Leaders and stakeholders from the Southwest geopolitical zone on Thursday resolved to reposition the Southwest as Nigeria’s benchmark for innovation, democratic governance, and socio-economic transformation, rekindling the region’s legacy as a pace-setter in education, commerce, and progressive politics.
This is just as they reaffirmed their commitment to Yoruba unity and collective regional development while expressing strong support for the economic reforms being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The resolutions formed part of a communique issued at the end of the two-day Southwest Citizens–Government Engagement Summit jointly convened by Afenifere and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The summit, which drew together governors, ministers, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, and professional bodies across the Southwest, resolved to transmit its communique to President Tinubu for consideration and action, alongside relevant federal ministries, departments, and agencies.
Particularly, stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the need for renewed Yoruba solidarity that transcends political party affiliations, urging leaders to place regional and national development above partisan rivalry.
Participants commended President Tinubu’s bold economic reform agenda, acknowledging the short-term pains but describing the policies as necessary for the nation’s long-term prosperity and stability.
They, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment on its policies to improve citizens’ understanding of their objectives, timelines, and expected benefits. Clear and consistent communication, they said, would enhance public trust and participation in reform implementation.
The communique noted that political leaders at all levels must embody integrity, vision, and service to the people. It stated that governance must prioritize citizens’ welfare through transparent decision-making and equitable resource distribution.
To accelerate economic growth, the summit called for massive investment in regional infrastructure, particularly intra-regional railways, industrial clusters, and farm settlements. These, it noted, would boost trade, create jobs, and ensure food security across the Southwest.
It specifically appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate key federal roads in the region, including the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesha Highway, Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, Ita-Owure–Ado-Ekiti Highway, and Ifaki–Lokoja Road, describing their current state as deplorable and inimical to regional commerce.
To ensure continuity, delegates agreed that the Southwest Citizens–Government Engagement Summit should become an annual event to promote sustained dialogue between citizens and government.
Sectoral working groups will also be established to track policy implementation and make evidence-based recommendations to governments at all levels. The DAWN Commission will serve as the technical secretariat for future summits.
The summit expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the engagement, to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the people of Ondo State for hosting the event, to Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Afenifere leaders for their guidance, and to all governors of the Southwest for their co-hosting role.
Meanwhile, participants described the summit as a “watershed moment” in Nigeria’s democratic journey, demonstrating that structured dialogue between government and citizens is essential for sustainable governance and inclusive development.
Fidelis David
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