In a renewed drive to combat food insecurity and enhance safety across the Southwest, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has joined forces with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in a strategic alliance aimed at agricultural development and regional security.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the Oyo State Government House on Tuesday, focused on developing a unified response to the challenges facing both states, which share borders and similar agricultural potential.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Governor Abiodun highlighted the historic connection between Ogun and Oyo, pointing to the legacy of the old Western Region where Ibadan served as the capital and Ogun was part of the region.
“The old Western Region was a model of development, and we believe that by working together as brothers, we can replicate and even surpass that legacy,” Abiodun said.
He emphasized that both states are strategically positioned to implement a regional agricultural framework that promotes local production, self-sufficiency, and seamless market integration.
“We are committed to a ‘grow what we eat, eat what we grow’ philosophy that will transform the Southwest into Nigeria’s food basket,” Abiodun stated.
READ ALSO: Food security: Kyari urges development of climate-smart seeds
The two governors also agreed to strengthen cooperation on targeted cross-border interventions, including the expansion of mechanised farming, harmonisation of agricultural policies, and investments in rural infrastructure like irrigation systems and feeder roads to ease agricultural transport.
“Our discussions centred on how we can further collaborate to ensure that we eat what we grow and grow what we eat, turning our region into the breadbasket of the country,” Abiodun added.
On regional security, both leaders acknowledged the vital role played by the Southwest Security Network, also known as Amotekun, particularly in intelligence gathering and community safety efforts.
The partnership signals a deeper regional integration effort among Southwest states, with a focus on food resilience and public safety.
