South West governors pledge enhanced security, regional development at Ibadan meeting
The South West Governors’ Forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening security, boosting economic development, and promoting regional cooperation. The meeting took place on Monday at the Governor’s Office Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communique released after the meeting, the forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in tackling insecurity and implementing economic reforms. The governors also expressed solidarity with the federal government following recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, including incidents at schools in Maga and Papiri, and a church in Eruku. They applauded the swift rescue of more than 51 abducted students.
On regional security, the governors agreed to establish a South West Regional Security Fund under the DAWN Commission, to be managed by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security, with monthly oversight meetings. They also announced the launch of a live digital intelligence-sharing platform connecting all six states to facilitate threat notifications, incident logs, and coordinated rapid response.
The forum emphasised the need for enhanced forest surveillance and called on the federal government to deploy Forest Guards across the region. State governments will provide personnel to reclaim forest areas that have become hideouts for criminal activities, including banditry and kidnapping.
Addressing interstate migration, the governors called for stricter border monitoring and data collection, in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to prevent movement from being exploited as a conduit for insecurity.
The forum also raised concerns over illegal mining activities, urging comprehensive licensing, stronger monitoring, and strict enforcement against violators to safeguard public safety and the environment. The governors reaffirmed their support for the establishment of State Police, stressing that “the time is now.”
On development, the governors commended farmers for increasing agricultural output, contributing to food sufficiency and price stability. They also praised the federal government’s establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and the DAWN Commission for promoting regional integration and development.
The forum concluded by urging all South West residents to remain united, safeguard peace, and maintain the religious tolerance for which the region has long been known. Present at the meeting were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Oluseyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke—represented by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).
