Governors of the six southwest states rose from a meeting in Lagos, on Thursday, saying that they are ready to counter any attempt by the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) to enter the region, and undermine its security.
To this effect, the governors’ forum has resolved to establish a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team.
The team will be tasked with coordinating security operations across the region.
This is part of the communique issued at the end of the Forum’s meeting held Thursday at the State House in Lagos.
Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, addressing the media after a four-hour meeting by the governors, stated that the move is a direct response to the emerging threats of ISWAP and other criminal groups whose activities are inimical to the peace and stability of the southwest.
Sanwo-Olu, also the governor of Lagos State hosted the meeting at The Lagos House in Ikeja.
The governor said the forum commended the board and management team of Odua Investment Limited for its ongoing efforts in repositioning the investment company.
Sanwoolu added that the forum commended President Bola Tinubu over the ongoing economic reforms that have ensured stable naira and supply of petrol across the country.
He further said the president was commended for establishing the South Western Development Commission and that the governors agreed that its head office should be located at Ibadan within Cocoa House of Odua Investment Company Limited.
As part of efforts to ensure food security and check inflation, Sanwo-Olu stated that governors said a food inflation joint monitoring team was agreed on curbing food inflation within the region while each state should establish a food logistics hub in their domain.
Other governors present at the meeting include: The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Biodun Oyebanji of Ondo and Ekiti respectively.
Governors Dapo Abiodun and Ademola Adeleke of Ogun and Osun states, respectively were also present.
