‘Ondo has role to play in Southwest integration’

At a conference commemorating the first anniversary of the electoral victory of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, experts highlighted the role of the Sunshine State in the Southwest’s economic integration and how it can realise its potentials under the current leadership. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

Ondo State occupies a key position in the Southwest geo-political zone. It has borders with Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo and Kogi states. In the glorious days of the Western Region under the late Premier Obafemi Awolowo, agriculture was the mainstream of its economy. The state also has the advantage of vast human talents and mineral deposits. Until recently when oil was discovered in Lagos, Ondo was the lone Niger Delta State in the Southwest.

Expectations were high when Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) was elected governor of the state last year, following a turbulent primary. To advocates of regional integration, his victory would herald a new era of economic recovery and reposition the state for role of an economic hub. The feeling is that the prosperity of Ondo State will rub off on the prosperity and progress of the region.

At a recent conference in Akure, the state capital, to mark his ascension to power, experts dissected the regime and made some projections the state’s contribution to the cause of economic integration, based on its historical record as a core Yoruba state, its centrality, vast mineral deposits and current transformational leadership. The theme of the conference chaired by former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose was: ‘Regionalisation as federating blocs for a more productive Nigeria.’ It was organised by Urban Media Resource Limited, led by Femi Odere. The venue was St. Thomas Church Events Centre, Akure.

Two scholars-Prof. Ayo Olukotun and Prof. Bolaji Aluko-spoke on the sub-themes-‘Regionalisation: For Southwest Economic Integration’ and Regionalisation: For Southwest Development Funding from its Diaspora.’ Panel discussants included two members of The Nation Newspaper’s Editorial Board-Mr. Kunle Abimbola and Mr. Sanya Oni.

Olukotun examined the imperative for intra-Southwest economic cooperation and integration, with a view that the region becomes a thriving economic hub, self-sufficient in its areas of comparative and tackling the challenges associated with its prospects. Also, Aluko examined hos funding from the Diaspora could foster development and create wealth in Ondo and the Southwest in the spirit of economic globaliasation.

Anifowose congratulated Akeredolu for doing what has made the state to achieve progress. She reopened the debate on regionalism, saying that while the six Southwest states may not want to return to Ibadan, the capital of the defunct Western Region, they can explore the basis for cooperation. “If we want a productive Nigeria, we should come together as strong unions,” she said. The former commissioner decried the high cost of governance, saying that it is counter-productive.

“A friend of mine said her governor wanted to appoint 1,000 aides. Where will their salaries come from? We should re-channel our resources to our priorities. We need a law to prescribe a minimum number of members of state executive councils and SSAs. Government should be trimmed. For a job meant for one person, government is appointing 20 people. That is why appointees get to office, eat and drink. They can’t use their discretion to do anything; their capacity is low,” she added.

The former commissioner also observed that Nigeria lacked strong political parties with clear manifestos, rules and regulations. He also said a weak civil service is the bane of the polity. “The civil service must be very strong. If there is no good civil service, there will be no good governance. But, civil servants are not paid their salaries. How can they survive?” she queried.

The representative of the Senior Special Assistant on the Diaspora to the president, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mr. Akinwande Ojomo, observed that Ondo and indeed, Southwest tap from the Diaspora funding for development, if they have the right strategy. “Nigerians in the Diaspora breathe 25 million dollars to Nigeria’s economy, including transfers to families for social support. It is good that has a Special Adiser on the Diaspora. The Diaspora funding  can be used for human capacity development,” he said.

Aluko said Diaspora funding, either obtained through self-induced Diaspora engagement or active courting of the Diaspora, can be channeled into the critical sectors. These sectors include energy, education, roads, housing, agriculture, health and security. Others are ease of doing business, economic diversification, employment and political restructuring. The former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke, said the funding can come in the form of remittance, foreign direct investment, market development and outsourcing production, technology transfer, and philanthropy. He said they can also come through tourism, political contribution, and knowledge, new attitudes and cultural influence. He said for Southwest to attract Diaspora funding, it should develop a focus and know wht development is, adding that the region required a proper leadership, a true Awolowo spirit and a master plan for integrated development in Yorubaland.

“We need information on ODI, on the efficient use of the funds, and we need to emulate China, India, Philippines, Mexico, Taiwan and Argentina, which have been able to accomplish much through Diaspora funding,” Aluko added.

Olukotun, who was represented by Dr. Tunde Oseni of the Lead University, Ibadan, observed that regionalism may not be attainable now due to constitutional constraints, urging Ondo State and Southwest to strive to benefit from regionalisation. He said regionalisation will foster food security, regional security, internally generated revenue, economic integration and self-sufficiency.

“There should be a combination of psychological and political will to achieve integration. We should return to Awo’s template, especially adequate planning. Ondo and Southwest should embrace diversification. Ondo State should explore the ocean economy, develop its bitumen, oil and gas and tourism potentials,” he added.

However, Oni, a journalist, said Ondo and Southwest should always strive to develop their mental capacities, saying that they are their precious assets. He also called for the right attitudes to governance and commitment to excellence, either in the private or public sector. “That culture should emphasise competence,” he added.

A politician from Ekiti State, Dele Morakinyo, also cited attitude as a problem, wondering why government officials still demand for bribes before allowing donors to fund projects in their states. He said: “The attitude of government is driving the donors away.”

Professor Aboluwoye lamented that while the founding fathers of the region laid a solid foundation for regional integration, successive administrations have refused to build on it. He said Odua Group was dying, urging the Nehemiahs of the region to rise to the occasion rebuild the Premier Hotel and revive the Oluwa Glass Company.

Abimbola urged the Southwest to look inward, sustain Yoruba culture, protect its language and resolve to survive. He said regional nationalism does not translate to tribalism. Also, Abimbola said Lagos State has a role to play in the regional integration, adding that its position as the lone prosperous state in the Southwest will be threatened because indigenes of the remaining five states will always migrate to Lagos in pursuit of means of livelihood.

A participant, Ferdernez Ogunleye, highlighted why Odua Group may not survive. “Government can’t manage business. Government will appoint its lackeys as chairmen and managing directors of the company because they are politicians,” he said, adding that government should limit its role to providing an enabling environment for business to thrive.

Aluko and Oseni disagreed with him, saying that, at this stage of economic development, government should be involved. Oseni said government can still involve in business in developing countries, instead of handing off completely. “As a social democrat, I won’t say government should hand off, but government can do more by providing an enabling environment,” he added.

Aluko raised a puzzle: what is the proper role of government in development? He said is business is left to businessmen alone, the motive for profit making will leave the vulnerable people in the society behind. “Government must provide certain enabling environment. Government must justify why it is taking part in a particular business in the interest of the vulnerable,” he maintained.

A participant, who also emphasised the importance of regional integration, said there is the need for the progressive leaders of the region to sustain the current efforts, unity and understanding, saying that they are critical to economic integration. He called for an interface between the governments of the region and its vast intellectuals and men of ideas in the industry, labour and civil society on the subject matter of integration.

“The Yoruba states can collaborate on infrastructural development by trying to jointly construct inter-state roads in border towns within the region. There is need for annual or periodic assessment of how far the region has gone in realising the vision of integration. The zone should return to agriculture and its schools can re-introduce the culture of school garden to re-orientate the youths towards embracing agriculture. Also, Southwest should bear in mind that corruption is antithetical to development. Our governors should not participate in the festival of looting. If they steal the money, nothing will be left for development and integration,” he added.

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