Leaders in the Southwest region have renewed their call for unity, regional integration, and stronger democratic governance towards achieving the progress and development of the region.
The leaders made these submissions as they converged on Akure, the Ondo State capital, for the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit with the theme “Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
The two-day event, convened by Afenifere in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria , DAWN Commission, brought together governors, traditional rulers, elder statesmen, and stakeholders from across the region to deliberate on governance and development in the Southwest.
At the occasion, the host governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said the summit reflected the region’s long-standing tradition of dialogue and inclusiveness in governance.
He noted that democracy in the Southwest had always been rooted in consultation and people-centred leadership, stressing that the summit provided a platform to strengthen those values.
The governor reaffirmed Ondo State’s commitment to regional cooperation and expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, describing it as a continuation of the progressive vision laid by past Yoruba leaders.
In a remark, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised that the Southwest must remain the pace-setter in national growth and governance.
Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, urged governors and political actors to prioritise policies that promote social welfare, education, and security, describing them as the cornerstones of true federalism.
Former Osun State Governor and APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, also highlighted the need for the region to consolidate its gains through development-oriented governance.
The Alaafin of Oyo, who represented traditional rulers at the summit, Oba …… Owoade reiterated the crucial role of monarchs in promoting peace, unity, and cultural identity in the region.
The summit, attended by political leaders, elder statesmen, and royal fathers across the six Southwestern states was described as a landmark gathering aimed at strengthening democracy, fostering unity, and charting a new direction for regional development and cooperation.
