Governors of the South West states and other regional stakeholders have called for accelerated regional integration through strategic infrastructure projects, including intra-regional railway networks, industrial hubs, and farm settlements.
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day South West Summit held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and attended by state governors, their deputies, ministers, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders from the region.
According to the communiqué, the proposed projects are expected to enhance trade, create jobs, boost food security, and deepen economic ties among the South West states, thereby strengthening the region’s position as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
“We call the attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable conditions of some of the federal roads in the South West, including the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesha federal highway, the Lagos–Abeokuta expressway, the Ita-Owure–Ado-Ekiti highway, and the Ifaki–Lokoja highway,” the communiqué stated.
The stakeholders urged the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment and information dissemination on its policies and programmes, stressing that citizens need clear and transparent communication to understand policy rationale, implementation timelines, and measurable outcomes.
On governance and leadership, the summit emphasized that political leaders at all levels must be guided by vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens, rather than narrow partisan interests. It added that good governance requires accountability, transparency, and the prioritization of citizens’ needs in all policy decisions and resource allocations.
The participants expressed strong support for the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging that while the reforms may cause short-term discomfort, they are crucial for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and prosperity.
On Yoruba unity, the communiqué called for strengthened solidarity among all South West states and Yoruba communities across Nigeria and the diaspora. It emphasized the need to transcend political differences in pursuit of collective regional development and cultural advancement.
“The South West region resolves to reclaim and strengthen its historical position as Nigeria’s space center in development, innovation, and good governance,” the communiqué added. “It is committed to serving as a model for democratic engagement, economic transformation, and social progress.
