The South West Development Stakeholders Forum has called for a parley with presidential candidates of major political parties as soon as possible. The Forum made the call in a statement after a meet on Thursday, 8th December 2022, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Read the statement below:
SOUTH WEST DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDERS FORUM INSISTS ON PRESIDENTIAL PARLEYS FOCUSED ON THE SOUTHWEST AND HOW CANDIDATES INTEND TO DELIVER DEVELOPMENT DIVIDENDS TO THE REGION
The South West Development Stakeholders Forum, comprising civil society
organisations, professionals, and religious leaders met on Thursday, 8th December 2022.
The Forum called for a parley with presidential candidates of major political parties as soon as possible, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The South West is the industrial and commercial engine room of Nigeria.
All matrices clearly show that the Nigerian economy is driven by economic activities in the South West of Nigeria.
Given its growing population of more than 50 million residents, its historical trajectory as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, its strategic political importance, and huge potential in driving national growth and development; the region deserves to know from the presidential candidates exactly how they intend to incorporate the South West in their agenda for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
The South West can also boast of having residents from most, if not all, ethnic nationalities of Nigeria. We are the biggest, non-discriminatory, melting pot for Nigerians and their social, commercial and other development activities and therefore deserve the critical consideration of all candidates.
With just over two months to the general elections, there is a need for the Presidential, as well as the region’s Gubernatorial and Legislative candidates, to pronounce their plans for a concrete development agenda for the South West Region.
The South West Development Stakeholders is willing and ready to bring the Presidential candidates to the table to address Yoruba people, and indeed all Nigerians living in the South West, of specific plans to make them true stakeholders in the new unfolding federation.
Detailed plans for the parley will be announced soon.
Signed for the South West Development Stakeholders:
1. Dr Alao Adedayo, alao_adedayo@yahoo.com, Yoruba World Center
2. Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, ayodejiosibogun@gmail.com Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation
3. Sir Gbenga Adebusuyi, adegbenga.adebusuyi@gmail.com, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative
4. Prince Kayode Adeyemi, keyneconsulting@gmail.com, ODU’A CCIMA
5. Mrs. Foluso Oyenuga, govframo@gmail.com, Professional Women Group
5. Dr. Ayo Famuyide, Famson@aol.com, Egbe Omo Yoruba North America
And on behalf of:
1. Revd. Muyiwa Bamgbose, muyibam@yahoo.com Majeobaje Community Development Initiative
2. Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo, senatorogunbanjo@mac.com, Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation
3. Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, akindeko@hotmail.com, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative
4. Alhaji Olalekan Ajia, olalekan.ajia@gmail.com, Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation
5. Mr. Ayo Oyerinde, ayoolaoyejide4change@gmail.com, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative
6. Dr Yemi Adegoke, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative
7. Jumoke AkinTaylor, Africa Leadership Group
8. Taiwo Ayedun, Fatherland Group
9. Dr. Bukola Adeniji, Fatherland Group
10. Comrade Gbenga Awosode, Atayese
11. Sheikh Abdurahman Awwalu, Taawunil Muslimeen
12 . Dubi Imevbore, International Council for Ifa Religion
13. Dr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, National Association of Parents
14. Dr. Oluola Agbeniyi, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora – South Africa
15. Akintayo Laugbasa, Laugbasa Development Association
16. Solape Ogungbade, Professional Women Group)
17. Muritala, Oranmiyan Hunters Association
18. Comrade Philip Ogundele, Yoruba Reparations Communist Movement
19. Basorun Kunle Adesokan, Egbe Alajobi
20. Prof Kola Ogundowole
21. Adekunle Olaiya
22. Francis Eluwole
23. Dr. Oluyide