{
  "id": 4151790,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T09:12:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/hamzat-urges-south-west-govs-to-deepen-regional-integration/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, urged South-West governors to deepen regional integration and align their development plans, stating that the region does not necessitate constitutional amendments for economic growth. Speaking at the centennial birthday lecture of Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Hamzat highlighted the potential for collaboration among South-West governments, including the development of interconnected infrastructure like a rail link from Lagos to Ekiti. Such collaboration would enable citizens to travel seamlessly across the region without needing to coordinate with individual governors. Hamzat emphasized the importance of coordinated planning and budgeting by South-West states, with existing institutions like the South-West Development Commission and DAWN (Development Agenda for the Southwest) playing a crucial role in driving integration and development. He pointed out that Lagos State's processing capacity could complement states with more arable land, facilitating rice production and trade. The deputy governor stressed that regional collaboration did not require constitutional changes, urging South-West governors to work together through DAWN to link the region more effectively. The event marked the centenary lecture in honor of Fasoranti, bringing together South-West leaders and stakeholders to discuss Yoruba unity and regional development.",
  "summary": "Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat calls on South-West governors to deepen regional integration for economic growth, stressing collaboration over constit Read More: https://punchng.com/hamzat-urges-south-west-govs-to-deepen-regional-integration/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-08-29T09:08:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}