Stakeholders from the Southwest States, have advocated for accelerated regional integration through strategic infrastructure projects, including intra-regional railway networks, industrial hubs, and farm settlements.
These transformative projects, according to the Governors, Traditional rulers, Ministers, Legislators among others from the region at the Southwest stakeholders dialogue, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, will enhance trade, create jobs, boost food security, and strengthen economic ties among Southwest states, while strengthening the region’s position as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
A communique issued and made a copy available to journalists on Thursday at the end of the dialogue, also urged political leaders at all levels of government to be guided by vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people rather than narrow partisan interests.
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The communique reads further; “good governance requires prioritization of citizens’ needs in all policy decisions and resource allocations, and this should be done with accountability and transparency.
“The summit calls for strengthened Yoruba unity and solidarity across all Southwest states and extended Yoruba communities, committing to transcend partisan political differences in pursuit of collective regional development and the advancement of our shared cultural heritage and economic posterity.
“The Southwest region resolves to reclaim and strengthen its historical position as Nigeria’s space center in development, innovation, and good governance, committing to serve as a model for democratic engagement, economic transformation, and social progress.
“The Southwest stakeholders express strong support for the bold economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, acknowledging that while these reforms may present short-term challenges, they are essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and prosperity.
“We call on the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment and information dissemination on the government’s policies, programs, and expected impacts, recognizing that citizens require clear, transparent, and regular communication to fully understand policy rationale, and implementation timelines, as well as measurable outcomes.
“We call the attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable conditions of some of the federal roads in the Southwest, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha federal highway, the Lagos–Abeokuta expressway, the Ita-Owure–Ado-Ekiti highway, and the Ifaki–Lokoja highway.
“The southwest summit shall be institutionalized as an annual event to ensure sustained dialogue between government and citizens, providing a consistent platform for policy assessment, stakeholder feedback, and collaboration for regional development. Sector-specific working groups shall be established to provide continuous input on policy development and implementation, meeting regularly to review progress, address challenges, and make evidence-based recommendations to the government.
“The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission shall be strengthened as the technical secretariat for the Southwest Summit.
“We expressed our gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the participation of the Federal Government representatives; His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the government and people of Ondo State, for their exceptional hospitality and organization of this historic summit; all Southwest governors for their solidarity and commitment as co-hosts of the summit; Chief Reuben Fasoranti and the entire Afenifere leadership for their vision and guidance; and the DAWN Commission for technical partnership and coordination.
“We also appreciate federal ministers and government officials who engaged meaningfully with citizens during the summit, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all stakeholders who contributed to its success. Our gratitude also goes to the media for comprehensive coverage and dissemination of summit proceedings.
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“In conclusion, this inaugural Southwest Citizens–Government Engagement Summit marks a watershed moment in the history of democratic engagement in Nigeria. We have demonstrated that structured dialogue between government and citizens is not only possible but essential to effective governance and sustainable development.
“We call upon the Federal Government, state government officials, and all stakeholders to take immediate and sustained action on the resolutions contained herein.”
