Daud Olatunji
In a resolute stance against emerging security threats and economic challenges, the Governors of the South-West region have issued a unified statement, passing a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies while unveiling plans to bolster regional security and combat inflation.
The resolution was reached during a meeting of the South-West Governors’ Forum held in Lagos on Thursday.
Chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the forum deliberated extensively on critical issues affecting the region, including security and economic stability.
Highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the region from external threats, particularly from the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), the governors announced the establishment of a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team.
This initiative aims to enhance security coordination and preempt any attempt by ISWAP to infiltrate the South-West.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the urgency of these security measures, emphasizing that concerted efforts are necessary to ensure the safety and stability of communities across the region.
Amid ongoing economic reforms spearheaded by President Tinubu, the governors applauded the administration’s achievements in stabilizing the national economy.
They specifically praised the removal of fuel subsidy and the currency floatation, noting these actions have contributed to stabilizing the exchange rate and ensuring sustained supply of petroleum products nationwide.
However, the governors acknowledged the resultant inflationary pressures, attributing rising food prices to manipulative practices within the supply chain.
To address this, they agreed to establish a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and set up Aggregation Centres and Food Hubs across the South-West.
They said the measures aim to mitigate food inflation and enhance food security within the region.
Additionally, the forum expressed appreciation for the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), with its headquarters slated for Cocoa House in Ibadan, Oyo State.
They lauded the commission’s potential to drive regional development and economic integration.
The governors also commended the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), designed to support students across the region, affirming its positive impact on educational advancement.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the governors’ commitment to collaboration through the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.
They pledged to intensify efforts in agriculture, industrialization, and infrastructure development, aiming to further bolster the region’s economic resilience and social stability.
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