By Jemimah Oriogun, JKNMedia Reporter
LAGOS STATE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum during a closed-door meeting held at the Lagos House in Ikeja, attended by governors of the six southwestern states of Nigeria.
The decision was made with key resolutions from the forum including a directive for each state’s Commissioner for Agriculture to develop a collaborative framework based on their unique strengths and comparative advantages as an initiative to bolster regional agricultural productivity and address food security challenges comprehensively.
Present at the meeting were Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, stating that their unanimous agreement to choose Lagos Sanwo-Olu highlights the unity and strategic foresight among them as Southwest states’ leaders.
Sanwo-Olu succeeds the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who served until his death on December 27, 2023 in a meeting described as marking a continuation of the cooperative spirit that the late chairman had championed.
The governors used the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural policy, emphasizing its alignment with their regional objectives, adding that their endorsement underscores a commitment to support national policies that resonate with local needs and priorities.
Another notable outcome from the meeting was the adoption of the anthem “Iṣẹ̀ wà fùń Ilẹ wá” as the official anthem for the Yoruba-speaking Southwest region saying it is a cultural decision that highlights the forum’s dedication to promoting regional identity and heritage.
Sanwo-Olu’s new role as chairman, it was also noted, signifies a strategic shift in leadership aimed at fostering regional cooperation and development that reflects the Lagos governors’ unified vision for the Southwest’s future.
It was also stated that with this new leadership, the Southwest Governors’ Forum is poised to enhance its collaborative efforts, ensuring that the region harnesses its full potential for the benefit of its citizens at the Strategic Lagos Summit.
