Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been elected as the President of the Forum of African Regions (FORAF).
AbdulRazaq was elected alongside four regional vice presidents representing Central Africa, North Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Government House, Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola.
The election was held on Monday in Tangier, Morocco, on the sidelines of the UCLG World Congress.
The statement explained that the mandate of FORAF is to accelerate socioeconomic development, deepen decentralisation and devolution, and position subnational governments as key drivers of continental integration and sustainable development.
“We congratulate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on his election as President of FORAF.”
“He will be supported in this mission by the regional vice-presidents: Central Africa: Mr. Ousmanou Oumarou (Association of Regions of Cameroon); North Africa: Ms. Mbarka Bouaida (Association of Regions of Morocco); East Africa: Mr. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu County, Kenya); Southern Africa: Mr. Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng Province, South South Africa),” the statement read.
The body noted that it is poised for renewed governance to amplify the voice of African regions and strengthen decentralised cooperation across the continent.
Earlier during a session, Governor AbdulRazaq called for improved synergies among African nations, including subnational governments, to deepen development and sustainable growth.
“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.”
“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. 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. 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,” he said.