Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged renewed unity, collaboration, and visionary leadership across South-West states, declaring that the region must lead Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation once again.
The governor made the call on Thursday at the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit in Akure, where he joined other state governors, traditional rulers, and key regional stakeholders.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the South-West holds the capacity to drive national progress through shared development strategies and inter-state cooperation. He described the newly established South-West Development Commission as a major platform for coordinated regional growth, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for championing it.
According to him, the Commission represents a pathway to revive the development legacy of the former Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, marked by economic innovation, social welfare programs, and pioneering infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu stated that Nigeria is witnessing renewed economic direction and investor confidence under President Tinubu’s administration, adding that ongoing reforms are stabilizing key sectors and attracting investment back into the country.
He noted that this improved environment is opening doors for Lagos Mega-projects including the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the Green Line Rail Project, and the Lekki International Airport, all of which, he said, will significantly boost economic activities and enhance quality of life for residents.
Calling for unified action among South-West leaders and citizens, Sanwo-Olu said the region must rise to its historic responsibility.
He maintained that the South-West, known historically for innovation, courage, and visionary governance, has the obligation and capacity to lead Nigeria’s rebirth and must work collectively to achieve it.
The summit, attended by political leaders, traditional institutions, and civic groups, focused on deepening citizen-government relations and accelerating coordinated development across the region.
