- Safiu Kehinde
The South-West Governors Forum has made move to tackle emerging threat of insecurity as they announced the establishment of Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team.
The forum’s chairman and Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this to newsmen following the Forum’s meeting.
NPO reported yesterday that Sanwo-Olu had hosted the South-west governors for their meeting in Lagos.
The governors include Dapo Abiodun (Ogun state), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo state), Seyi Makinde (Oyo state), Ademola Adeleke (Osun state), and Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti state) as well as the host, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Speaking after the meeting, the forum disclosed in a communique that the move is a direct response to the emerging threats of ISWAP and other criminal groups whose activities are inimical to the peace and stability of the Southwest.
“The forum agreed to appoint our Special Advisors in each state and establish the joint surveillance monitoring team which will oversee and coordinate security effort across the region.
“And as part of the resolution, the forum has committed to deploying advanced technology including area of surveillance system that will enhance security operations.
“Additionally, the forum resolved to strengthening intelligence gathering by fostering a collaboration between our states’ security operatives,.local security network, and of course the federal enforcement authorities.” Sanwo-Olu said on behalf of the forum.
Also, Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun’s disclosed, in a post on his X handle after the meeting, that the forum agreed to establish joint food hubs to tackle inflation and ensure food security.
While expressing their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in stabilizing the economy, the forum also discussed about economic collaboration, and the creation of the Southwest Development Commission, which, according to Abiodun, will serve as a catalyst for coordinated development across our states.
“Additionally, we have agreed to establish joint food hubs to tackle food inflation and ensure food security for all. By fostering stronger collaboration in agriculture, we are determined to make food more accessible and affordable to our people.
“As a forum, we also express our appreciation to President @officialABAT for his continuous efforts to stabilize the economy, manage the exchange rate, and address petrol prices, all of which play a crucial role in national progress.
“Our discussions also covered key regional issues such as security, agriculture, economic collaboration, and the creation of the Southwest Development Commission, which will serve as a catalyst for coordinated development across our states.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to work together in building a safer, more prosperous Southwest, to the benefit of all our citizens.” The Ogun governor added.