The South West Governors’ Forum on Monday unveiled a series of major regional security and development resolutions following its meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The meeting, attended by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and the Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, deliberated on pressing issues including insecurity, agriculture, regional integration, and economic development.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in tackling insecurity and driving economic reforms. The governors expressed solidarity with the Federal Government following recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, and applauded the swift rescue of abducted schoolchildren and worshippers.
Key Resolutions
1. Establishment of South West Security Fund (SWSF)
The Forum approved the creation of a South West Security Fund to be managed under the DAWN Commission. The fund will be supervised by Special Advisers on Security from all six states and will meet monthly.
2. Joint Intelligence-Sharing Platform
In a major step toward unified security operations, the governors resolved to establish a digital, real-time intelligence-sharing platform for threat alerts, incident logs, and coordinated rapid response across the region.
3. Enhanced Forest Surveillance
The governors called for the deployment of Forest Guards by the Federal Government, while states will provide personnel. They emphasized reclaiming forest areas currently exploited by criminal elements. The Forum commended NSCDC, hunters, Amotekun, and other agencies for ongoing efforts.
4. Regulation of Interstate Migration
Raising concerns over uncontrolled migration, the Forum called for stricter border monitoring, improved data collection, and partnership with NIMC to ensure proper identification of migrants across the region.
5. Clampdown on Illegal Mining
The governors expressed alarm over rising illegal mining activities threatening public safety and the environment. They recommended stricter licensing processes and tougher enforcement to curb criminal exploitation of mining corridors.
6. Renewed Call for State Police
Reaffirming their long-standing position, the governors insisted that the creation of State Police “can no longer be delayed,” describing it as crucial for sustainable security.
7. Agriculture and Food Security
The Forum praised farmers in the region for increased output, contributing to food price stability. It also commended Federal Government efforts to enhance national food security and climate resilience.
8. South West Development Commission (SWDC)
The governors thanked President Tinubu for establishing the SWDC and urged the commission to deliver effectively on its mandate.
9. Support for DAWN Commission
The Forum acknowledged the DAWN Commission’s role in driving regional integration and security coordination.
10. Call for Unity and Peace
The governors urged residents of the South West to remain united, emphasizing the region’s long-standing culture of peace and religious tolerance.
The meeting, which began at 2:15 p.m., concluded with a renewed commitment to collective action to secure lives, strengthen regional development, and preserve the unity of the South West.
