By Ayomide Otitoju
The Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the South-West region to champion Nigeria’s renewal by strengthening cooperation across states, sectors, and communities.
Speaking on Wednesday at the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State, and themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” Sanwo-Olu urged political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and youth representatives to unite behind a shared regional agenda for inclusive growth and development.
“We are gathered not merely to reflect on our journey but to reimagine our destiny — a South-West that once again sets the pace for Nigeria’s development and becomes the standard for others to emulate,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for establishing the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), describing it as a bold affirmation of the region’s collective destiny and a vital tool for coordinated transformation similar to the legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Let us rally around this new Commission, not in rhetoric but in action,” he said, quoting Awolowo: “‘It is not life that matters, but the courage you bring into it.’ Now is the time to summon that courage once again—to reclaim our heritage of innovation, education, and good governance.”
The Lagos governor emphasized the need to institutionalize peer learning among state governments, encouraging collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joint infrastructure projects to enhance regional integration.
Highlighting the South-West’s history of leadership in education, broadcasting, and governance, Sanwo-Olu challenged the region to “light the path for Nigeria’s rebirth,” adding that the spirit of unity and innovation that defined its past still thrives today.
Commending President Tinubu’s reform agenda, Sanwo-Olu said Nigeria is “being reshaped into a land of renewed confidence, investment, and prosperity.” He pointed to progress in stabilizing the currency, unifying exchange rates, and boosting exports and revenue as signs of economic renewal under the Renewed Hope administration.
“The reforms did not start out easily, but the President was confident that temporary pain would lead to lasting benefits. Time has vindicated him and reaffirmed that Nigerians made the right choice in 2023 — a choice we must consolidate upon in 2027,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He noted that Lagos stands to gain significantly from the administration’s economic stability, especially in attracting investment to major infrastructure and public-private partnership projects such as the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Lagos Green Line, and Lekki International Airport.
“Lagos is home to three of Nigeria’s busiest ports, positioning us to benefit from the country’s growing export strength,” he said. “President Tinubu’s foresight — which transformed Lagos a quarter of a century ago — is again shaping the nation’s economic trajectory today.”
