South-West Governors in high-stakes closed-door meeting in Lagos

The six governors of the South-West region have converged at Lagos House, Ikeja, for a high-stakes zonal meeting to deliberate on critical strategies aimed at transforming the region’s economy, security, and overall development.

The meeting, hosted by the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has in attendance Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).

By 10:55 a.m., the governors began arriving, with Oyo State’s Makinde being the first to step into Lagos House.

He was warmly received by Governor Sanwo-Olu, alongside his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.

The crucial closed-door session commenced at 12:15 p.m. after the arrival of all governors.

At the top of the agenda are key regional issues, including agriculture, food security, economic collaboration, security strategies, and the establishment of the South-West Development Commission—a proposed body set to fast-track coordinated development across the region.

Today’s meeting builds upon the resolutions of a previous gathering held in Lagos on June 10, 2024, during which Governor Sanwo-Olu was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Forum.

Since assuming the leadership role, he has spearheaded policy initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and driving socio-economic transformation.

With the South-West standing as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, the outcome of this meeting is expected to shape the region’s trajectory in the coming months, solidifying its position as a model for governance, investment, and sustainable development.