#South-West Governors Approve Joint Security Force, Food Hubs, and Regional Development Initiatives

Governors of Nigeria’s South-West states have convened at Lagos House, Ikeja, for a critical meeting aimed at advancing the region’s security, economy, and infrastructure.

The South-West Governors’ Forum, chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), included Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).

Key Resolutions from the Meeting

1. Commendation for President Tinubu
   • The governors praised President Bola Tinubu for economic improvements, fuel supply stabilization, and exchange rate management.
2. Support for Student Loan Scheme
   • The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was acknowledged for benefiting South-West students, with encouragement for more students to apply.
3. Ondo Governor’s Election Victory
   • The forum congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his November 2024 election win.
4. Security & Peace Maintenance
   • Acknowledged the peace and security upheld during the festive season and urged continuous collaboration among states.
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5. Condemnation of ISWAP Activities
   • The governors denounced ISWAP’s presence in the region and committed to stronger collaboration with security agencies to curb threats.
6. Creation of a Joint Security Surveillance Team
   • A Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team will be launched, integrating aerial surveillance and intelligence-sharing among states.
7. South-West Development Commission (SWDC) Headquarters
   • The newly established SWDC will have its headquarters at Cocoa House, Ibadan.
8. Odu’a Investment Company Developments
   • Commendations were given for the revitalization of Premier Hotel (Ibadan) and Lagos Airport Hotel, alongside proposed investments in key sectors.
9. Food Security Strategy
   • The forum encouraged collaborative state efforts to ensure food availability and affordability.
10. Measures to Control Food Inflation

• A State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and Food Hubs/Aggregation Centers will be established to curb price inflation caused by middlemen.

11. Praise for DAWN Commission

• The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission was commended for its role in industrialization and infrastructure growth.

These resolutions mark a renewed commitment by South-West leaders to enhancing security, economic development, and food security in the region.