Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has proposed a rail line connecting the capitals of the Southwest States to enhance security and regional connectivity. The group also urged Southwest Governors to empower Amotekun, the regional security outfit, to curb insecurity. The call came during Afenifere’s caucus and general meetings, held on Monday, 26 January, and Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the group’s leader in Akure, Ondo State. Afenifere’s proposal includes linking Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti states, with a potential extension to Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta States.
The proposed rail network is a timely response to the growing security challenges in the region. By improving transportation infrastructure, Afenifere’s move aims to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services, thereby boosting economic activities and creating jobs. This, in turn, will help address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment.
Afenifere’s proposal also emphasises the value of regional cooperation and integration. By linking the Southwest States, the rail network will promote economic ties, enhance trade and foster a sense of shared identity and purpose.
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The Afenifere’s proposal aligns with Chief Bisi Akande’s vision of “quiet restructuring” in Nigeria. Akande, a former Governor of Osun State and former APC interim Chairman, advocates for regional empowerment and decentralisation, allowing regions to manage their resources and drive development. The Southwest Development Commission (SWDC), established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, plays a key role in this restructuring, focusing on grassroots development and regional autonomy.
Chief Akande, present Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan, emphasises that regions like the Southwest, with strong institutional capacity and unity, are poised to lead Nigeria’s new development order. The proposed rail network would enhance economic integration, trade and collaboration among Southwest states, supporting Chief Akande’s call for self-reliance and regional competition.
In a keynote address he delivered at the Southwest Summit at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, on October 29, 2025, Chief Akande’s submission that Nigeria’s current structure is unsustainable and in dire need of reform is hard to dispute. The country’s over-reliance on oil revenue and centralised governance has led to stagnation and underdevelopment in many regions. The “quiet restructuring”, with the establishment of regional development commissions in Nigeria, is a step in the right direction. For Chief Akande,
“Regions must be empowered to harness their resources, drive development and compete with others. That’s the path to true national progress.”
We appreciate Afenifere for calling on Southwest leaders to empower Amotekun, the regional security outfit, to address rising insecurity. This shows Afenifere’s understanding of how security and economic development are linked. Ensuring a secure environment for economic activities to thrive requires Amotekun’s empowerment.
Beyond the Afenifere rail line and the Amotekun ephocal programme, we must expand upon this vision by including Oodua Airline. Odua Airline would provide convenient, reliable and affordable air travel, connecting our people and facilitating trade and Odua Railway would revolutionise transportation, easing the movement of goods and people and unlocking the economic potential of our region. Critics may argue that these projects are ambitious, even foolhardy. The Odua conglomerate was a product of vision, courage and determination. Let’s revive that spirit, and together, let’s build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come. The time is now. Let’s take back our pride; let’s take back our destiny. Let’s make the Odua conglomerate great again!
The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), urges the Southwest Governors to heed Afenifere’s call and work towards realising this visionary project. We also call on the Federal Government to provide the necessary support and resources to make this initiative a reality.
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, writes from the University of Ibadan and is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum Ibadan TPFI via oladejo65@gmail.com. 08077284442
