Governor Dapo Abiodun has called for stronger economic and security collaboration with neighbouring Oyo State, with a strong focus on agriculture and tighter security measures.
The appeal came during a meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Both leaders discussed growing concerns about the food supply and safety in the region.
Governor Abiodun’s spokesman, Kayode Akinmade, confirmed the meeting and said it was aimed at creating joint solutions to shared challenges affecting residents of the two states.
After their closed-door meeting, he noted the two states’ deep cultural and economic ties.
“I came to see my brother, Governor Makinde, to discuss issues of shared interest. Ogun was once part of the Old Western Region, with Ibadan as its capital,” he explained.
“The states have strong cultural and economic bonds, attracting major investors to our subregion.”
Abiodun highlighted the opportunity to enhance economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, to improve food security and self-sufficiency.
“Our discussions centred on growing what we eat and eating what we grow, with the aim of making the region Nigeria’s breadbasket,” he added.
He praised Oyo’s agricultural initiatives and pointed out Ogun’s own active farming sectors in Odeda, Imeko, and Yewa North.
The governor stressed the importance of security in promoting socio-economic development, commending the South-West Security Network, Amotekun, for its efforts in intelligence gathering and maintaining regional security.
