By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday hosted governors from the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions, declaring that the creation of state police has become a “non-negotiable” pillar for true federalism and effective grassroots security.
The governors converged in Iperu, Ogun State, for the Regional Meeting of Southern Governors, where issues of security, regional development, economic integration, and national cohesion dominated discussions.
Abiodun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as transformative reforms under the “Renewed Hope” agenda. He said the removal of fuel subsidy, stabilisation of the exchange rate, decline in food inflation, and improved petroleum product supply were clear indicators that the federal government’s policies were working.
The governor also cited Fitch Ratings’ upgrade of Nigeria’s economic outlook and the oversubscription of federal bonds as signs of renewed confidence, describing the reforms as “necessary and effective.”
Abiodun praised President Tinubu for personally coordinating the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren, calling it “a rare commitment to the protection of every Nigerian life.” He added that the swift response signalled a more intelligence-driven and coordinated national security system.
He further lauded the federal government’s major infrastructure drive, including the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto to Badagry Superhighway, and the ongoing reconstruction of roads, ports, and housing projects across the country. He said federal support to subnational governments had strengthened states’ capacity to meet obligations and improve service delivery.
Welcoming his counterparts, including the Vice Chairman of the Forum, Anambra State Governor Professor Charles Soludo, Abiodun said the Southern region stands at a defining moment, facing rising security challenges, mass abductions, and economic pressures that demand coordinated leadership.
He emphasized that decentralizing policing was essential for securing schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure. “A unified Southern position on state police will strengthen intelligence gathering, boost early-warning capabilities, and help safeguard our people,” he said.
The governor also outlined a proposed integrated security framework for the region, including intelligence sharing platforms, safe school systems, enhanced border protection, corridor surveillance, and stronger community participation. He proposed a Regional Rapid Response Fund for emergency operations and inter-state collaboration.
Abiodun stressed the involvement of traditional rulers in the security architecture, describing them as custodians of culture and the closest authorities to local communities. He said their role would help build “a Southern region with borders but no boundaries,” where unity and cooperation drive development.
Beyond security, the governor urged a coordinated regional development plan linking capitals, industrial corridors, ports, agricultural zones, and mineral-rich belts. He proposed a joint Centre for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship to equip young people with skills in technology, agritech, and creative industries.
He highlighted the region’s vast natural and human resources, from crude oil and gas reserves to limestone, bitumen, granite, and precious minerals, saying they could unlock new revenue streams if properly harnessed through integrated value chains and private sector investments.
Abiodun warned, however, of persistent threats such as kidnapping, cultism, pipeline vandalism, internet fraud, and farmer-herder conflicts, urging joint task forces and seamless intelligence sharing across states. “Artificial boundaries, geographical, political, religious, or ethnic, must never hinder regional development,” he said.
The governor presented the Southern Nigeria Development Agenda, a blueprint based on extensive research, and called on state leaders to critically examine it and contribute to shaping a unified regional strategy.
“As we think together, plan together and work together, we can chart a new path of peace, prosperity and sustainable development for the entire Southern region,” Abiodun said, expressing gratitude to the governors for honouring his invitation.
