By TINA TIMOTHY

South West Development Stakeholders Forum has called for a parley with presidential candidates of major political parties to discuss how candidates intend to deliver development dividends to the South West region which it described as the engine room, biggest, non-discriminatory and melting pot of Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed on behalf of the forum by Dr Alao Adedayo, Yoruba World Center; Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation; Sir Gbenga Adebusuyi, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative; Prince Kayode Adeyemi, ODU’A CCIMA; Mrs. Foluso Oyenuga, Professional Women Group; and Dr. Ayo Famuyide, Egbe Omo Yoruba North America on Sunday December 11, 2022.

According to the statement, “The South West Development Stakeholders Forum, comprising civil society organisations, professionals, and religious leaders met on Thursday, 8th December 2022.

“The Forum called for a parley with presidential candidates of major political parties as soon as possible, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“The South West is the industrial and commercial engine room of Nigeria.

“All matrices clearly show that the Nigerian economy is driven by economic activities in the South West of Nigeria.

“Given its growing population of more than 50 million residents, its historical trajectory as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, its strategic political importance, and huge potential in driving national growth and development; the region deserves to know from the presidential candidates exactly how they intend to incorporate the South West in their agenda for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.

“The South West can also boast of having residents from most, if not all, ethnic nationalities of Nigeria. We are the biggest, non-discriminatory, melting pot for Nigerians and their social, commercial and other development activities and therefore deserve the critical consideration of all candidates.

“With just over two months to the general elections, there is a need for the Presidential, as well as the region's Gubernatorial and Legislative candidates, to pronounce their plans for a concrete development agenda for the South West Region.

“The South West Development Stakeholders is willing and ready to bring the Presidential candidates to the table to address Yoruba people, and indeed all Nigerians living in the South West, of specific plans to make them true stakeholders in the new unfolding federation.

“Detailed plans for the parley will be announced soon.”