S’West govs’ forum: Group lauds Sanwo-Olu’s leadership qualities 

A pro-democracy and Pan Yoruba group, the South West Initiative, has commended Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for driving development, improving security and building cohesion in the region following an assessment of his achievements months after he emerged as the chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

The group, through its Director General, Razaq Olokooba, stated this while conducting a tour of South Western states since Governor Sanwo-Olu’s reign took off as Chairman of South West Governors’ Forum (SWGF).

Speaking during a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, Olokooba said evidence on the ground shows the South West region is stronger under the leadership of Sanwo-Olu as the chairman of the SWGF.

According to Olokooba, Sanwo-Olu’s developmental stride in Lagos State is now clearly rubbing off on other states in the region adding that there has been a marked improvement in peace and security of the Yoruba-speaking states since his emergence.

He revealed that part of the group’s findings show that the South-West region had been positively impacted by the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s policies which Governor Sanwo-Olu and other governors of the regions have done well to implement.

“After we tour the states in the South West region, we can without a doubt say that states in the geopolitical zone are in good hands with Sanwo-Olu as the Chairman of South West governors.

“We dare say that the South West region is stronger under the leadership of Sanwo-Olu as the Chairman of South West Governors Forum, the region is in good hands like never before.

“Having thoroughly reviewed and assessed what Governor Sanwo-Olu has done in the last six months, it is refreshing to note that you (Sanwo-Olu) have been playing a crucial role in advancing the well-being and prosperity of the people of Southwest.

“Governors and the people now look up to you (Sanwo-Olu) for guidance and strategic direction. We are confident that what you have achieved in the last six months is a tip of the iceberg as more are to yet.

“We also commend you and the other governors in the region for stemming the tide against insecurity and maintaining peace which has inadvertently played a major role in boosting the economy of the region.

“President Bola Tinubu must also be made to know that his policies and programmes at the centre are impacting the region because you (Sanwo-Olu) and his colleagues have continued to compliment the efforts of the president. 

“We call for more collaboration with the President Tinubu-led administration in economic development, healthcare, infrastructure, and so on; we are sure that with Sanwo-Olu in the saddle as the leader of Southwestern states forging a regional cooperation, economic development, and social progress are certain,” Olokooba stated.

The group also lauded the governors of South Western Nigeria for their efforts to entrench cultural values by adopting the Yoruba national anthem; ‘Ise wa fun ile wa’, adding that their action signifies that the region is marching forward with unity of purpose.

Tribune Online recalled that the governors of the six states in the southwestern part of Nigeria comprising Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Lagos and Oyo States in June 2024 elected Sanwo-Olu chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE