…as governor describes the team as
tool for National Development.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has described the convergence of Southwest Secretaries to State Governments as a “gathering of minds,” emphasizing its significance to the future of governance and regional development in Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji made this statement while declaring open the 2025 edition of the Southwest Secretaries to the State Governments Forum in Ado-Ekiti.
The summit brought together Secretaries to the State Governments (SSGs) from the six Southwest states, providing a platform for cross-state collaboration, policy exchange and regional strategy development.
Welcoming the delegates to the state, the governor—who had once served as SSG highlighted the vital role played by the office in shaping government direction and ensuring policy continuity.
He described the forum as a “strategic retreat” that should generate workable policy frameworks for states and regional progress.
“Governance is becoming increasingly complex, “Only by working together and sharing ideas can we not only accelerate development but also consolidate the gains we’ve already made.” Oyebanji said.
With the theme “Strategic Partnership for Regional Development,” the summit, according to the Governor, came at a critical time for the Southwest region, which continues to face socio-economic and security challenges ranging from food insecurity and inflation to low revenue and infrastructural deficits
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Despite the grim realities, Governor Oyebanji remained optimistic, noting that the region has always been a trailblazer in Nigeria’s development history. “We have no business being trapped in the web of poverty or underdevelopment, “Our civilization and progressive heritage call us to higher responsibility.” he said.
He lauded the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for its unwavering commitment to promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development, commending the platform for providing SSGs with a voice in national policy making through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Highlighting strides made in Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji showcased recent agricultural investments, including the expansion of youth broiler production schemes, land acquisitions under the Bring Back Our Youth in Agriculture initiative and the establishment of aggregation companies to boost food production and job creation.
He emphasized the dual benefits of these initiatives—not only addressing food security but also engaging the youth and improving security by reclaiming previously abandoned farmlands used by criminals.
The Governor also stressed the importance of infrastructures, especially rail transport, in unlocking the region’s agricultural and economic potential. “No economy can grow without a reliable transportation network. Rail infrastructure is essential to facilitate mobility, trade and regional integration” he said.
As the summit progressed, Oyebanji encouraged the delegates to remain focused, align with national development priorities and pursue bold ideas capable of transforming the Southwest into a hub of innovation, industry and growth.
“We can change the course of our region, We have what it takes” he declared.
The Governor congratulated the forum on its progress so far and urged participants to continue driving the Southwest forward with resilience and shared vision.
The secretary to Ekiti State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro who played host to the 5th edition of the Forum of Southwest Secretaries to the State Governments (SSGs) called for deeper collaboration among states in the region to address shared developmental challenges.
The SSG highlighted the crucial role played by Secretaries to State Governments in facilitating effective administration, inter-agency cooperation and policy implementation, noting that their strategic position is key to fostering regional integration.
“The Southwest has historically been a pacesetter in governance, human capital development, economic innovation and social progress, It is incumbent upon us to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones for the collective prosperity of our states.” she said.
The forum, according to the host, provides a unique opportunity to assess current regional strategies, identify shared priorities and develop sustainable frameworks for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, security, economic development and social welfare.
“There is a pressing need for increased synergy among our states. The challenges before us demand collective action and the solutions we seek can only be achieved through intentional and strategic partnerships.” SSG affirmed.
She urged participants to engage robustly, share innovative ideas and recommit themselves to actionable outcomes that will shape the future of the Southwest region.
The Forum continues to serve as a vital platform for peer learning, strategic alignment and regional integration among the Southwestern states of Nigeria.
The Director General Dawn commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, in his address painted a picture of a Southwest that leads in connectivity, food security and technological innovation-one that taps into its inherent strength and moves forward, not in isolation, but as a bloc.
He challenged the room to rethink the way governance had been approached. “We must break the silos,” he said. “Our problems—urbanization, youth unemployment, climate change and security—do not recognize state borders. So why should our solutions?”
Dr. Oyeleye’s words invoked the past—the days of visionary leaders who built enduring institutions like Cocoa House and introduced free education through shared resolve and unity of purpose.