Oyebanji urges South-West states to forge deeper regional ties for sustainable growth
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has called for strengthened collaboration among states in the South-West, describing regional cooperation as a critical path to sustainable economic development.
He made the appeal on Wednesday during a meeting of the Secretaries to the State Governments (SSGs) from South-West states, held in Ado-Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji encouraged stakeholders to transcend political boundaries in pursuit of shared prosperity, stressing that transformative progress cannot be achieved in isolation.
“No great nation is built in silos. Eventually, the realities we face will compel governments, agencies, and professionals to work together,” Oyebanji said.
He added, “The time for real action has arrived, and I must commend the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for the great work it has done, particularly with the rail transport initiative.”
The governor welcomed the move to establish a South-West Development Commission, describing it as a positive step towards formalising regional collaboration and ensuring institutional continuity.
Addressing the SSGs directly, Oyebanji urged them to offer bold, well-researched counsel to their respective governors.
“Don’t shy away from telling your principals the truth. Effective governance relies on honest conversations, not sycophancy,” he said.
He further noted, “Development is beyond partisanship. Once elected, a governor becomes the leader of everyone in the state, not just of a political party. Cooperation is not a choice, it is a necessity.”
In her welcome remarks, the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, reaffirmed the commitment of Ekiti and other South-West states to practical and sustained development initiatives.
Adubiaro described the meeting as a crucial convergence of insight, experience, and expertise, with the shared aim of repositioning the region for a stronger future.
“This platform allows us to critically assess our regional development strategies, pinpoint common areas of interest, and establish enduring models of collaboration,” she said.
She underscored the need for tighter cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, security, economic expansion, and social welfare.
Adubiaro encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity by exchanging ideas, sharing proven solutions, and developing forward-thinking proposals to advance the region.
In his contribution, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to regional integration and called for consistent dedication from all parties involved.
“We need your innovation, your bravery, and above all, your commitment to ensure this succeeds.
“We must begin to confront every challenge by asking how we, as a region, not just as individual states, can solve it,” Oyeleye said.
