On Friday, I had the privilege of joining the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere, OON; His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaja Habibat Adubiaro; former Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly; and other distinguished leaders at the Southwest Region Retreat for Speakers and Principal Officers of Houses of Assembly, held at Ikogosi Resort, Ekiti State.

The retreat, themed “Strengthening Democratic Governance at the Sub-National Level,” was a timely and impactful initiative designed to empower legislative leaders with the tools needed to enhance governance, promote transparency, and ensure accountability. It also served as a critical platform for addressing key challenges affecting governance across our states. This commendable event was facilitated by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from its development partners and donors, whose contributions remain invaluable to strengthening our democratic institutions.

I commend Rt. Hon. Aribasoye and the Southwest Speakers’ Forum for organizing such a thoughtful and well-structured program. These conversations are vital as we collectively strive to deepen democratic values and improve the quality of life for our people.