...as Governors Harp on Regional Integration_
Stakeholders in the South-West region gathered on Thursday in Ibadan to identify and address the region’s challenges, and concluded that the region needs to improve its multi-modal transport system to enhance development, boost regional integration and drive the economy.
The stakeholders, comprising of top government officials, retired and serving Heads of Service and Permanent secretaries, among others said it was important the region opens its transport multimodality, adding that this will develop 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 Nigeria, 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) on Thursday in Ibadan.
The event was attended by the six governors of the Southwest region, represented by their Deputies and Heads of Service.
The organisers said the document is a thoughtfully conceived initiative that will reposition the Southwest as Nigeria’s beacon of development.
Speaking Oyo state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde applauded ARHOSPS-SWN, saying it has taken proactive steps to ensure economic development of the South-West region.
Gov. Makinde 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.
The governor calling for regional integration, noted that localising security in each state of the region has reduced the menace of armed bandits.
“Regional integration through intrr-state read network will improve development in the Southwest.”
Also speaking the Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke said the state governments in the region, are working to collectively address the development of the region, by putting up initiatives that will improve safety.
He said State police is the way to go, as this will further enhance the security architecture in the region.
Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, promised the State government will 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 the 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 books 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.”
According to him, the Proposed Plan of Action for the Economic Development of the South-west region, Nigeria is designed to proffer solutions to various topics, including: Security improvement strategies, Health development, Power and solid minerals, Arts, culture, and tourism, Regional development plans, Project financing, Transportation development, Educational development, Agricultural and industrial development, Public service development and Governance and nation-building.
A key component of the Action Plan is 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.
The Director-General, DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye applauded ARAHOSPS-SWN for their exceptional effort in producing this comprehensive “Plan of Action for the Economic Development of the Southwest Region, Nigeria.”
He said the document comes at a crucial moment for the region, coinciding with the establishment of the Southwest Regional Development Commission.
“It provides a rich repository of insights, strategies, and actionable recommendations that will guide our regional development efforts”, he said.
The event also had in attendance the Oyo state Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, delegates from each of the States in the South-West region, as well as other stakeholders.