From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has called for greater unity, solidarity, and action among nations of the Global South to tackle emerging global challenges.
Speaking at the Third Edition of South South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum, in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, Akpabio emphasised that southern nations must move beyond rhetoric to forge deeper cooperation, industrial growth, and political resilience.
Senator Akpabio is leading a Nigerian delegation, comprising eight senators: Peter Nwaebonyi, Osita Ngwu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Samaila Kaila, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Salihu Mustapha, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Titus Zam.
Addressing an audience of lawmakers, diplomats, and development leaders under the theme “Inter-regional and continental dialogues in the countries of the South as a fundamental lever to address the emerging challenges of international cooperation and achieve peace, security, stability, and common development,” Akpabio declared, “We meet here, today, not merely to exchange words, but to forge weapons—of ideas, of solidarity, of bold policy, and brave cooperation. The storms we face—economic upheavals, climate crises, political instability—will not be conquered by isolated efforts, but by united resolve.”
Drawing from Africa’s historical struggles and cultural legacy, Akpabio praised Morocco for its role as a bridge between continents and traditions. He described the Kingdom as a “fulcrum upon which we may turn the heavy wheels of history.”
Referencing the collective global action that ended apartheid, Akpabio underscored the necessity of solidarity in addressing today’s complex crises, saying, “No fortress of difficulty—economic, political, or social—can withstand the force of our unity and determination.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to regional integration efforts through platforms such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasising that sustainable development must be anchored in trust, shared vision, and strategic partnerships.
Quoting an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Akpabio urged southern nations to prioritise long-term collaboration over short-term gains.
He further challenged delegates to make the Rabat Forum a turning point to be remembered not for its speeches but for decisive, collective action.
“Let it be said of us, in the chronicles of tomorrow, that when history beckoned, we did not falter; when the moment demanded courage, we stood as one; and when the world doubted the strength of the South, we proved that unity forged in purpose is a force no power on earth can defeat,” he charged.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman of the Forum, His Excellency, Mohamed Ould Errachid, Speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco and Chairman of the Association of Senates, Shoora, and Equivalent Councils of Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA), stressed the urgency of deeper South-South cooperation.
He described the gathering as “a living testament to the will of the Global South to take its destiny into its own hands and build a future of shared peace, prosperity, and dignity.”
The Third Edition of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum continues in Rabat, with discussions focusing on strengthening interregional cooperation, economic resilience, security, and sustainable development.