasis on measurable outcomes, sustained engagement, and unified messaging.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme; APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru; National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka; APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Emmanuel Eneuku; South-South Chairman, Victor Giadom; Senator Joel-Onowakpor Thomas; and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, among others.

The summit ended with a strong call for discipline, coordination, and sustained grassroots engagement, as party leaders stressed that the success of ongoing reforms and future electoral victories would depend heavily on effective communication and mobilisation.