The Southwest Governors’ Forum has expressed concern on economic and security challenges posed by gridlock in the Apapa port and urged the Federal Government to create alternative routes.The forum said the planned alternative routes linking Tin Can Island through Tomoro Island to Ibafo in Ogun State should be revived urgently. In the interim, it suggested that government should enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to evacuate goods from the port to alternative terminals.

In a statement at the end of its meeting in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, yesterday, the forum reiterated its commitment to regional integration as a key to sustainable development in western Nigeria.The statement, read by the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government Biodun Oyebamibi (who represented Governor Kayode Fayemi), urged the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) commission to initiate processes to tackle decline in critical sectors in the region.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu were absent from the meeting and were not represented.Lagos State governor, Akinwumi Ambode, was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Idiat Adebule. The Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, was also represented by his deputy, Moses Adeyemo.

•Excerpted from The Guardian report

•Oyo State Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo (left); his counterparts, Idiat Oluranti Adebule (Lagos); Otunba Grace Titi-Laoye Tomori (Oyo); Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Osun State Governor-elect, Gboyega Oyetola and Secretary to the State Government of Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji, during the Western Nigeria Governor Forum at the Government House, Osogbo …yesterday.