The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for unity, solidarity and action among nations of the Global South at the Third Edition of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum in Rabat, Morocco.
Speaking before 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,” Senator Akpabio urged southern nations to move beyond rhetoric and forge a new era of cooperation, industrial growth and political resilience.
“We meet here today not merely to exchange words but to forge weapons—of ideas, of solidarity, of bold policy and brave cooperation,” he said.
“The storms we face—economic upheavals, climate crises, political instability—will not be conquered by isolated efforts but by united resolve.”
Drawing on rich historical and cultural references from Africa and beyond, he hailed Morocco as a bridge between continents and traditions, praising the host nation for offering not merely hospitality but “a fulcrum upon which we may turn the heavy wheels of history.”
In a passionate address that evoked the spirit of past liberation struggles, Akpabio reminded the gathering that apartheid fell not by isolated goodwill but by united, determined action across nations and peoples.
He called on the South to summon that same collective strength against today’s challenges: “No fortress of difficulty—economic, political or social—can withstand the force of our unity and determination.”
Senator Akpabio also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration through ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stating that true development is driven not by isolated national efforts but by collaborative South-South action anchored in trust, shared vision and strategic partnerships.
Using an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” he emphasised that nations of the South must choose collective endurance over short-term ambition.
He challenged the Forum not to let Rabat be remembered merely as a symposium of speeches but as the moment when the Global South “rolled up its sleeves, joined hands across oceans and lit the torch of common development that no darkness could extinguish.” Concluding on a hopeful note, he proclaimed:
“Let it be said of us, in the chronicles of tomorrow, that when history beckoned, we did not falter; when courage was demanded, 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.”
In his remarks, the forum chairman, speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco and chairman of ASSECAA, Mohamed Errachid welcomed delegates and emphasised the urgent need for deeper South-South cooperation to confront global economic and security challenges.
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 Forum continues in Rabat, with participants deliberating on practical frameworks to bolster inter-regional cooperation, economic resilience, security and sustainable development.
Akpabio led a delegation of eight senators—Peter Nwaebonyi, Osita Ngwu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Samaila Kaila, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Salihu Mustapha, Jimoh Ibrahim and Titus Zam.
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