••• As SSGs converge on Ondo for Regional Forum
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has emphasised the urgent need for South-West states to deepen collaboration in order to consolidate the region’s position as Nigeria’s strongest economic and security bloc.
Aiyedatiwa made the call in Akure on Thursday while addressing the Forum of Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs) from the South-West during their meeting on regional development.
Welcoming the SSGs, the Governor described their convergence as a powerful signal of the region’s resolve to move beyond basic cooperation into a more enduring and impactful integration, in line with the ideals of the South-West’s founding leaders.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Aiyedatiwa said SSGs remain pivotal to policy formulation, coordination, and implementation, noting that their work is central to transforming gubernatorial visions into measurable outcomes.
He said the theme of the meeting, “Consolidating Partnerships for Regional Development,” captures the essence of renewed collaboration needed to achieve the region’s shared aspirations.
According to him, the economic headwinds and security challenges confronting Nigeria demand that the South-West strengthens its united front, adding:
“The era of ad-hoc collaboration is behind us. We are now in the phase of consolidation—moving from good intentions to irreversible results.”
Aiyedatiwa noted that the wave of regional cooperation has found legal backing through the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) Establishment Act 2025, which provides a framework to address gaps in infrastructure, agriculture, economic transformation, and human capital development.
He highlighted the SWDC’s Regional Growth Plan, including ambitious rail and superhighway projects and the revival of abandoned routes in partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, describing them as pathways to seamless mobility and trade.
The Governor explained that Ondo State’s development agenda, the “OUR EASE” Blueprint, was deliberately crafted as a building block for a stronger South-West, with focus on security, modern infrastructure, human capital development, healthcare expansion, maritime growth, and affordable energy.
He disclosed ongoing investments attracted by his administration in renewable energy and solid minerals, aligning with the SWDC’s sustainable sector priorities.
Aiyedatiwa further revealed that Ondo State recently formalised a multibillion-dollar agreement under the Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture (JV), which will deliver a 500,000 barrels-per-day refinery and a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Local Government. He said the project would trigger massive job creation, boost industrial growth, and position the South-West as a major refining and export hub in Africa.
On security, the Governor hailed the Amotekun Corps as a proof of regional strength through collaboration, noting that Ondo State has intensified community policing and border surveillance. He announced the approval for the recruitment of 500 additional personnel into the Corps.
He also commended the South-West Governors’ recent decisions to create a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) and a live digital intelligence-sharing platform, describing them as bold steps towards regional safety.
Aiyedatiwa insisted that state policing is now non-negotiable, stressing the need for the region to strategically lobby and build legislative support for its realisation.
He also warned that unregulated interstate migration, as highlighted in the recent Governors’ communiqué, poses environmental and security risks, urging harmonised border control frameworks across the region.
He charged participants to translate resolutions into action:
“We must turn memoranda into milestones and blueprints into bridges. Let us build a region where policies align, economies interconnect, and our people remain secure and prosperous.”
In his welcome address, Ondo State SSG, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, represented by Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr. Adeyemi Adeyemo, said the forum’s strategic engagement is critical to achieving full regional integration.
He praised the diverse expertise within the group and appreciated the Governors for fostering a culture of cooperation.
He commended the DAWN Commission for consistently driving the South-West agenda through coordination, innovation and policy support. Fasoranti said the meeting focuses on strategic partnerships in rail infrastructure and digital technology (AI)—two key pillars for regional competitiveness.
Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, described the forum as the crucible shaping the region’s future, noting that challenges such as regional rail development and digital literacy for 50 million citizens demand collective solutions.
He assured that DAWN Commission will continue to provide technical backing and institutional memory to deepen regional integration.
