• Oyo, Ogun to address critical challenges
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced plans of his administration to collaborate with Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on initiatives that benefit residents of both states. Makinde disclosed this while playing host to Abiodun in Ibadan.
The governors are set to hold a peer-review meeting in the New Year, focusing on areas such as agriculture, particularly the tractorisation policy and other developmental opportunities.
Makinde emphasised the importance of leveraging the strengths of both states for mutual progress: “We were discussing the tractorisation strategy Ogun State has adopted and comparing it with what we’re doing here in Oyo. We agreed to hold a peer-review session in the New Year to exchange ideas and collaborate on areas of mutual benefit.”
He expressed gratitude to Abiodun, who visited to commiserate with Oyo State following the tragic stampede at a private funfair in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children.
Abiodun who also chairs the South-West Governors’ Forum, conveyed his condolences on behalf of the people of Ogun State and the Southern Governors’ Forum. He described the incident as a tragic turn of events from an otherwise well-intentioned initiative.
He sought better and more coordinated collaboration between non-governmental organisations and government to prevent such occurrences in the future:
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event. On behalf of my family, the people of Ogun State, and the entire Southern Governors’ Forum, I express our heartfelt condolences. Our prayer is that Oyo State and indeed Nigeria will not witness such a tragedy again.”
He also prayed for the souls of the deceased children and their grieving families, reiterating the bond between the two neighboring states: “What affects Oyo State affects Ogun as well.”
Both governors emphasized the need for shared strategies and mutual support to address critical challenges and promote development in the South West.1