South-west governors’ forum to set up joint surveillance team against insecurity

Governors from the south-west geo-political zone have resolved to establish a joint surveillance team to combat rising insecurity in the region.

The governors, under the aegis of the Southwest Governors’ Forum (SGF), also agreed to establish joint food hubs to address the growing food inflation and associated challenges and engender regional security.

The meeting was held at the Lagos state house in Alausa, Ikeja.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos and chairman of the forum, announced the resolutions while reading the communique issued at the end of a meeting held on Thursday.

Sanwo-Olu said the move is a direct response to the emerging threats of insecurity, which he noted are inimical to the peace and stability of the south-west.

“The forum agreed to appoint special advisors on security in each state and to establish a joint surveillance monitoring team which we believe will oversee and coordinate security efforts across the region,” he said.

“And as part of the resolution, the forum has committed to deploying advanced technology, including area surveillance systems that will enhance security operations.

“Additionally, the forum resolved to strengthen intelligence gathering by fostering a collaboration between our state security operatives, local security networks and of course the federal enforcement authorities.”

Governors in attendance were Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti).

An earlier statement by Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu’s spokesperson, said the meeting would focus on common interests and key regional issues, which will include agriculture, the South-West Development Commission and others.

Below are photos.