In a renewed push to strengthen democratic governance and foster sustainable development in the Southwest, governors of the region and Afenifere leaders on Wednesday called for unity beyond political divides and renewed commitment to regional integration.
The leaders, who gathered at the Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future, held at the International Culture and Events Centre, Akure, urged the region to reclaim its heritage of innovation, accountability, and good governance.
The meeting, attended by governors, top federal officials, traditional rulers, and Yoruba socio-political leaders, also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “Renewed Hope Agenda” and ongoing economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country.
Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the Southwest must remain the “torchbearer of progressive politics and innovation,” urging regional governments to “lead by example in accountability, inclusion, and citizens’ participation.”
“This summit provides an opportunity to institutionalise regular dialogue between citizens and government,” Salako-Oyedele said.
“True progress comes not by speaking to citizens but by listening to their yearnings. Stakeholders’ engagement deepens trust, strengthens democracy, and ensures that policies reflect the needs of the people.”
She highlighted Ogun State’s collaboration with the Federal Government in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and the blue economy.
“Ogun State has benefitted from federal policies, including the distribution of grains and fertilisers, partnership on the Ijebu-Ode inland dry port, rehabilitation of the Sagamu–Benin Expressway, and synergy through the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge rail line and the Lekki–Ijebu–Kajola corridor,” she noted.
Abiodun lauded President Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing it as “bold, people-focused, and a foundation for sustainable national growth.”
He also commended Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for hosting the dialogue, describing it as a model for intergovernmental collaboration.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the region must reclaim its historic leadership in governance, education, and innovation.
“The Southwest has always been the shining light of Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Diversity has always been our strength. Let us build a shared regional agenda that delivers inclusive growth, deeper citizens’ engagement, and collaborative dialogue across the region.”
Host governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the gathering reaffirmed the Southwest’s commitment to democratic dialogue, despite challenges confronting the nation’s political space.
“Our democracy is still alive and progressing,” Aiyedatiwa said. “This historic meeting reinforces our synergy and collaboration. Democracy thrives when leaders and citizens meet to engage constructively.”
Elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by former Afenifere Secretary-General, Senator Femi Okurounmu, called for unity among governors and political actors in the region.
“Our leaders must recommit to the welfare ideology that defines Yoruba politics — where education, healthcare, and employment are basic rights, not privileges,” he said. “Development must be driven by merit, not political connection.”
Former Osun State Governor and APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, urged regional leaders to pursue economic diversification and restructuring to enhance productivity.
“We must look beyond oil. The future of the Southwest lies in human capital development, agriculture, mining, and solid minerals,” Akande said. “With collaboration and innovative thinking, we can drive true economic growth.”
Also lending his voice, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, advocated for regular stakeholders’ dialogues to foster unity and accelerate development in the region.
“The more we meet and talk, the stronger our bonds become as a people,” the monarch said.
Prominent dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Dr. Omolola Adubiaro; former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; and traditional rulers including the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The dialogue ended with a collective call for regional solidarity, improved governance, and sustained engagement between citizens and leaders to preserve the Southwest’s legacy as the intellectual and economic powerhouse of Nigeria.
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