On the path to further bolster regional unity and drive economic growth, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to host the South West Governors Forum at the State House in Ikeja on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The forum will bring together the governors of five states in the South West Zone: Ogun State’s Governor Dapo Abiodun, Oyo State’s Governor Seyi Makinde, Osun State’s Governor Ademola Adeleke, Ondo State’s Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Ekiti State’s Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
As confirmed by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso on his X platform, the meeting comes as part of an ongoing effort to coordinate development initiatives and address common challenges across the region. “The South West Governors’ Forum will discuss issues of common interest, such as agriculture and food security, to advance economic growth, foster collaboration and enhance development initiatives in the Zone. Security of lives and property will also be part of the agenda,” Omotoso said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
This upcoming forum is particularly significant given the shared challenges faced by the states in the South West. Agriculture remains a critical sector for many communities in the region, and with Nigeria facing fluctuating global food prices and periodic supply disruptions, there is a pressing need to reinforce food security. The governors are expected to deliberate on strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, leverage technology for modern farming techniques, and streamline the supply chain from farm to market. By aligning policies and sharing best practices, the forum aims to create a cohesive regional strategy that can drive sustainable economic growth.
Security is another pivotal agenda item. With the threat of criminal activities and occasional inter-communal conflicts still looming over the region, ensuring the safety of lives and property is paramount. Discussions will likely center on enhancing collaboration between state security agencies, improving intelligence sharing, and integrating technology to better monitor and respond to security challenges.
The forum builds on the success of a similar meeting held in Lagos on June 10, 2024, when Governor Sanwo-Olu was unanimously appointed as Chairman of the South West Governors Forum. That meeting set the stage for a more coordinated approach to governance among the states, encouraging the adoption of policies that cut across state boundaries for the collective benefit of the region. Observers believe that the upcoming meeting will reinforce that momentum, especially as the region prepares to implement new policies and projects in the coming months.
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The forum also comes at a critical time when the Nigerian government is intensifying efforts to promote regional integration and economic revitalization. With the country’s economy facing both internal and external pressures—from fluctuating oil prices to challenges in the agricultural sector—the South West Governors Forum is expected to serve as a platform for crafting innovative solutions that can spur growth and improve livelihoods.
Among the topics likely to be discussed are infrastructure development projects, such as improving road networks to facilitate the movement of goods and services, and investments in digital technology to boost connectivity in rural areas. The meeting is anticipated to be a forum for candid exchanges, where the governors will not only present their individual plans but also explore opportunities for collaboration that could lead to joint projects and shared resources.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, known for his proactive leadership style, assured the delegates and the public that his administration is fully committed to delivering on the promises of the forum. “Our focus is on building a future that benefits every citizen of the South West. By working together, we can overcome our challenges and harness our collective potential to drive progress,” he declared during a recent public address.
As the forum prepares to convene on February 13, expectations are high that the discussions will yield actionable strategies and forge stronger ties among the South West states. With agriculture, security, and infrastructure at the forefront, the meeting promises to be a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards a more integrated and prosperous future.
Further updates coming soon….
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