Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said it is time for the state to strengthen economic collaboration with Oyo State in the area of food production and ensure adequate security in both states.
Governor Abiodun had a meeting with his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Tuesday to discuss issues of food and security affecting the two neighbouring states.
Fielding questions from newsmen after a closed-door meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Governor Abiodun said Ogun and Oyo states have strong cultural, historical, and economic ties, hence the need for the two states to work together for the mutual benefit of their people.
He said: “I have come to see my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, to discuss matters of mutual interest. Ogun State was part of the old Western Region where Ibadan was the capital. We have very strong ties, both cultural and economic, with the people and government of Oyo State.
“You can see that every day in our subregion, we continue to host major investors, and because of the proximity of both states on so many fronts, a time like this presented itself for us to look at how to ensure that we strengthen that economic relationship in the agricultural sector as we strive for food security and sovereignty.
“Our discussions centered on how we can further collaborate to ensure that we eat what we grow and grow what we eat, turning our region into the breadbasket of the country.”
The governor expressed delight with what the Oyo State government is doing in the agricultural sector, adding that Ogun State is also doing its part through its farms in the Odeda, Imeko, and Yewa North areas, which share common borders with Oyo State.
The Ogun State helmsman emphasized the critical role of security as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of society, acknowledging the contributions of the Southwest Security Network, AMOTEKUN, to the security architecture of the region through the provision of required intelligence and other security functions.
