South-West Regional Railway to Link 44 Cities, Says DAWN Commission
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has said it is committed to ensuring speedy development for the South-West region through an integrated transportation network project that will link 44 cities and towns by rail.
The commission’s Chairman, State Focal Officers, Mr Boye Ologbese, who is also the Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, said the project was part of the blueprint of the commission as part of efforts to fast-track the development of the region.
He made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Akure, Ondo State capital, by his media aide, Mrs Debbie Funmilayo.
According to him, the proposed regional railway route will enhance the economic development of the region by facilitating the movement of people, goods and services, and opening up the hinterland.
He said, “DAWN has a mandate to effectively ensure sustainable development in the South-West region and the commission has a blueprint to fast-track development in the area of power and railway.
“The integrated transportation network project aims to deal with the problem of transportation networks in the South-West region, providing succour to ease of movement of people, goods and services while opening up the hinterland.
“The rail infrastructure will improve access to other South-Western states thereby aiding economic opportunities therein. We hope that improved mobility through the rail project will grossly aid in coping with Nigeria’s rapidly growing population likewise.”
He also praised the performance of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, saying the administration had presented the state and the region with opportunities for economic expansion and partnerships.
He lauded the governor’s efforts in ensuring the creation of a state security network, also known as Amotekun corps, to complement the conventional security agencies in protecting the lives and property of the Southwest people.
He also commended the governor’s initiatives in the actualisation of Ondo Deep Sea Port, an export-driven port for regional enhancement, and the mechanisms for farm production, which he said would boost the agricultural capacity of the state.
He said, “Peace and security play a crucial role in strengthening the regional economic integration of any society.
” That is why we are commending (Akeredolu’s) interventions in the region such as; establishing Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, the actualisation of Ondo Deep Sea Port; export-driven port for regional enhancement and mechanisms for farm production; boosting the agricultural capacity of the state has presented Ondo State with great opportunities for economic expansion and partnerships.”
He called on all other South-West states’ focal representatives in the commission for more collective action towards the development agenda, promising harmonised efforts to ensure the mandate of the commission was optimally accomplished.
