Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to keep collaborating with states in the Southwest towards harmonising economic and social policies that reflect shared values and common aspirations.

He noted that the Southwest is at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic development, adding that if the economic development drive of the region becomes lethargic, the entire nation will bear the brunt.

Abiodun stated this in a goodwill message at the presentation of a book, Proposed Action Plan for the Economic Development of South West Nigeria, authored by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries – South West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN) in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.

held at the Oyo State Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Abiodun, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the event underscores the enduring relevance of experience in shaping policy, thus reaffirming a shared commitment to purposeful governance, strategic development, and inter-generational collaboration in the six states that constitute the Southwest.

The book, he said, is coming at a critical time when the region is at a crossroads of opportunities and challenges

He said that the proposed Action Plan complements and amplifies efforts, not only by identifying actionable steps to transform the economy of the Southwest but by creating a framework for synergy among member states to leverage their comparative advantages, harmonise policies, and build regional value chains in areas such as agriculture, industrialisation, digital innovation, tourism, and human capital development.

“For us in Ogun State, your timeless effort aligns perfectly with the vision and trajectory of our administration under the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda,” he noted.

On his part, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Phillips, assured that the state would tap into the association’s knowledge as encapsulated in the book, which aligns with the state’s policy in education and infrastructural development.

He commended the elders for their contributions to the development of the region, describing them as a valuable repository of public service history.

Also speaking, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kolawole Adewusi, said for the members, as purveyors of knowledge, who have weathered various administrations, to have come up with such a book speaks volumes and must not be jettisoned but embraced.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Adebayo Lawal, said there should be strong linkages in terms of interconnectivity between the states for regional integration and development.

He urged the states to fuse together and lift their economic statuses, as the presentation was not just celebrating individual states’ achievements but seeking ways of integrating them together for the betterment of all.

The book reviewer, Prof. Ezekiel Oyedeji, advocated unwavering commitment to development, asserting that the governments in the region must not be daunted in the quest for the development of the Southwest in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the Director General of the DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, appreciated the association for the onerous task of putting the book together, noting that they did not allow retirement to push them to the background