The Southwest Legislative Reform Implementation Committee (SLRIC) has successfully concluded its second quarterly meeting, held from 12th to 14th September 2024 in Osogbo, Osun State, with an emphasis on security, economic collaboration, and harmonised governance.

The gathering brought together Majority Leaders from across the Southwest region to discuss crucial issues impacting the region’s legislative, security, and economic landscape.

Speaking at the close of the meeting, Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Chairman of SLRIC, expressed his deep appreciation to the government and people of Osun State for their warm hospitality and support.

“We are immensely grateful to the Osun State Government, particularly the Osun State Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, for providing an enabling environment for this important meeting to thrive. Special thanks also go to the Osun State Majority Leader, Adewunmi Kofoworola Babajide, whose efforts were instrumental in organising this event. The spirit of collaboration we have witnessed here in Osogbo reaffirms our commitment to regional unity and progress.”

The SLRIC meeting focused on several key areas, notably the harmonisation of standing orders across the Southwest region. This critical reform aims to streamline legislative procedures and ensure that all Houses of Assembly in the Southwest are aligned, fostering seamless governance and legislative efficiency.

One of the significant topics of discussion was the state of security in the region, where Ogunmolasuyi emphasised the urgent need to strengthen the security architecture across the Southwest.

“Our discussions have led to the formulation of strategies to boost our region’s security. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that these plans are swiftly and effectively implemented.”

Ogunmolasuyi also made special mention of the Southwest Governors and Speakers, calling on them to look beyond political affiliations and work together for the region’s greater good.

“We must transcend party lines and focus on building a safer and more prosperous Southwest. Our people deserve nothing less.”

The meeting also provided an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the immense contributions of former Majority Leaders, who now serve as members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of SLRIC. “Our former Majority Leaders, SOB Agunbiade (former Lagos State Majority Leader and immediate past SLRIC Chairman), Olugboyega Aribisogan (former Ekiti Majority Leader), and Alhaji Maruf Olarewaju (former Osun State Majority Leader), have laid a solid foundation for us to build upon, and their guidance and wisdom remain invaluable to the growth of this committee and the region as a whole.”

The meeting concluded with the issuance of a communiqué, summarising the resolutions reached during the discussions, including the reinforcement of support for the Amotekun Corps, a call for enhanced security cooperation, and recommendations for legislative measures to strengthen the South-Western Security Network Agency.

The communiqué also emphasised the importance of not viewing regional security efforts as political tools, but as complementary forces working in tandem with the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and Civil Defence Corps to secure the region.

“Special appreciation goes to all Southwest Speakers and Majority Leaders for their leadership, dedication, and commitment towards the advancement and development of the Southwest,” Ogunmolasuyi said, citing Sanjo Adedoyin Onaolapo (Oyo State Majority Leader), Sheriff Yusuf (Ogun State Majority Leader), Adewunmi Kofoworola Babajide (Osun State Majority Leader), Tolu Ige (Ekiti State Majority Leader), and Adams Noheem Babatunde (Lagos State Assembly Majority Leader).

Ogunmolasuyi highlighted the need to foster more business and economic opportunities across the Southwest and encouraged state governments to create policies and partnerships that attract investments and drive economic growth.

“The future of the Southwest is not just in security and governance, but in unlocking the vast economic potential of our region. Let us work towards creating an environment where businesses can thrive, providing jobs and prosperity for our people.”

The Chairman of the Southwest Majority Leaders Forum noted that with the successful conclusion of the second quarterly meeting, the SLRIC remains committed to driving reforms and strengthening regional cooperation for the benefit of all Southwest states.