By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has underscored the critical need for inter-state collaboration as the bedrock of sustainable regional development, calling on stakeholders across the Southwest to work together beyond political affiliations.

He spoke at the 5th edition of the Meeting of the Secretaries to the State Governments (SSGs) of the Southwestern States Forum, Ekiti State 2025, themed Strategic Partnership for Regional Development, held at Delight Hotel & Suites, Ado-Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji emphasised that “great nations are not built on solo efforts,” adding that the evolving dynamics of governance would eventually compel collaboration among governments, agencies, and experts.

“We don’t have to pitch to each other anymore. The time has come for real action, and I must commend the DAWN Commission for their excellent work, especially around the RAIL initiative,” he said, referring to the Regional Agricultural and Industrial Logistics framework.

“We must start young, and the future depends on how quickly we catch up with technology. Without it, we’re done for,” he warned.

The governor lauded the establishment of the Southwest Development Commission as a step towards institutionalising regional collaboration, noting that it, alongside the Southwest Governors’ Forum and the DAWN Commission, should formulate a clear developmental roadmap for the region.

Drawing from his experience as a former SSG and Commissioner for Integration, Oyebanji stressed the pivotal role of SSGs in shaping the success of governments.

He urged them to provide honest, research-backed advice to their governors.

“Don’t be afraid to tell your principal the truth. Quality governance thrives on frank discussions, not blind loyalty,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating that the meeting must not degenerate into a ceremonial talk shop but should serve as a platform for practical solutions and tangible outcomes.

“Development is not about politics. Once elected, a governor becomes the leader of all, not just of a political party. Collaboration is not optional—it is a necessity,” Oyebanji declared.

Ekiti State Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, reaffirmed the commitment of the state and the entire Southwest region to sustainable development and actionable resolutions geared towards shaping a better future for the zone.

Speaking during her welcome address, Prof. Adubiaro highlighted the significance of collaboration, describing the gathering as a convergence of minds, experience, and expertise focused on the much-needed advancement of the Southwest.

“This forum presents a vital opportunity for us to critically evaluate our regional development strategies, identify areas of mutual interest, and explore sustainable frameworks for cooperation,” she stated.

She noted that critical sectors such as infrastructure, security, economic growth, and social welfare require strengthened synergy among the states in the region.

She urged participants to fully leverage the platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and propose innovative solutions that will drive progress across the Southwest.

“It is incumbent upon us to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones for the collective prosperity of our states and the region as a whole,” she concluded.

Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Dr Seye Oyeleye, stated that the Commission had expressed readiness to support the region’s integration efforts but called for unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.

“We need your creativity, your courage, and above all, your commitment to make this work,” he said.

“We must approach every challenge by asking: how can we address this as a region, not just as individual states?”

“By pooling resources, aligning policies, and coordinating our actions, we can achieve outcomes none of us could accomplish alone.”

He maintained that the future of the Southwest lies in unity.

“It’s not about what Lagos or Ekiti can do alone. It’s about what we can achieve together with shared goals and a common vision.”

“Let this be another milestone in our journey of regional cooperation—taking small steps forward, driven by the bold vision that has always defined our region.”

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, emphasised the need for a united and strategic approach among Southwest states to achieve regional development goals.

Dr Fasoranti urged stakeholders in the region to be “purposeful, deliberate, bold, and resilient” in shaping the future of the Southwest.

He stressed that meaningful progress would remain elusive if each state continued to operate in isolation.

According to him, the Southwest still retains the capacity to articulate its own regional vision and advance it during national deliberations.

“We can sit back and say, for our region, this is what we’re envisaging. And when deliberation occurs, we can say: this is what the Southwest is thinking, this is what they want to do,” he concluded.

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