Political leaders and traditional rulers from across the Southwest have called for renewed commitment to regional integration, economic diversification, and stronger inter-state collaboration to accelerate development across Yorubaland.
They made the call on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State emphasized that the Southwest must take the lead in redefining Nigeria’s development narrative through strategic collaboration and innovation.
He said, “The Southwest once again sets the pace for Nigeria. We are gathered not only to reflect on our journey but to reimagine our destiny. Collaboration, innovation, and good governance will define our collective future.”
In his address, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State reaffirmed the region’s loyalty to the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and stressed the need for unity of purpose among Southwest leaders.
He said, “The dialogue we are having here reflects our heritage of inclusivity and shared responsibility. For us in Ondo, we stand firm behind President Tinubu’s leadership. Ondo for Tinubu 2027 is our executive commitment to continuity and progress.”
He further highlighted ongoing federal projects in the region — including the Ilaje Deep Sea Port, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Akure–Ado–Ekiti Dual Carriageway — as evidence of federal attention to the Southwest.
The Alaafin of Oyo, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers, reaffirmed the monarchs’ commitment to preserving peace and unity across the region.
He noted that, “Dialogue has always been the foundation of Yoruba politics. We must sustain the spirit of engagement and ensure that governance remains people-driven.”
Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Senator Femi Okurounmu, urged the leaders to prioritize regional welfare over partisan interests.
“Party politics must never divide Yoruba progress. Development is our true ideology. The welfare of our people should be the compass guiding our policies,” he said.
Former Osun State Governor and APC national leader, Chief Bisi Akande, also called for stronger economic and institutional frameworks within the Southwest to sustain growth.
“We must transform our demographic advantage into productive capacity,” Akande stated. “Our youths deserve jobs, our farmers deserve markets, and our entrepreneurs deserve industrial opportunities.”
The summit, organized by Afenifere in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, brought together all six Southwest governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, and business executives to deliberate on governance, fiscal reforms, job creation, and regional competitiveness.
The gathering ended with a shared resolve to deepen cooperation among the Southwest states, strengthen democracy through dialogue, and position the region as a model for national development.
