The Southwest Conference of Speakers has called on the federal government to urgently address the astronomical hike in prices of food and other commodities in the country.
The speakers, in a communiqué signed after the conference met in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, expressed worry over the rising economic concerns and food shortage in the country, imploring citizens to also support government efforts in finding lasting solutions to the crisis.
The resolution was signed by the Chairman of the Conference in the Southwest and Ekiti State Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, who hosted the meeting; the Oyo State Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin; the Ondo Speaker, Olamide Oladiji; and their Osun State counterpart, Adewale Egbedun.
They resolved to push for increased regional integration efforts to foster economic growth and development across the Southwest states.
In the communiqué, which equally underlined security concerns in the region, the conference advocated collaborative measures among southwest states to address the escalating security challenges facing the region, adding that devolution of power to states and state policing have become imperative.
The communique reads, “ The Speakers endorse the devolution of power to states, especially in the realm of security, and emphasise the importance of state policing as a means to enhance security and law enforcement at the local level.
“ The Conference calls on the federal government to urgently address the rising economic concerns, particularly the shortage of food, and urges citizens to support government efforts in finding lasting solutions to these challenges.
“ The Conference agrees to host a legislative summit to address critical issues affecting the Southwest region and to foster collaboration and cooperation among the legislative assemblies of the Southwest states.
“ We hereby affirm our commitment to these resolutions and pledge to work collectively towards the advancement and prosperity of the Southwest region.”
