{
  "id": 4151115,
  "title": "Hamzat urges South-West govs to deepen regional integration",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/hamzat-urges-south-west-govs-to-deepen-regional-integration",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T09:08:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/hamzat-urges-south-west-govs-to-deepen-regional-integration/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has urged South-West governors to deepen regional integration and coordinate development plans, stating that the region does not require constitutional amendments to achieve economic growth. During a centennial birthday lecture for Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Hamzat emphasized the importance of collaborative infrastructure development and coordinated planning and budgeting among the South-West states. He highlighted existing regional institutions, such as the South West Development Commission and DAWN, as valuable tools for fostering integration and development. Hamzat specifically noted that Lagos State's processing capacity could complement other South-West states with arable land, enabling rice production and supply. He also argued that such collaboration did not necessitate constitutional changes, stressing that the goal was to link the Southwest together seamlessly, allowing citizens to operate without needing to consult individual governors. The event, held on August 28, focused on Yoruba unity and regional development, with Hamzat highlighting past successes, including the region's pioneering television broadcast before Belgium.",
  "summary": "Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has called on South-West governors to deepen regional integration and harmonise development plans, saying the region does not need constitutional amendments to pursue economic growth and reclaim its developmental strides. Hamzat spoke at the centennial birthday lecture held in honour of Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti. He said the Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "South-West governors urged to deepen regional integration",
    "Collaboration in infrastructure development and budgeting proposed",
    "Lagos State processing capacity could complement South-West agriculture"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Hamzat urges South-West govs to deepen regional integration",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/hamzat-urges-south-west-govs-to-deepen-regional-integration-4151790",
        "published": "2026-08-29T09:12:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}