Governors, Stakeholders push for power devolution, regional rebirth at S/West dialogue
Governors, Ministers, traditional rulers, and regional stakeholders from the South-West on Wednesday converged in Akure, Ondo State, to chart a new course for power devolution, true federalism, and collective regional progress.
The high-level meeting, held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), was convened under the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”
This was contained in a statement signed by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
The statement reads partly: “Today, we stand at a threshold of history. Shall we continue with centralisation when true federalism demands devolution of powers? Strength without renewal fades. Dialogue must go beyond talk; it must birth action.
“These collaborations demonstrate the maturing of our democracy. The bond between citizens and government is being strengthened. Our people are beginning to feel a sense of ownership in governance.
“Ondo State’s hosting of the meeting was deliberate. Our land of honour, hard work and hospitality remains a natural choice for forging new ideas for Nigeria’s democratic renewal.
“We reaffirm our belief that democracy must be deepened through institutional reforms, fiscal balance, and participatory engagement between the federal and state governments.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms that have improved federal allocations, strengthened fiscal discipline, and revived the bond between citizens and government.
He highlighted strategic federal projects across the South-West, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (with a 71km stretch in Ondo State), the Ilaje Deep Sea Port, Akure–Ado-Ekiti Dual Carriageway, Ore–Ondo–Akure highways, and the Federal Housing Authority’s 1,000-unit project in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa said Ondo was leading a renewed spirit of cooperation that echoed the progressive ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Adekunle Ajasin, whose legacy of participatory governance and regional collaboration defined the Yoruba political tradition.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State called for a unified regional development framework, stressing that the South-West must “reclaim its heritage of innovation, education, and good governance.” He lauded Tinubu’s policies for stabilising the naira and restoring investor confidence.
The Governor charged stakeholders at the summit, which included serving and former political leaders and traditional rulers, ethnic and religious leaders, as well as civil society organisations, women and youths’ leaders, to work in harmony and deploy their assets toward a shared regional agenda that delivers inclusive growth for every citizen.
He said, “We are gathered not merely to reflect on our journey but to reimagine our destiny—a South-West that once again sets the pace for Nigeria’s development and becomes the standard for others to emulate.
“The establishment of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) by President Tinubu, with the backing of the National Assembly, is another bold affirmation of our collective destiny. It provides us with an institutional platform to plan, integrate, and deliver the kind of regional transformation that defined the old Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Let us rally around this new Commission, not in rhetoric but in action. As the great sage, Obafemi Awolowo reminded us, ‘It is not life that matters, but the courage you bring into it.’ Now is the time to summon that courage once again to reclaim our heritage of innovation, education, and good governance.
“We must deepen collaboration across states, across sectors, and across communities. Diversity has always been our strength; harmony has always been our advantage. Let us deploy these assets toward a shared regional agenda that delivers inclusive growth for every citizen.
“We must institutionalise peer learning among our state governments sharing insights, replicating success stories, and jointly pursuing regional infrastructure that binds us together rather than keeping us apart.
“The South-West has always been a land of firsts—in education, in broadcasting, in urban planning, and in governance. The question before us today is simple: Can we, once again, light the path for Nigeria’s rebirth? I say yes, we can, because the spirit of innovation and unity that defined our past still lives in us. Let us not waste this season of extraordinary opportunity.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu while commending President Bola Tinubu for taking bold steps in transforming the country, said Nigeria under the incumbent administration is being reshaped into a land of renewed confidence, investment, and prosperity.
He said, “Under the transformative leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is being reshaped into a land of renewed confidence, investment, and prosperity. The results speak for themselves: a more stable currency, a unified exchange rate, growing exports, surging revenues, and renewed investor optimism. These are not abstract numbers; they are the visible footprints of the Renewed Hope vision — a testament to what resolute leadership can achieve."
“The reforms did not start out easily, as we can all attest to. But the President, more than anyone else, was confident that the temporary pain would be followed by permanent benefits. And time has surely vindicated him and reaffirmed that Nigerians made the best and most beneficial electoral choice in 2023—which we must consolidate upon in 2027!”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that “For states like Lagos that have several investment-worthy initiatives cutting across infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, the digital and creative economy, the blue economy, tourism and entertainment, and many more, this is very good news. President Tinubu’s leadership continues to teach us that boldness and consistency are the twin engines of national renewal.
“We are now more confident than ever that our landmark public-private partnership (PPP) investment projects, like the 4th Mainland Bridge, the Lagos Green Line, the Lekki International Airport and others, will now be able to attract more investors and partners, given the macroeconomic stability that Nigeria is enjoying.
“Also, for us in Lagos, we are very well positioned to benefit from Nigeria’s emergence as an export powerhouse, given that Lagos is home to three of Nigeria’s busiest ports. Increased port activity will create more jobs and generate more revenues and taxes. Lagos State first benefited from the President’s foresight when he was Governor a quarter of a century ago and is again benefiting from that remarkable foresight now that he is President."
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said democracy thrives on dialogue and collaboration, urging sustained engagement between governments and citizens.
Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Senator Femi Okunrounmu, appealed for cooperation among South-West governors beyond party lines. “When Osun innovates successfully, let Oyo adopt and adapt. When Lagos leads, let others follow,” he charged.
Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, supported continued regional dialogue, while Chief Bisi Akande described Tinubu’s reforms as rebuilding Nigeria’s economic foundation.
Akande called for genuine federalism and regional empowerment through the Southwest Development Commission, noting that decentralisation would unlock states’ economic potential and reduce overdependence on the central government.
The meeting featured thematic sessions led by federal ministers including Mr Wale Edun (Finance), Mr Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy), Mr Adebayo Adelabu (Power), and Dr Adekunle Salako (Health and Social Welfare).
Other dignitaries included Dr Olayide Adelami (Deputy Governor, Ondo), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Governor of Osun, represented by Mr Kola Adewusi), Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo, represented by Mr Bayo Lawal), Governor Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti, represented by Dr Habibat Adubiaro), and former Governor Olusegun Mimiko.