An initiative to enhance food production has been sparked in the Southwest region.
The goal is to reduce the prices of food items that remain elevated in the country despite continued efforts to decrease inflation.
Governors in the six Southwest states issued a directive to the commissioners of agriculture yesterday to initiate the process that will lead to food security in the geopolitical zone.
They stated, “Regarding food security, the forum recognizes the endeavors of the Federal Government and has decided that the Honorable Commissioners for Agriculture of all the states should commence meetings to establish a working framework, ensuring cooperation based on the unique strengths of each state.”
The governors disclosed this information following a meeting hosted by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. They praised the Federal Government for commencing the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which will traverse three of the states in the zone, and the Badagry to Sokoto Highway, which will pass through Oyo State. However, they urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expedite the rehabilitation of other Federal roads in the region.
Some of the deteriorated Federal roads in the geopolitical zones include the Lagos-Sango-Ota to Abeokuta, the Ibadan to Ilesa expressway, the Akure to Ado-Ekiti Highway, and the Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso to Ilorin Highway.
All six governors – Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) – were present at the meeting.
Sanwo-Olu was unanimously selected as the chairman of the forum to succeed the late former Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in December last year.
The governors reaffirmed their support for the Regional Security Network Amotekun and denounced the Yoruba Nation movement.
They reiterated their endorsement of state police while expressing relief that the Southwest region remains the most peaceful area in the country.
The governors urged the Senate to concur with the House of Representatives in passing the Southwest Development Commission Bill.
Sanwo-Olu presented an 11-point resolution from the meeting, which includes the following;
•The Forum unanimously nominated and endorsed the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as its Chairman.
•The Forum paid its respects to the late Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and also congratulated the new Governor of Ondo State, H.E Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for securing the All Progressives Congress’s (APC’s) Governorship ticket for the upcoming election.
•The governors selected Ise wa fun ile wa as the Southwest Anthem.
•The meeting commended the House of Representatives and Southwest Caucus for their efforts in passing the Southwest Development Commission Bill and looks forward to its prompt approval by the Senate.
•The meeting lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the groundbreaking of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the proposed Lagos to Sokoto road, and encouraged the Federal Government to rehabilitate other Federal roads in the region.
•Regarding security, the Forum praised the relative tranquility in the Southwest region and acknowledged the collaboration among all security agencies and the Amotekun Corps. It reiterated its full support for the State Police.
•On the topic of food security, the Forum recognized the endeavors of the Federal Government and resolved that the Honorable Commissioners for Agriculture of all the states should commence meetings to establish a working framework, ensuring collaboration based on each State’s unique strengths.
•Regarding the Minimum Wage, the Forum endorsed the Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and the Organized Private Sector in their ongoing dialogues with the Labor Union. They believe the outcome will embody genuine fiscal federalism.
•The Forum also supported the Federal Government’s efforts in mineral resource exploitation. There should be increased collaboration between the Federal Government and States, particularly in granting leases to investors.
•The Forum strongly condemned the individuals advocating for the Yoruba nation.
•The Forum agreed to enhance the DAWN Commission’s operational efficiency and tasked the Commission to focus on economic integration, cooperation, and investment promotion among Southwest states. Consequently, each state is required to appoint a state focal person.
