- says region must shift from ‘cooperation’ to ‘full integration’
- SWDC, rail revival, Amotekun upgrade top agenda at SSGs’ forum
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday stressed the need for South-West states to deepen regional synergy and consolidate partnerships that will firmly position the zone as Nigeria’s economic and security backbone.
Addressing the Forum of South-West Secretaries to State Governments on regional development in Akure, he said the presence of the SSGs underscored the collective resolve of the region to move beyond surface-level cooperation to a more impactful integration anchored on the vision of the zone’s founding fathers.
He affirmed that the frontline responsibilities of SSGs in formulating, coordinating and implementing government policies remain indispensable, as he welcomed the delegates.
According to him, they stand as “pillars of strength” whose roles are central to converting gubernatorial visions into measurable outcomes.
He noted that the theme of the forum, “Consolidating Partnerships for Regional Development,” aligns directly with the region’s aspirations.
The governor described it as an urgent call to action in the face of economic headwinds and security pressures nationwide, insisting that South-West states must now abandon ad-hoc collaborations and embrace “synchronised execution” that guarantees irreversible results.
Represented by the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the Governor said recent collaborative strides in the region have culminated in the enactment of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) Establishment Act of 2025, a landmark legislation enabling the zone to bridge gaps in infrastructure, agriculture, economic transformation and human capital.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted the SWDC’s launch of the Regional Growth Plan earlier in the year, alongside its ambitious rail and superhighway initiatives, including efforts to revive abandoned routes in partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, signalling a new era of seamless regional trade and mobility.
He emphasised that Ondo’s development blueprint, “OUR EASE” Agenda is designed as a building block for broader South-West progress, covering security, sustainable infrastructure, human capital development, healthcare, maritime expansion and affordable energy.
The governor disclosed that the state’s investment drive has already attracted commitments in renewable energy and solid minerals, aligning with the SWDC’s push for sustainability.
He added that the government recently sealed a multibillion-dollar partnership under the Sunshine Infrastructure Joint Venture (JV), paving the way for a 500,000-barrels-per-day refinery and a 1,471-hectare Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Local Government Area.
According to him, the projects will trigger massive job creation, unprecedented industrial growth and global competitiveness for the state and the region, transforming the zone into a major refining and export hub.
On security, Aiyedatiwa hailed the South-West Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps, as evidence of the power of regional cooperation.
He said Ondo State has intensified Amotekun patrols and community policing efforts, especially along border communities, to ensure that borders enhance trade rather than create security vulnerabilities.
He added that he recently approved the recruitment of 500 additional Amotekun operatives to strengthen ongoing operations.
He also noted that last month’s meeting of South-West Governors in Ibadan yielded decisive outcomes, including the creation of the South-West Security Fund (SWSF) and a live digital intelligence-sharing platform.
According to him, the region’s collective declaration for State Policing has become an urgent, non-negotiable necessity.
He urged the states to deploy their administrative leverage to galvanise legislative support at sub-national levels.
Earlier, Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet, Mr. Adeyemi Adeyemo, emphasised that the brainstorming sessions of the forum remain critical to strengthening regional integration.
He commended South-West governors for sustaining the collaborative agenda and appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for hosting the meeting.
Fasoranti noted that the event focuses on strategic partnerships in rail infrastructure and digital technology (Artificial Intelligence), providing an opportunity for participants to reassess existing strategies and develop sustainable cooperation frameworks.
Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, described the forum as a crucible where the region’s collective future is being crafted.
He stressed that the challenges confronting the South-West are too vast for any state to tackle alone.
The Hope.
