The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has reaffirmed his administration's resolve to keep collaborating with sister-states in the South-West of Nigeria towards harmonising economic and social policies that reflect shared values and common aspirations.

Gov. Abiodun made this resolve known in a goodwill message at the presentation of a book, "Proposed Action Plan for the Economic Development of the South West Nigeria" crafted by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries - South West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN) in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission held at the Oyo State Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the Governor said the event underscores the enduring relevance of experience in shaping policy, thus, reaffirming shared commitment to purposeful governance, strategic development and inter-generational collaboration in the six states that constitute the South West.

He added that the South-West is in the fore front of Nigeria's economic development and that if the economic development drive of the region goes lethargic, the entire nation will bear the brunt, as the book is coming at a critical time that the region is at crossroads of opportunities and challenges.

He said the book becomes highly imperative as it provides the intellectual pillar for  the economic development of the region and that the proposed Action Plan complements as well as amplifies the efforts, not only by identifying actionable steps to transform the economy of the South West but by creating a framework for synergy among member states to leverage on their comparative advantages, harmonise policies and build regional value chains in areas such as agriculture, industrialisation, digital innovation, tourism and human capital development.

"For us in Ogun State, your timeless effort aligns perfectly with the vision and trajectory of our administration under the 'Building Our Future Together' Agenda. Since inception, our government has been guided by the belief that sustainable development must be inclusive, evidence-based, private-sector driven and people-centred; and we have walked the talk through strategic investments in our five developmental pillars, anchored in the I.S.E.Y.A. mantra, which is Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Well-being, Education, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation as well as Agriculture and Food Security", the Gov. said.

While commending the Association, which is comprised of a body of distinguished technocrats whose legacy in the Public Service has continued to enrich the region's development discourse, Prince Abiodun applauded their passion and resolve to remain actively involved in policy development after retirement and described it as lifelong service to the community.

On his part, the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Phillips, assured that they would tap into the Association's knowledge as encapsulated in the book, which aligns with the State's policy in education and infrastructural development and commended the elders for their contributions to the development of the South West,  describing them as valuable repository of the Public Service history. 

Adding his voice, the Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kolawole Adewusi, said for the members as purveyors of knowledge who weathered various administrations, be it military or democratic to have come up with a book like this speaks volume, and must not be jettisoned but embraced and urged the States to remain united, while the security architecture of the states be strengthened for effectiveness.

In the same vein, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, said there should be strong linkages in terms of interconnectivity  between the States for regional integration and development.

He urged the states to fuse together and lift their economic statuses, as the presentation was not just celebrating individual state's achievements but seeking ways of integrating them together for the betterment and upliftment of all of them in terms of transportation, security, education, amongst others and assured that the implementation of the book would be adopted and made seamless in all the States.

In a review of the book, the reviewer, Prof. Ezekiel Oyedeji advocated for greater strength and intellect, greater productivity and success as well as unwavering commitment to development, as the governments of the States must not be daunted in the quest for development of the south west region in particular and Africa as a whole.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Director General, DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, appreciated the Association for the onerous task in putting the book together as they did not allow retirement to push them to the background and assured that the seed of development being sown would be nurtured by the Commission, as it is a welcome development, and thoughtfully conceived as a beacon of hope in the South West.