Political and traditional leaders from across the South-West gathered in Akure on Thursday for a landmark two-day summit aimed at deepening citizen-government engagement, reviewing the performance of the federal administration, and charting a united path for regional development.
Held at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, under the theme “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” the event brought together Governors, Ministers, Deputy Governors, former Governors, first-class traditional rulers, federal agency heads, religious figures, civil society leaders, market women, youth organisations and APC chieftains.
Proceedings began with a courtesy visit to Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the revered Afenifere leader and one of the last surviving figures of Nigeria’s independence struggle. Led by former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande, the delegation included senior officials, ministers, and traditional rulers who paid homage to the nonagenarian statesman.
Pa Fasoranti, a devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of the architects of the Western Region’s Free Education policy, will mark his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026. His Akure residence, long regarded as the “moral compass of Yorubaland,” has hosted generations of leaders — from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to governors, business leaders, and clergy.
“We pray that God grants Baba the grace to celebrate his centenary in strength and peace,” one participant remarked during the visit.
At the main session, federal officials presented the administration’s achievements over the past two years, while
regional leaders called for stronger federalism, policy synergy, and grassroots participation.
“Today, we stand at a threshold of history. Shall we continue with centralisation when true federalism demands devolution of powers?” asked Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging greater autonomy for regional governance.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti charged South-West governors to collaborate more closely:
“Your people elected you to improve their lives. When Osun innovates successfully, let Oyo adopt and adapt. When Lagos leads, let others follow. When Ondo provides solutions, let others emulate.”
Participants from civil society and youth groups echoed the call for deeper inclusion, describing the forum as an important step toward rebuilding trust between government and citizens.
“True progress comes not by speaking to citizens but by listening to their yearnings,” one youth delegate noted.
The venue — draped in Yoruba cultural motifs and national colours — buzzed with conversation as traditional rulers arrived in their royal regalia. Market women in matching aso-ebi fabrics and youth
delegates waving banners reading “Dialogue Now, Prosperity Tomorrow” lent the event a festive yet purposeful tone.
“You cannot build a strong centre on weak peripheries. When regions thrive, the nation prospers,” another participant said, drawing applause from the audience.
The summit produced several commitments: Institutionalising regular citizen-government dialogues across South-West states, Renewed advocacy for true federalism and power devolution, Collaborative initiatives on
infrastructure, education, security, and digital economy and Reinforcement of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” to align regional growth with national priorities.
The Ondo’s deputy governor summarised the region’s collective sentiment: “The South-West must remain the torchbearer of progressive politics, social justice and innovation.”
The Dialogue continues on Friday with sectoral breakout sessions focusing on governance, the economy, infrastructure, and social development. A communiqué outlining actionable recommendations is expected at the close of the summit.
As one participant observed, “This meeting has rekindled a shared vision — that governance must return to the people and that the South-West must lead Nigeria’s democratic renewal.”
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