.…Hails President Tinubu renewed hope agenda
In a bid to further strengthen democracy particularly in the southwest region, south West Governors and Afenifere leaders have stressed the need to be more united irrespective of political differences and pursue regional and economy development in the South west States
The Governors of Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Osun, made these known in their separate remarks at the Southwest stakeholders dialogue themed: strengthening democracy through dialogue: assessing progress, charting the future, held at the International culture and events centre, Akure, also hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed hope agenda
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele, said there was need for South west Governors to renew their tradition and lead by example in accountability, inclusion and citizens participation.
He noted that the summit provides an opportunity to institutionalise regular dialogue between citizens and government, adding that
true progress can be achieved not by speaking to citizens but by government listening to the yearnings of the people, while the stakeholders engagement could also deepen trust, strengthens democracy and ensure that policies reflects the needs of the people.
According to him, ‘as we cradle on progressive politics and intellectual innovation, south west region must always lead Nigeria’s path towards modern governance. From Chief Obafemi Awolowo visionary legacies to our collective strides in Education, technology and entreprise’.
“Let us work together, Federal and State government, citizens and institutions to build a southwest that continues to shine as the engine of innovation and prosperity for our nation. Democracy thrives when dialogue flourishes, so let this summit resolves to deepen collaboration, confront challenges together and build a future anchor on unity , progress and growth.
We in ogun state have seen and count the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reform and are committed to the continuity of his administration beyond this cluster.” He said
Governor Abiodun explained that Ogun State government has benefitted from Federal government policies such as the distribution of greens and fertilisers , enjoyed partnership with the Minister blue and marine economy on the Ijebu-Ode and Inland dry port, rehabilitation of the Sagamu Benin expressway and ongoing infrastructure synergy through the Lagos Ibadan standard rosf and the Lekki Ijebu ode kajola.
The governor however commended the organiser for the programme, Ondo State Governor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for hosting and in particular the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his bold reform across key sectors which he said has restored national confidence and place the country on a sustainable growth.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman, South West Governors, said its high time for South West region being a shining light of the country and a beacon to reclaim its heritage of innovation, education, good governance, adding that Southwest region must take it stand up place and come united than before.
His words ‘Diversity has always been our strength, lets bring it forward. Let us devoid those asset towards a shared regional agenda that will deliver inclusive growth, citizens engagement, collaborative and constructive dialogue amongst southwest region .
In his remarks, Ondo State Governor, who is the host , Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, explained that the historic gathering was an affirmation of the existing synergy and collaboration between different institutions, hinting that democracy thrives when leaders and citizens meet and dialogue for constructive engagement, while saying that despite the challenges facing our democracy, our democracy is still much alive and progressing.
Contributing the Olowo of Owo and the paramount ruler of Owo land, HRM, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, calls for more stakeholders summit as it would strengthen unity, encourage collaboration and foster development in South West region.
The convener of the programme, and the leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by the former Secretary general of Afenifere, Senator, Femi Okurounmu, urged South West Governors to unite and collaborate for regional development irrespective of their political parties, calling on politicians, stakeholders, traditional rulers to recommit to the welfare ideology that defines yoruba political heritage such that every child must have access to quality education, every citizens must have access to healthcare and not as privilege, but as a right , every young citizens must have access to employment as well as entrepreneurial skills, not by political connections but through merit
Chief Bisi Akande in his remarks, appreciated the convener of the programme, saying it would help to deepen and strengthen democracy, while calling for a purposeful restructuring, collaboration and innovative thinking that can drive economic development in South West region, as well as look into economic diversification by paying attention to human capital development, agriculture, mining and solid minerals, rather than focussing on Oil alone.
Dignitaries at the event are, Minister for Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy , Mr Olawale Edun, Minister of State for health, Dr Iziaq Salako, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Olayide Adeyemi, Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, , Secretary to Ekiti State government, Dr Omolola Adubiaro, former Governor of Ondo, Olusegun Mimiko, former deputy governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun, former Speaker of Ogun State, Prince Suraju Adekunbi, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRH Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alaafin of Oyo, HIM, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, amongst others
