Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has restated his administration’s commitment to working closely with sister states in the Southwest to promote economic growth, social progress, and regional integration, emphasizing that unity among the states remains crucial to Nigeria’s overall development.
Speaking through the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, at the public presentation of a policy book titled “Proposed Action Plan for the Economic Development of South West Nigeria,” Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation in driving sustainable change across the six states in the geopolitical zone.
The event, held at the Oyo State Local Government Training School in Ibadan, was organized by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries – South West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN), in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.
“The Southwest is undeniably the engine room of Nigeria’s economy. If this region falters, the rest of the nation will feel the shock.”
“This book couldn’t have come at a more critical time, serving as an intellectual and strategic guide to unlocking the region’s immense potential,” Abiodun noted
He added, “Our administration is fully aligned with the principles captured in this Action Plan. It reinforces our commitment under the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda, which is driven by the I.S.E.Y.A. mantra—Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Well-being, Education, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, and Agriculture and Food Security.”
Commending the Association’s members, the governor said, “Your passion to remain involved in the growth of our society, even after retirement, is admirable. It is a demonstration of lifelong service and visionary patriotism.”
Governor Abiodun called for the implementation of a harmonized framework for developing regional value chains in agriculture, industry, digital innovation, tourism, and human capital. “This is the future,” he stated, “and the time to act is now.”
Other Southwest governors also endorsed the initiative.
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Phillips, remarked, “We see this work as a blueprint that fits squarely into our policies on education and infrastructure. We shall leverage it fully.”
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, through his Deputy, Prince Kolawole Adewusi, lauded the authors for their foresight, saying, “This book is more than pages of policy; it is a legacy that reflects the depth of knowledge from those who have served this region selflessly.”
In his address, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, stressed the importance of regional synergy. “This plan is not about individual state glory. It’s about merging strengths to build a collective economic fortress,” he said, pledging Oyo’s readiness to implement its recommendations.
Book reviewer, Professor Ezekiel Oyedeji, challenged the region’s leaders not to lose momentum. “This document should not be shelved. It is a call to greater productivity, stronger collaboration, and an unshaken commitment to development,” he declared.
Earlier, DAWN Commission Director General, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, applauded the retired technocrats for contributing meaningfully post-retirement. “They refused to be pushed to the sidelines. What they have done here is plant a seed that DAWN is committed to nurturing,” he assured.
