By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The South West Governors’ Forum has unveiled a comprehensive set of security and development measures aimed at boosting safety and strengthening coordination across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the governors met in Ibadan on Monday.
The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing national security efforts, particularly the rescue of abducted students in Niger and Kwara States.
As part of new measures to enhance regional safety, the governors approved the establishment of a South West Security Fund, to be jointly managed by the DAWN Commission and Security Advisers from all six states.
To improve rapid response, the governors also endorsed the creation of a digital intelligence-sharing platform that will allow states to exchange real-time alerts and incident reports.
The Forum called for stronger forest surveillance and urged the Federal Government to deploy Forest Guards, while each state will provide supporting manpower.
Raising concern over increasing illegal mining activities and unregulated interstate migration, the governors described both as threats to security. They advocated stricter border control, better data capture, and tougher sanctions on illegal miners.
Reiterating their long-standing position, the governors emphasized that the time for State Police is now, noting that decentralised policing has become crucial for the region’s safety.
Reading the communiqué, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the Forum also urged residents of the South West to remain united and committed to peace and shared prosperity.
On development, the governors welcomed the establishment of the South West Development Commission and praised farmers across the region for boosting food supply and helping to stabilize prices.
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