Afenifere, DAWN Commission to host Southwest summit in Akure

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, has concluded plans to hold a two-day regional stakeholders’ summit in Akure, Ondo State.

The event, scheduled for October 9–10, will focus on the theme “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future” and is expected to attract over 800 participants, including key government officials and stakeholders.

Chairman of the steering committee, Dr Akin Onigbinde, said the summit would create a structured platform for dialogue between the Southwest and the government at both federal and state levels.

“This summit marks a new chapter in democratic engagement for the Southwest region. We are creating an institutional framework that ensures the voices of over 40 million Southwest residents are heard and considered in governance decisions,” Onigbinde stated.

The Director General of the DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, emphasised that the dialogue would be evidence-driven.

“We demand accountability through evidence. The summit will give citizens an opportunity to get first-hand information about government policies,” he said.

Programme coordinator Professor Anthony Kila explained that the summit would feature contributions from governors, federal ministers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, academics, private sector leaders, professional bodies, farmers, market associations, and civil society groups.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will host the summit with the backing of other Southwest governors, while discussions will revolve around six thematic areas.