South West Governors Break Old Boundaries, Unveil Bold Regional Security Overhaul
By Passman Akpos
Ibadan, Nigeria — The South West Governors’ Forum on Monday convened in Ibadan for a crucial regional meeting, with security, agriculture, and economic advancement topping the agenda. Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced several groundbreaking resolutions aimed at strengthening the safety and prosperity of the South West.
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Forum has agreed to establish a South West Security Fund to be managed under the DAWN Commission, alongside a digital intelligence-sharing platform designed to boost coordination among the six states. The governors also emphasized the urgent need to enhance forest surveillance and appealed for Federal Government support in deploying Forest Guards, with states providing operational manpower.
Other key concerns addressed included unregulated interstate migration, which the Forum plans to tackle through strengthened collaboration with NIMC to improve identification and border monitoring. The governors also raised alarm over rising illegal mining activities and pledged to enforce stricter regulation and licensing across the region.
Reaffirming their long-standing position, the governors declared their unwavering support for the creation of State Police, describing it as a long overdue reform essential to safeguarding lives and property.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, stressed that the unity of the region remains its greatest strength, assuring residents of the governors’ commitment to a safer and more prosperous South West.
Citizens Welcome Decisions, Call for Visible Action
The meeting has sparked widespread positive reactions from South Westerners, many of whom expressed renewed hope in regional cooperation and effective governance.
Residents praised the clarity of purpose shown by the governors, noting that the new security initiatives reflect genuine concern for the region’s stability. Calls were also made for the strengthening and regional harmonization of Amotekun, with suggestions for a unified command structure, standardized training, and synchronized intelligence-sharing to enhance its operational efficiency.
A popular sentiment among citizens is the urgent need to develop a South West rail line network linking all states in the region. Advocates say such a project would create thousands of jobs, reduce interstate migration pressure, and significantly boost the regional economy.
Some residents also used the opportunity to highlight local concerns such as the resurfacing of commercial motorcycle (okada) activities in parts of Lagos where they had previously been banned, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to enforce earlier restrictions to improve safety and maintain order.
Others called for active involvement of local hunters, Agbekoya groups, OPC, and trained indigenous personnel in forest security, alongside expanding drone-based surveillance systems.
A Growing Push for Regional Governance
Observers say the synergy on display at the Forum signals the gradual shaping of a functional regional governance structure — a model many believe could redefine development across the South West.
Security remains the dominant theme, but citizens are also urging the governors to pursue aggressive agricultural expansion, youth-focused empowerment programs, and regional collaboration on electricity generation.
While commending the governors, many emphasized that sincerity, political will, and consistent implementation will determine whether these resolutions move from “strong declarations” to tangible improvements in people’s lives.
As one commentator put it, “This is not the time for talk; this is the time for fast, focused, and fearless action.”
