South-West Govs Harp On Regional Integration For Economic Dev’t

Governors from the South-West on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, advocated the need to improve multi-modal transport system to enhance development, boost regional integration and drive the economy in the region.

The governors alongside top government officials including retired and serving Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries said, it was important for the region to open its transport multimodality towards developing networks and impact positively on the region.

The call was made at the launch of a 262-page proposed plan of action for the economic development of the South-West region by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries: South-west Nigeria, (ARHOSPS-SWN) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria – DAWN Commission.

Organisers said the document was a thoughtfully conceived initiative that would reposition the South-West as Nigeria’s beacon of development.

Speaking, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde applauded ARHOSPS-SWN, saying it had taken proactive steps to ensure economic development of the South-West region.

Makinde who represented by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal described the document as a timely intervention to confront the rising security threats in the region, which has affected many Nigerians.

Calling for regional integration, the Governor noted that localising security in each state of the region had reduced the menace of armed bandits.

“Regional integration through intra-state read network will improve development in the South-West.”

Also speaking the Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke said the state governments in the region were working to collectively address the development of the region, by putting up initiatives that will improve safety.

Governor Adeleke also advocated the need for state police, saying this will further enhance the security architecture in the region.

Represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, Adeleke promised that the state government would study the proposed plan of action alongside others in the region.

Also pledging their supports to the proposed plan of action by ARHOSPS-SWN were governors of Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji; Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who were represented by their heads of service.

Speaking earlier, the Regional President, ARHOSPS-SWN, Overseer Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola, described the book as blueprint for progress in the region.

“This book, the culmination of rigorous research, insightful deliberations, and the collective wisdom of our esteemed members, represents our unwavering dedication to the land that has nurtured us and to the generations that will follow”, he said.

“Within its pages, you will find meticulously researched proposals, addressing critical areas.”

Okebukola said the proposed plan of action for the economic development of the region and Nigeria was designed to proffer solutions.

A key component of the action plan was a detailed framework for security improvement.

The plan recommends a state-by-state and town-by-town security network identification and a 15-point recommendation series, including the establishment of state police.

Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye said the document comes at a crucial moment for the region.

“It provides a rich repository of insights, strategies, and actionable recommendations that will guide our regional development efforts”, he said.