Raphael Johnson
In a sustained effort to accelerate regional development and integration through improved infrastructure, security collaboration, and sectoral reforms, governors of the South-West states on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive 262-page economic blueprint.
The document, titled “Plan of Action for the Economic Development of the Region, Nigeria”, was launched at a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.
The event was organised by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, South-West Nigeria, in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission.
Key areas addressed in the plan include transportation, security, agriculture, education, industrialisation, and governance.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the proposal as a timely response to the region’s economic and security challenges.
“Regional integration through inter-state road network will improve development in South-West,” he said, adding that security localisation has helped tackle armed banditry across the region.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, backed the call for state policing as a regional solution to insecurity.
“State police is the way to go, as this will further enhance the security architecture in the region,” he noted, pledging that Osun would thoroughly study and align with the action plan.
The governors of Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo—Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Abiodun Oyebanji, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, respectively—were represented by their Heads of Service and expressed full support for the initiative.
Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, praised the document’s depth and scope, describing it as a “rich repository of insights, strategies, and actionable recommendations that will guide our regional development efforts.”
The event was attended by the Oyo State Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, as well as delegates and stakeholders from all six states in the South-West.