By Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, has applauded the ongoing, Southwest Stakeholders Dialogue taking place at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, describing it as a landmark event in the region’s history.
Akinlosotu, who serves as the Chairman of the Security and Traffic Management Committee for the event, said the dialogue marks a new dawn in regional governance, promoting inclusiveness, accountability and collaboration among the Southwest states.
The summit, themed, “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Accessing Progress, Charting the Future,” brought together all Southwest governors, senior Federal Government officials and civic leaders to deliberate on the state of democracy and sustainable development in the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the opening session on Wednesday, Akinlosotu commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for hosting what he described as a “transformative platform” that bridges the gap between citizens and government.
“This event is truly one of its kind. It’s not just a gathering, but a movement towards a stronger and more united Southwest. What we are witnessing here is an uncommon level of collaboration that reflects the visionary leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the collective commitment of our leaders to democratic renewal,” he said.
He noted that the dialogue represents a practical approach to participatory governance, where leaders engage directly with citizens to assess progress and chart a collective course for the region’s future.
According to him, “The Southwest has always been a reference point in governance and reform. This dialogue reinforces that legacy, a model that other regions can emulate in building trust and advancing democracy.”
The dialogue, convened by the six Southwest states in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and Afenifere, featured key sessions on governance, economic integration and civic engagement.
Akinlosotu expressed optimism that the resolutions reached at the dialogue would translate into concrete policy actions aimed at further strengthening unity, development and democratic culture across the Southwest region.