By Ayodele Oni
As part of their collaborative efforts, the six Governors of the South West region of Nigeria met again in Lagos, where they agreed to establish joint food hubs to address the growing food inflation and associated challenges in the region.
They resolved to strenghten the security outfit to combat all forms of banditry and other crimes in the region.
The host Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this while reading the communique issued at the end of the Governors Forum meeting held at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday.
Chief Press Secretary to Ondo state Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan in a statement, revealed that the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as Governors Biodun Oyebaniji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke, Osun, attended the extensive meeting.
The closed-door meeting focused on common interests and key regional issues, including security, agriculture, food security, economic collaboration, and the establishment of the Southwest Development Commission.
The meeting followed a similar one held in Lagos on June 10, 2024, during which Sanwo-Olu was unanimously appointed Chairman of the Forum.
The governors said they are ready to counter any attempt by the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) to enter the region, thereby undermining its security.
The governors commended the board and management team of Odua Investment Limited for its ongoing efforts in repositioning the investment company.
They also commended President Bola Tinubu over the ongoing economic reforms that have ensured stable naira and supply of petrol across the country.
Sanwo-Olu said the president was commended for establishing the South Western Development Commission and that the governors agreed that its head office should be located at Ibadan within Cocoa House of Odua Investment Company Limited.
As part of efforts to ensure food security and check inflation, Sanwo-Olu stated that the governors set up a food inflation joint monitoring team within the region, while each state should establish a food logistics hub in its domain.
Following is the full text of the communique as released by the Governor of Lagos State who is the Chairman of the Forum.
Commends President Tinubu
“The Forum commends President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the economic stability and improvements recorded across the nation, particularly in the sustained supply and distribution of petroleum products and the stabilization of the exchange rate. The Forum urges citizens to continue supporting the President’s efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.
Supports Student Loan Scheme
“The Forum applauds the Federal Government for the successful implementation of the Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has benefited South West students in tertiary institutions. It encourages all eligible students in the region to take full advantage of this initiative to access higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition programs.
Congratulates Ondo State Governor
“The Forum congratulates His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his victory in the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election held on November 16, 2024.
Regional Security, Peace
“The Forum commends the South-West Governors for maintaining relative peace and security in the region, particularly during the recent festive period. It calls on all States to continue fostering peaceful coexistence among member States.
Condemns ISWAP Activities
“Acknowledging the threat posed by ISWAP activities in parts of the South West, the Forum strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security. It encourages enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits, urging them to remain vigilant. The Forum also commits to taking necessary actions to counter these threats.
Establishment Of Joint Security Surveillance
“The Forum agreed to establish a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team to oversee and coordinate security efforts across the South West region. As part of this resolution, the Forum has committed to deploying advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems, to enhance security operations. Additionally, the Forum resolved its Special Advisers on Security collaborates on intelligence gathering and sharing between State security agencies, local security networks, and federal law enforcement authorities among Southeast states.
South West Development Commission.
“The Forum commends the Federal Government and the Senate for establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and collectively agreed to situate its headquarters at Cocoa House, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Odu’a Investment Coy Ltd
“The Forum acknowledges the efforts of Odu’a Investment Company Ltd. in efficiently managing joint assets of the South-West region over the past five years. It also commends the company’s Board and Management for the ongoing redevelopment of Premier Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State, and the proposed redevelopment of the Lagos Airport Hotel in Lagos State. Furthermore, the Forum applauds Odu’a Investment Company’s proposed investments in other key sectors of the economy, aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and development across the Southwest region.
Food Security Measures
“Recognizing the need for food security, the Forum encourages collaboration among South West States to implement collective measures aimed at curbing food inflation in the region.
Curbing Food Price Inflation
“The Forum expresses concern over the activities of unscrupulous middlemen who deliberately inflate prices of goods and commodities in Southwest markets. It has, therefore, agreed to establish a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and also the establishment of Aggregation Centre /Food Hubs to foster inter-state collaboration and mitigate food inflation.
Commends DAWN Commission
“The Forum commends the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for its improved performance over the past twelve months and encourages it to continue working diligently with Southwest Commissioners for Agriculture on industrialization and infrastructural development across the region.”
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