The South-West Regional Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries has called on the six governors in the zone to fortify security by adopting a hybrid of state and community policing.
At its 10th quarterly General Meeting in Osogbo, Osun State, the association emphasized the need for enhanced inter-state intelligence sharing to block terrorist incursions filtering into the region via Kwara and Kogi States.
In a six-point communique emailed to Persecondnews and signed by the Regional President, Mr. Demola Badejo, a lawyer and one-time Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council and Alhaji Kunle Adegbite, the communique Committee Chairman, the body expressed grave concern over the rising insecurity.
They noted that these attacks have crippled rural livelihoods, as widespread fear of terrorism has forced farmers to abandon their fields, threatening the region’s food supply chain.
To drive regional growth, the association also resolved to collaborate with key institutions, including the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the South West Development Commission, to foster integrated development across the zone.
It stated:”The meeting expressed concern over increasing terrorist incursions into the South-West, particularly via the North-Western corridor through Kwara and Kogi States, noting the adverse impact on farming activities, food supply chains, and rural livelihoods.
“It therefore called on South West Governors to strengthen security infrastructure in the region through a hybrid of State and community policing, enhance inter-State intelligence sharing, and increase public and private sector investment in agriculture, including rural infrastructure, agro-processing facilities, storage systems, and reliable markets.
“It adopted the proposal to interface and collaborate with bodies such as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), the South West Development Commission and all other regional bodies.
“The meeting considered and deliberated on the seven-point agenda the new Executive Committee presented to it and resolved to support its successful execution.
“It appreciated the efforts of the Governors of the South West region on the welfare of its members in terms of prompt payment of pension and gratuity, but urged them to urgently address the issues of parity in the face of economic hardship in the country.
“It urged the respective Heads of Service in the region to maintain close relationship with their Governors with a view to advancing the cause of the Association.
“The meeting noted the pledges made by the Governors of the region during the launching of the Association’s book, on development addenda for the South West in Ibadan in 2025 and noted that only Ondo State had fulfilled its pledge. It therefore urged all the five remaining States to emulate Ondo State.
“The meeting concluded with an appreciation to the Osun State Government for supporting the State Chapter in hosting a productive meeting. It fixed its next meeting to hold in Oyo State in June, 2026.”
The opening ceremony featured a distinguished lineup of guests, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Babagunwa Teslim Igbalaye.
The event was further bolstered by several high-ranking government officials and seasoned administrators.
Among those who delivered goodwill messages were Elder Leye Akinola, the current Osun State Head of Service, and Mr. Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, the state’s pioneer Head of Service.
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