South-West Speakers meet, unveil new roadmap for regional progress
South-West Speakers meet, unveil new roadmap for regional progress
The Conference of Speakers of South-West States has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing legislative cooperation, and fast-tracking socio-economic development across the region.
The commitment was outlined in a communiqué jointly signed by the National Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Chairman of the South-West Speakers’ Forum and Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide and Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olumide Adewole Egbedun, after their meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Presenting the resolutions, Aribasoye praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in promoting national cohesion and development.
He also commended Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for the infrastructure projects reshaping the state.
The Speakers equally applauded South-West governors for sustaining regional integration efforts and driving economic advancement.
During the session, the Conference held extensive deliberations on governance, national reforms, and constitutional matters.
The Speakers agreed to adopt a unified stance on key national issues, including electoral reform, inclusive governance, devolution of powers, state policing, fiscal restructuring, citizenship and indigeneship matters, and strengthening local government administration.
They also highlighted the need to review and harmonise the Standing Orders of all South-West legislative houses to promote consistency and efficiency in lawmaking.
The Conference announced plans to hold a South-West Legislative Summit in Oyo State in the first quarter of 2026 aimed at deepening collaboration, fostering peer learning, and promoting strategic development across state legislatures in the zone.
Recognising security as central to regional stability, the Speakers applauded the achievements of the Amotekun Corps.
They also recommended the creation of Post-Legislative Scrutiny Units in all State Assemblies to assess the impact of significant laws, including the Anti-Open Grazing Law and the Amotekun Law, and ensure they remain effective in addressing emerging threats.
The Conference encouraged South-West governors to collaborate with the National Boundary Commission to resolve persistent boundary disputes, stressing the importance of peace, unity, and youth participation in governance.
They urged all levels of government to expand avenues for young people to engage meaningfully in the democratic process.
On agriculture, the Speakers called for increased budgetary allocation across the region to strengthen food security, improve public health, and support sustainable livelihoods.
