SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS SET UP JOINT TASK FORCE ON SECURITY
South
West Governors on Monday met in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State where they
expressed their resolve to forge ahead with the regional integration plan,
especially in key sectors such as agriculture, security, economy, among others,
in the overall benefit of the Yoruba nation.
All the
Governors of the States in the region – Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Senator
Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Senator Abiola Ajimobi
(Oyo), Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Mr Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti) were
present at the meeting conveyed at the instance of Development Agenda for
Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.
In a
communique issued at the end of the meeting with the theme: “Economic
Self-Determination For Western Nigeria: The Export Alternative,” and read by
the host Governor, the Governors approved
the setting up of a Joint Task Force and action to contain all forms of
security threat in the region to guarantee safety of lives, property and
prosperity of the people.
The
Governors also declared
zero tolerance for crime and criminality in the region henceforth.
While
declaring that the artificial boundaries, religion and political affiliation
would no longer constitute barrier to the region’s development, the Governors
also directed DAWN Commission to develop a 25-year Western Nigeria Development
Master Plan, while all the States in the regions were encouraged to
significantly improve bi-lateral and multi-lateral cooperation to foster
regional development.
The
Governors also resolved to harness the “competitive advantage of all the States
in the region for sustainable regional development,” while DAWN is to develop a
revenue optimization strategy for States in the region.
In order
to improve the food security of the region, the Governors directed DAWN to
convene a regional Agric Summit to be held in Ibadan, while approval as given
for the establishment of Western Nigeria Export Development Initiative to drive
the export potentials of the region.
The
Governors also directed that there should be synergy between DAWN Commission,
Oodua Group and other critical stakeholders for a framework to drive the
commercial and industrialization competitiveness of the region, while a
Committee is to be set up to advance values and ethos as instrument of Yoruba
uniqueness to strengthen the region’s identity and unity of purpose.
Speaking
earlier, Governor Ambode said the attendance of all the Governors of the region
in the meeting was a clear manifestation of commitment to the economic and
political integration of the region.
He
particularly noted that the success of the integration initiative would not
only be of immense benefit to the region, but would go a long way to actualize
the growth and development of the country.
“On
behalf of the people of Lagos State, I bring you good felicitation in Ogun
State, my closest neighbor among the south-western States. I also believe
strongly that what we are doing today is a manifestation of the desire of the
six Governors to actualize the integration we have been talking about.
“I
believe strongly that it is also imperative that the economic integration and
political integration of our region is significant to the growth and
development of Nigeria and we are happy to be in Ogun State,” Governor Ambode
said.
Besides,
Governor Ambode commended his counterpart in Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle
Amosun for his laudable works in the State.
Governor
Ambode had last week visited Oyo and Osun States as part of the plan to
actualize the economic integration of the South West.
SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS SET UP JOINT TASK FORCE ON SECURITY
Reviewed by IFEDAYO AKINWALERE
on
7:08:00 am
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