South-West Governors form a pact to Tackle Insecurity
The South-West Governors’ Forum held a decisive meeting on Thursday, focusing on two major issues facing the region: insecurity and food inflation. During a four-hour, closed-door session at the Lagos House, Ikeja, the governors came up with resolutions to combat these pressing challenges.
The meeting, which was hosted by the Forum’s Chairman and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, included Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebaniji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun). One of the key outcomes was a commitment to address security threats, especially from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, reading out the Forum’s 11-point communiqué, emphasised the region’s resolve to combat the ISWAP threat. The Forum strongly condemned the activities of the group and their impact on parts of the South-West, urging for heightened cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and local security outfits.
He further stressed that the Forum is dedicated to taking necessary actions to counter these security threats and called on the people to remain vigilant. “The Forum has resolved to deploy advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems, to enhance security operations,” Sanwo-Olu said. He also announced the formation of a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team to coordinate and oversee security efforts across the zone.
Additionally, the Forum agreed that each state would appoint a Special Adviser on Security, tasked with fostering collaboration among state security agencies, local security networks, and federal law enforcement authorities.
Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the South-West Governors for maintaining relative peace during the festive period and urged continued efforts toward peaceful coexistence within the region.
On the issue of food inflation, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted concerns over unscrupulous middlemen inflating prices of goods across South-West markets. To combat this, the Forum agreed to establish a Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and proposed the creation of Aggregation Centres/Food Hubs to facilitate inter-state collaboration and reduce food inflation. “We encourage collaboration among South-West states to implement collective measures aimed at curbing food inflation,” Sanwo-Olu added.
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The Forum also acknowledged the improved performance of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, urging it to continue working with South-West Commissioners for Agriculture on industrialisation and infrastructure development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the Forum, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in stabilising the nation’s economy, particularly through the consistent supply and distribution of petroleum products and the stabilisation of the exchange rate. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the president’s initiatives for economic strengthening.
The Forum also expressed appreciation for the successful implementation of the Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has benefitted South-West students in tertiary institutions. Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged all eligible students in the region to take full advantage of this initiative to pursue higher education, vocational training, and skills acquisition programs.
Furthermore, the governors lauded the Federal Government and the Senate for establishing the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), with the Forum agreeing to locate its headquarters at Cocoa House in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Regarding the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the organisation for its efficient management of joint assets and ongoing projects, such as the redevelopment of the Premier Hotel in Ibadan and the proposed redevelopment of the Lagos Airport Hotel. He also highlighted the company’s proposed investments in various sectors to drive sustainable economic growth across the region.
In closing, the Forum congratulated Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his victory in the November 16, 2024, Ondo State Gubernatorial Election.
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://www.pulse.ng/
