Governors of the Southwest states have joined forces to strengthen regional security and prevent the infiltration of fleeing bandits and terrorists into their communities. Amid intensified military operations in the North, insurgents have been seeking refuge in parts of the Southwest, particularly in Ondo, Ekiti, and northern Oyo State.
In response, the six governors—Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo)—met in Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday to discuss joint security measures.
Following the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the establishment of a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team to enhance security across the Southwest. The initiative will incorporate aerial surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and closer collaboration between state security agencies, local vigilante groups, and federal law enforcement.
Amotekun, the regional security outfit, will receive additional support, including advanced technology to strengthen its operations.
Beyond security concerns, the governors focused on food security and economic stability. Rising food prices, allegedly fueled by unscrupulous middlemen, have caused widespread hardship. To combat inflation, the states will create food hubs and aggregation centers to improve food distribution and affordability.
A State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team will also be set up to regulate food pricing and prevent artificial scarcity.
The governors resolved to establish the headquarters of the newly created Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) in Ibadan. The office will be located in Cocoa House, the home of Odu’a Investment Company Ltd., the conglomerate jointly owned by the six states.
They also praised the DAWN Commission for its role in regional industrialization and infrastructure development.
The forum expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly for efforts in economic stabilization, petroleum supply, and exchange rate improvements. They also lauded the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), urging Southwest students to take full advantage of it.
Reaffirming their commitment to regional development, the governors called on residents to support these initiatives aimed at securing lives, boosting the economy, and ensuring long-term progress.
