By: Temitayo Taylor

In a bid to further strengthen democracy particularly in the Southwest region, South West Governors and Afenifere leaders, have stressed the need to be more united irrespective of political differences and pursue  regional economic development  in the South west States.

The Governors of Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and Osun States made these known in their  separate remarks at the Southwest stakeholders dialogue themed: Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: assessing progress, charting the future, at the International culture and events centre, Akure, where they also hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed hope agenda.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele, said there was need for South west Governors to renew the tradition they were  known for, which included forthrightness,  progressiveness and further lead by example in accountability, inclusion and citizens participation.

He noted that the summit had provided an opportunity to institutionalise regular dialogue between citizens and government, adding that true progress could be achieved not by speaking to citizens alone, but by government listening to the yearnings of the people, while stakeholders’ engagements could also deepen trust, strengthen democracy and ensure that policies portrayed the needs of the people.

According to him, ''as we crave for progressive politics and intellectual innovation, south west region must always lead Nigeria's path towards modern governance handed over by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His visionary legacies to our collective strides in Education, technology and entreprise must be re-energised.

"Let us work together, Federal and State governments, citizens and institutions to build a southwest that would continue to shine as the engine of innovation and prosperity for our nation. Democracy thrives when dialogue flourishes, so let this summit resolves to deepen collaboration, confront challenges together and build a future anchor on unity, progress and growth.

‘’We in ogun State have seen and count the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reforms and are committed to the continuity of his administration beyond this cluster," he said.

Governor Abiodun explained that Ogun State government had benefitted from Federal Government policies such as the distribution of greens and fertilisers, enjoyed partnership with the Minister of Marine and Blue economy on the Ijebu-Ode Inland dry port, rehabilitation of the Sagamu Benin expressway and ongoing infrastructure synergy through the Lagos Ibadan standard roof and the Lekki Ijebu ode kajola road network.

The Governor however commended the organiser for the programme, Ondo State Governor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for hosting and in particular the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his bold reform across key sectors which he said had restored national confidence and place the country on a sustainable growth.

Also speaking, Lagos State Governor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman, South West Governors, said it’s high time for South West region to reclaim its heritage of innovation, education, good governance, adding that region must take it stand up place and come united than before.

His words 'Diversity has always been our strength, let’s bring it forward. Let us spread those asset towards a shared regional agenda that will deliver inclusive growth, citizen’s engagement, collaborative and constructive dialogue amongst southwest region.

In his remarks, the host, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, explained that the historic gathering was an affirmation of the existing synergy and collaboration between different institutions, hinting that democracy thrives when leaders and citizens meet and dialogue for constructive engagement, while noting that despite the challenges the present democratic dispensation faced, democracy would still remain and would progress.

Contributing the Olowo of Owo and the paramount ruler of Owo land, HRM, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, called for more stakeholder’s summit as it would strengthen unity, encourage collaboration and foster development in South West region.

The convener of the programme, and the leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by the former Secretary General of Afenifere, Senator, Femi Okurounmu, urged South West Governors to unite and collaborate for regional development irrespective of their political parties, calling on politicians, stakeholders, traditional rulers to recommit to the welfare ideology that defined Yoruba political heritage  such that every child must have access to quality education, every citizens must  have access to healthcare and not as privilege, but as a right , every young citizens must have access to employment  as well as entrepreneurial skills, not by political connections but through merit.

Contributing, Chief Bisi Akande appreciated the convener of the programme, saying it would help to deepen and strengthen democracy, while calling for a purposeful restructuring, collaboration and innovative thinking that could drive economic development in South West region, as well as look into economic diversification by paying attention to human capital development, agriculture, mining and solid minerals, rather than focusing on Oil alone. 

Dignitaries at the event were, Minister for Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy , Mr. Olawale Edun, Minister of State for health, Dr. Iziaq Salako,  Ondo State  Deputy Governor, Mr. Olayide Adeyemi, Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, , Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr. Omolola Adubiaro, former Governor of Ondo,  Olusegun Mimiko,  former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun, former Speaker of Ogun State House  of Assembly Prince Suraju Adekunbi, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRH Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alaafin of Oyo, HIM, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, amongst others.