The forum of the Majority Leaders of Houses of Assembly in the South-West under the aegis of the Southwest Legislative Reform Implementation Committee (SLRIC) has asked governors of the various states in the region to look beyond political affiliations and work together for the region’s greater good.
SLRIC made the call after its second quarterly meeting held in Oshogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the Chairman of SLRIC and Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, called on governors and speakers in the six states of the region to be in mutual understanding and one spirit in taking the region to the enviable height.
“We must transcend party lines and focus on building a safer and more prosperous Southwest. Our people deserve nothing less.
“ The future of the Southwest is not just in security and governance, but in unlocking the vast economic potential of our region.
“Let us work towards creating an environment where businesses can thrive, providing jobs and prosperity for our people,” he said.
He encouraged state governments to create policies and partnerships that would attract investments and drive economic growth in the region.
According to him, there is need to foster more business and economic opportunities across the South-West.
He explained that the committee emphasized the importance of not viewing regional security efforts as political tools but as complementary forces working in tandem with the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to secure the region.
Ogunmolasuyi said that the SLRIC remained committed to driving reforms and strengthening regional cooperation for the benefit of all South-West states.
“ Our discussions have led to formulating strategies to bolster our region’s security. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that these plans are swiftly and effectively implemented.
“ We Emphasized on security, economy, and harmonized governance,” he said.
He expressed his deep appreciation to the government and people of Osun State for their warm hospitality and support.
“We are immensely grateful to the Osun State Government, particularly the Osun State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, for providing an enabling environment for this important meeting to thrive.
“Special thanks also go to the Osun State Majority Leader, Hon. Adewunmi Kofoworola Babajide, whose efforts were instrumental in organizing this event.
“The spirit of collaboration we have witnessed here in Osogbo reaffirms our commitment to regional unity and progress,” he said.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the immense contributions of former Majority Leaders who now serve as members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of SLRIC.
“Our former Majority Leaders, Hon. SOB Agunbiade (former Lagos State Majority leader) Immidiate past SLRIC Chairman , Rt Hon Olugboyega Aribisogan former Ekiti Majority Leader) and Hon. Alhaji Maruf Olarewaju (Former Osun State majority leader), have laid a solid foundation for us to build upon, and their guidance and wisdom remain invaluable to the growth of this committee and the region as a whole.”
“Special appreciation to all South-West Speakers and Majority Leaders for their leadership, dedication and commitment towards the advancement and development of SouthWest.
“Hon Sanjo Adedoyin Onaolapo (Oyo State Majority Leader), Hon Sheriff Yusuf (Ogun State Majority Leader) Hon Adewunmi Kofoworola Babajide (Osun State Majority Leader) Hon Tolu Ige (Ekiti State Majority Leader and Hon Adams Noheem Babatunde (Lagos State Assembly Majority Leader),” he stated.
SLRIC brings Majority Leaders from across the Southwest region to discuss crucial issues impacting the region’s legislative, security, and economic landscape.