Governors from across southwest converge in Abeokuta to discuss economic collaboration

GOVERNORS of the six states making up Nigeria's southwestern geo-political zone have held a Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (Dawn) commission meeting today where they pledged to harmonise their activities to enhance socio-economic development.

Earlier today, the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti states met in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital to discuss the development of the geopolitical zone. All this of them were present including Ibikunle Amosun, Akinwunmi Ambode,  Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Akeredolu, Abiola Ajimobi and Ayo Fayose.

After a welcome address from the host governor, they observed a one minute silence for late Dawn director-general Dipo Famakinwa before getting down to business. Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State who was attending the quarterly meeting for the first time was formally inducted into the forum before deliberations started.

Southwestern Nigeria is considered to have a lot of potential with regards to agriculture, manufacturing and services and it is believed this will be the focus of the deliberations. Also, the governors are expected to tap into the growth which Lagos State provides, by building hubs close-by to take some of the spill.

Currently accounting for about a quarter of Nigeria's gross domestic product (GDP) and one third of non-oil GDP, Lagos State has over 24m people. Many of its workers live in neighbouring areas of Ogun State for instance and many companies have chosen to locate their facilities outside Lagos.