TOPE FAYEHUNSouth West Governors have said unity remains key to Nigeria’s progress, not division.
The governors made the remarks in separate speeches at the Southwest Leaders’ Dialogue, which was held at The Dome in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The theme was “Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
The Ondo State governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, emphasised that unity, not division, remains the key to Nigeria’s progress.
Aiyedatiwa called on the people to “explore our diversities as a reservoir of our strength” and urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of dialogue and collaboration among themselves and with the Federal Government to maximise the benefits of democratic governance.
The Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the Southwest had once again emerged as a beacon of progress and development for the entire nation.
He credited Nigeria’s current stability and growth to the transformative leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu said the country “is being reshaped into a land of renewed confidence, investment, and prosperity — achievements strongly rooted in the Southwest’s tradition of innovation and education.”
In his remarks, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the dialogue was a platform to bridge the gap between citizens and government. He said the engagement would ensure inclusive governance and strengthen the region.
Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako, commended President Tinubu’s reforms for restoring national confidence and placing the country on a trajectory of sustainable goals.
He stated that Tinubu had been bold in addressing infrastructural and structural deficiencies.
saying that the administration had had positive impacts across regions in the country.
Abiodun noted that the region remained a model for purposeful leadership that must be renewed by accountability, inclusion and intentional leadership
Addressing the gathering, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged Nigerian leaders to embrace true federalism by devolving powers and strengthening democratic institutions.
He noted the forum came “at a most auspicious time” for reflection and collective action to deepen democracy in Nigeria. He reiterated the call for Nigerian leaders to adopt true federalism by devolving powers and reinforcing democratic structures.
According to Aiyedatiwa, “Dialogue must birth action” if democracy is to serve the people meaningfully. He asked, “Shall we continue with centralisation when true federalism demands devolution of powers at the centre? We must decide what is best for us, taking cognisance of our diversities.”
“Should we accept our present state of development when the prospect exists for us to become a developed economy? Shall we remain divided when unity is our strength? The answer is simple: We must rise. We must reform. We must renew.”
Reaffirming the Southwest’s heritage of dialogue and consensus-building, Aiyedatiwa said the Yoruba people have historically valued inclusive decision-making, citing the saying “àgbàjọ ọwọ́ la fi ń sòyà” (we achieve success through unity).
“Dialogue is not for talking alone. We must walk the talk. We must strengthen our institutions to work for our people and renew trust between citizens and government,” he emphasised.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “bold and transformative reforms,” noting that the policies have stabilised the economy, boosted non-oil revenues, and enhanced fiscal discipline.
He added that improved financial inflows to states have enabled sub-national governments to embark on developmental projects that directly impact citizens.
He listed several Federal Government projects ongoing in Ondo State, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (71 km within Ondo State), the Ilaje Deep Sea Port initiative, the Akure–Ado-Ekiti Dual Carriageway, Ore–Ondo–Akure and Benin–Ofosu–Ore road rehabilitations, the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, the proposed Aviation School, the 1,000-unit FHA Housing Scheme, and many others.
Aiyedatiwa described these projects as “practical evidence of collaboration between the Federal Government and the Southwest sub-nationals.”
He added, “The Federal Government, by engaging with us, shows that democracy matures when the centre listens to the regions. I must also commend the efforts of the Dawn Commission and Afenifere Group in facilitating this dialogue, which reminds us that scholarship and policy are the backbone of true progress.”
“So, let us talk. But more than that, let us act. Let us chart a future where the Southwest remains a beacon of progress and Nigeria fulfils her promise to all her citizens.”
Present at the event were: Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Omolola Adubiaro; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal.
Others included Ondo State Deputy Governor Olaide Adelami, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the Coordinating Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.
