Seek return to regional governance

By Adeola Badru

Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from the South-West have called for constitutional reforms to strengthen regional governance, describing it as a practical solution to Nigeria’s developmental and security challenges.

The resolution was reached at the 11th Quarterly Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, South-West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN), held in Ibadan.

The meeting brought together retired Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries and government officials from Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states to discuss governance, public service reforms, regional development and Nigeria’s federal structure.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of ARHOSPS-SWN, Chief Adebisi Adesola, said Nigeria’s former regional system promoted healthy competition, economic growth, political stability and effective governance.

He argued that the country’s current centralised structure has weakened the ability of states to address insecurity and drive development.

According to him, a return to a regional governance model would bring government closer to the people, strengthen security coordination, accelerate economic development and promote national cohesion.

Adesola also linked Nigeria’s growing security challenges, including the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, to weaknesses in the existing political structure.

Regional President of ARHOSPS-SWN, Mr. Demola Badejo, urged governments at all levels to tap into the experience of retired senior civil servants.

He said the association had developed a seven-point agenda focused on policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, leadership development and stronger engagement with governments and regional institutions.

Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Chief Kamoru Aderibigbe, stressed the importance of engaging experienced public servants in nation-building.

He said the knowledge and experience of retired civil servants remain valuable assets for promoting good governance.

In her goodwill message, Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, described retired public servants as repositories of institutional memory whose expertise remains vital to effective governance.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, commended members of the association for their continued contributions to governance after retirement.

He disclosed that the association’s 268-page proposal on South-West economic development, submitted in 2025, was already receiving attention from governments across the region.

Makinde also highlighted achievements recorded under his administration in education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation and infrastructure.

He added that the state government had increased monthly gratuity payments from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion and allocated land for the construction of a permanent secretariat for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Oyo State.

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