Politics
By Anthony Isibor
THE South West Development Stakeholders forum, comprising civil society organizations, professionals, and religious leaders has revealed its readiness to bring all the presidential
candidates together to address Yoruba people.
Part of the discussions will centre on how candidates intend to deliver development dividends to the region and indeed to all Nigerians living in the South West, and of specific plans to make them true stakeholders in the new unfolding federation.
The forum revealed this in a statement signed by 23 representatives including Alao Adedayo from Yoruba World Center, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation; Gbenga Adebusuyi, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative; Prince Kayo Adeyemi, ODU’A CCIMA; Foluso Oyenuga, Professional Women Group; Ayo Famuyide, Egbe Omo Yoruba North America, among others, after its meeting held on Thursday, December 8.
Others who signed the statement on behalf of the various groups include: Revd. Muyiwa Bamgbose, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative, Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo, Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation, Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative, Alhaji Olalekan Ajia, Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation, Ayo Oyerinde, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative, Dr Yemi Adegoke, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative, Jumoke Akin Taylor, Africa Leadership Group, Taiwo Ayedun, Fatherland Group.
The rest are: Bukola Adeniji, Fatherland Group, Comrade Gbenga Awosode, Atayese, Sheikh Abdurahman Awwalu, Taawunil Muslimeen, Dubi Imevbore, International Council for Ifa Religion, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, National Association of Parents, Oluola Agbeniyi, Association of Yoruba in Diaspora – South Africa, Akintayo Laugbasa, Laugbasa Development Association, Solape Ogungbade, Professional Women Group), Muritala, Oranmiyan Hunters Association, Comrade Philip Ogundele, Yoruba Reparations Communist Movement, Basorun Kunle Adesokan, Egbe Alajobi, Prof Kola Ogundowole, Adekunle Olaiya, and Francis Eluwole, Dr. Oluyide .
According to the forum, the South West as the industrial and commercial engine room of Nigeria, 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.
Part of the statement reads:
“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 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.
“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.”
Details of the planned parley which will take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, will be announced as soon as possible, the statement said.
Tags: Adekunle Olaiya Adeolu Ogunbanjo Akintayo Laugbasa and Francis Eluwole Association of Yoruba in Diaspora – South Africa Atayese Basorun Kunle Adesokan Bukola Adeniji Comrade Gbenga Awosode Comrade Philip Ogundele Dr. Oluyide Dubi Imevbore Egbe Alajobi Fatherland Group International Council for Ifa Religion Laugbasa Development Association Muritala National Association of Parents Oluola Agbeniyi Oranmiyan Hunters Association Prof Kola Ogundowole Professional Women Group) Sheikh Abdurahman Awwalu Solape Ogungbade South West Development Stakeholders forum Taawunil Muslimeen Yoruba Reparations Communist Movement
