Akure, Nigeria – Governors from the Southwest region and leaders of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, have emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation to drive economic development in the region.

The call was made during the Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue held on Wednesday in Akure, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stressed the need for Southwest governors to renew the region’s tradition of accountability, inclusion, and citizen participation.

He said the summit provided an opportunity to institutionalize regular dialogue between citizens and government, noting that genuine progress can only be achieved when leaders listen to the yearnings of the people.

“As we cradle on progressive politics and intellectual innovation, the South-West region must always lead Nigeria’s path towards modern governance — from Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s visionary legacies to our collective strides in education, technology, and enterprise,” Abiodun said.

“Let us work together — federal and state governments, citizens and institutions — to build a Southwest that continues to shine as the engine of innovation and prosperity for our nation.”

He commended Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for hosting the event and praised President Bola Tinubu for his reform efforts, which he said have “restored national confidence and placed the country on a sustainable growth path.”

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the Southwest Governors’ Forum, said the region must “reclaim its heritage of innovation, education, and good governance,” describing the Southwest as the beacon of national progress.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the gathering reaffirmed the synergy among institutions and stakeholders in the region, stressing that “democracy thrives when leaders and citizens meet and engage in constructive dialogue.”

Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by former Secretary-General Femi Okurounmu, urged governors and political leaders to set aside party differences and work together for regional advancement. He called on stakeholders and traditional rulers to recommit to the welfare-driven ideology that has historically defined Yoruba politics.

Dignitaries at the event included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adeyemi; Osun Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi; Ekiti SSG, Omolola Adubiaro; former Ondo Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; and traditional rulers including the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.