By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

Governors of the Southwest states and leaders of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, have called for stronger regional unity and collaboration to drive economic development and strengthen democratic governance across the zone.

The call was made during the Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” held in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday.

Representing Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasized the need for renewed commitment among Southwest governors to uphold the region’s legacy of good governance, accountability, and citizen participation.

She noted that the dialogue serves as a platform to institutionalize continuous engagement between government and the people, stressing that progress can only be achieved when leaders listen to the aspirations of citizens.

“As we cradle on progressive politics and intellectual innovation, the South-West must continue to lead Nigeria’s path to modern governance from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s visionary legacies to our strides in education, technology, and enterprise,” Abiodun said.

“Let us work together federal and state governments, citizens, and institutions to build a Southwest that remains the engine of innovation and prosperity for our nation. Democracy thrives when dialogue flourishes.”

He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State for hosting the meeting and lauded President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, which he said were restoring national confidence and putting the country on a sustainable growth path.

In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also chairs the Southwest Governors’ Forum, urged leaders in the region to uphold the legacy of excellence and ensure the zone remains a beacon of innovation, education, and good governance for the rest of the nation.

Host Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the forum as a historic gathering that reinforces the synergy among Southwest states. He noted that democracy can only thrive when leaders and citizens engage in open and constructive dialogue.

Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by former Secretary General Femi Okurounmu, also appealed to the governors to unite beyond political affiliations in the collective interest of regional advancement. He called on traditional rulers and stakeholders to recommit to the welfare-driven ideology that has long defined Yoruba politics.

Dignitaries at the event included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Ondo Deputy Governor, Olayide Adeyemi; Osun Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi; Ekiti SSG, Omolola Adubiaro; former Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko; former Ogun Speaker Suraju Adekunbi; and royal fathers such as the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, among others.