Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has revealed plans for a partnership with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on agribusiness, other sectors through a peer-review meeting scheduled for 2025.
The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration on issues impacting the citizens of both states, particularly in agriculture and other areas of shared interest.
Governor Makinde made the announcement on Monday during Governor Abiodun’s visit to Ibadan.
Highlighting the significance of inter-state cooperation, Makinde revealed that the partnership would primarily focus on agricultural opportunities, with an emphasis on tractorisation policies and strategies.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would allow both states to exchange ideas and adopt best practices for mutual benefit.
Makinde also seized the opportunity to appreciate Governor Abiodun, who doubles as the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, for his visit to commiserate with Oyo State following the tragic deaths of 35 children in a stampede during a private funfair in Ibadan.
“We agreed that we will have a peer-review visit in the New Year so that we can leverage the good things happening there and they can also leverage the good things happening here,” Makinde stated.
Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, expressed the condolences of the people of Ogun State and the Southern Governors’ Forum to the government and people of Oyo State over the tragic incident.
Describing the event as a well-meaning initiative gone wrong, he urged organisers of such charity programmes to collaborate with government agencies to ensure proper planning and avoid future tragedies.
“The entire Southern Governors’ Forum shares in the grief of Oyo State. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the repose of the souls of the innocent children who lost their lives.”
“I am here on behalf of my family, the people of Ogun State, and the Southern Governors’ Forum to commiserate with Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State over the tragedy of December 18, 2024. It is a painful reminder of the need for vigilance and collaboration in planning such events.
“In Ogun State, we regard any hardship faced by Oyo State as a shared burden. Our prayers remain with the families of the victims, and we fervently hope to never witness such a tragedy again,” he said.