The governors of Nigeria's South-West states unveiled a comprehensive 262-page economic blueprint on Thursday, titled "Plan of Action for the Economic Development of the Region, Nigeria."
This initiative, launched at a summit in Ibadan, is designed to accelerate regional development through enhanced infrastructure, security collaboration, and sectoral reforms.
The blueprint, developed by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, addresses key areas such as transportation, security, agriculture, education, industrialization, and governance.
It aims to foster regional integration through projects like inter-state road networks and state policing to improve the region's security architecture.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, emphasized the plan's timely response to regional economic and security challenges.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, through Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, supported the call for state policing, viewing it as essential for enhancing regional security.
Governors from Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, represented by their respective Heads of Service, expressed strong support for the initiative.
Regional President of the Association, Ebenezer Okebukola, highlighted the blueprint as a culmination of years of collaboration and analysis by former bureaucrats, offering a strategic roadmap for the region's future.
The event saw participation from key stakeholders across the six South-West states, underscoring a unified commitment to the plan's implementation and regional advancement.
