By Abbas Nazil
Governors of Ogun and Oyo states have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional ties by collaborating more closely in the areas of agriculture and security to address shared challenges and harness opportunities for mutual economic growth.
This renewed partnership was confirmed following a closed-door meeting between Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and his Oyo counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, held in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Abiodun described the visit as a strategic step to deepen cooperation between the two states, which share historical, cultural, and economic bonds dating back to the Old Western Region.
Abiodun noted that Ibadan, now the capital of Oyo State, once served as the administrative seat of the Western Region of Nigeria, which included present-day Ogun State.
He stressed the importance of revitalizing those longstanding ties to collectively confront the pressing issues of food insecurity and rising insecurity in the South-West region.
According to a statement released by his spokesman, Kayode Akinmade, the Ogun State governor stated that both states regularly attract major investors due to their geographic proximity and shared interests.
He emphasized the need to deepen cooperation in agriculture, aligning with the broader national agenda of food self-sufficiency.
Abiodun said their discussion centered around promoting the cultivation and consumption of locally grown food to transform the region into the nation’s food hub.
He commended the agricultural strides made by Oyo State and highlighted similar efforts underway in Ogun, particularly in farming zones such as Odeda, Imeko, and Yewa North—all located near the Oyo State border.
The governor pointed out that these areas have the potential to become agricultural powerhouses if supported through joint initiatives, shared infrastructure, and coordinated policy implementation.
On the issue of security, Abiodun emphasized that economic development cannot be achieved without safety and stability.
He praised the South-West Security Network, Amotekun, for its contributions to intelligence gathering and maintaining regional peace.
The governor noted that robust regional security not only protects lives and property but also fosters investor confidence and rural development.
Abiodun’s visit signals a shift toward regional collaboration as a tool for solving national challenges.
With states increasingly taking the lead in shaping local development, the renewed alliance between Ogun and Oyo could set a model for inter-state cooperation in Nigeria, particularly in sectors critical to the country’s stability and prosperity.
By working together on food production and security, both states aim to build a more resilient and self-sufficient South-West.
