The Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative (TYLPI) has urged the six states of the southwest to improve on their economies by exploiting their natural potential in agriculture as part of strategies for full revival.

TYLPI said for the south-west region to harness its agricultural potentials, the states should endeavour to revive the Obafemi Awolowo-era of Farm Settlements which it noted assisted in boosting its food and cash crops production while also providing employment opportunities for the youths.

Against this background it urged governments of south-west states to set up think-tank groups, comprising experts in various fields to develop specific programmes and achievable timelines for attainment of agriculture revolution in the region.

The think-tank groups, it opined, should also ensure implementation of programmes and initiatives aimed towards sustainable human, socio-economic, institutional and infrastructural development of the south-west.

TYLPI made this known through a communiqué it issues after a retreat it held at the Lead University in Ibadan southwest political capital at the close of last week.

The Communiqué was signed by Femi Adefemiwa, the Secretary.

The group during the retreat canvassed for unity of the Yoruba which it stressed would best be enhanced with extension of cordial relationship to their kinsmen in Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states with a view to bonding with them as one entity with a common origin.

It also made case for restructuring of Nigeria involving a return to true federalism as practiced in the First Republic with devolution of more powers to the federating units of the country.

The group said true the federalism it canvassed for also involves more allocation of resources to states and local governments with a view to maximising the advantages of each constituent unit of the federation.

It said the restructuring of Nigeria would immediately address the increasing clamour for regional self-determination by ethnic groups in the country as well as the economic and political challenges the country has been facing from time to time.

According to the group, all south-west states must work in synergy while being creative and proactive in providing better governance that will meet the developmental interests of their people, all the same seeking additional resources for better service delivery

The communiqué reads: “The retreat lamented the high overhead costs of running the current Presidential system of government in Nigeria and therefore recommends a return to parliamentary system, where representatives would be closer to those they represent, therefore making it easier to hold them to account for their stewardship and will earn only part time allowances, such that their main motivation in getting into politics would be the desire to serve their country.

“The retreat supports the Buhari-Osinbajo presidency in its fight against corruption and urges it to make it a more wholesome and effective project.

“The retreat calls on the Federal Government to address the alleged injustices and marginalisation in political appointment, civil service recruitments and distribution of capital projects nationwide.”

In attendance at the retreat are Chief Bode George, Chief Bode Olajumoke, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Prof Ayo Banjo, Chief Olapade Agoro, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin and Chief Mrs Bola Doherty, Pro-Chancellor Lead university, Prof Gabriel Ogunmola, Prof Jide Owoeye (Vice Chancellor), Mr Olawale Osun and Arch Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu

Others in attendance are Hon Wale Osun, Baale Ekotedo, Dr Kunle Olajide, Akogun Lekan Alabi, Dr Amos Akingba, Barriser Niyi Akintola, Professor Omolara Ogundipe, Prof Mrs Sowunmi, Chief Deji Osibogun, Mr Femi Adefemi, Chief Gani Adams (OPC) leader, Dare Adesope, OPC leader and others.

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