Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged leaders and citizens in the South-West to take the lead in Nigeria’s national revival by promoting closer collaboration across states, sectors, and communities.

Speaking on Wednesday at the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit in Akure, Ondo State, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” Sanwo-Olu called for a revival of the region’s legacy of innovation, education, and good governance.

“We are gathered not merely to reflect on our journey but to reimagine our destiny—a South-West that sets the pace for Nigeria’s development and becomes a benchmark for others,” he said.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for the establishment of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), describing it as a strategic step toward regional integration and transformation akin to the achievements of the old Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“Let us rally around this Commission not in rhetoric, but in action. As Awolowo reminded us, ‘It is not life that matters, but the courage you bring into it.’ Now is the time to summon that courage once again,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the need for stronger inter-state cooperation, urging leaders to share best practices, replicate successful initiatives, and jointly develop infrastructure to promote unity and inclusive growth.

Highlighting the South-West as a historical “land of firsts” in education, broadcasting, urban planning, and governance, the governor said the region must now “light the path for Nigeria’s rebirth.”

On national economic reforms, he praised President Tinubu’s leadership, noting improvements in currency stability, a unified exchange rate, rising exports, increased revenue, and renewed investor confidence. Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that while reforms initially caused hardship, the long-term benefits have strengthened Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment.

He pointed to Lagos State’s strategic role in the national economy, citing ongoing projects such as the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Lagos Green Line, and Lekki International Airport, noting that these initiatives would attract investors, boost trade, and create jobs.

“For Lagos, home to three of Nigeria’s busiest ports, increased port activity will create jobs and generate revenues, positioning us to benefit from Nigeria’s emergence as an export powerhouse,” he said.