South West Geopolitical Zone

The South West region of Nigeria is comprised of six states out of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

States and Capitals

Lagos State: Capital - Ikeja

Oyo State: Capital - Ibadan

Ogun State: Capital - Abeokuta

Osun State: Capital - Osogbo

Ondo State: Capital - Akure

Ekiti State: Capital - Ado Ekiti

Cultural Heritage

Ethnic Group: Predominantly Yoruba, known for their language (Yoruba) and traditions.

Traditional Rulers: The Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo are key figures.

Festivals: Osun-Osogbo (UNESCO-listed), Eyo Festival (Lagos), and Olojo Festival (Ile-Ife).

Arts and Crafts: Adire cloth (indigo dyeing), bronze terracotta sculptures from Ile-Ife.

Historical Legacy: Home to the ancient Oyo Empire and Ile-Ife, regarded as the Yoruba cradle.

Economy

Lagos: Nigeria's economic hub with major ports (Apapa, Tin Can Island), industries, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Agriculture: Cocoa (Ondo), oil palm, rubber, and timber (Ekiti)

Industry: Manufacturing in Ogun (Abeokuta Industrial Estate) and Lagos.

Challenges: Traffic congestion, pollution, and coastal erosion in Lagos.

Education

Universities: University of Ibadan (oldest university in Nigeria), Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife), University of Lagos, and Federal University of Technology Akure.

Literacy: High literacy rate driving regional development.

Politics

Historical Influence: Birthplace of progressive politics in Nigeria (Obafemi Awolowo's Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria).

Modern Politics: Stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC); produced leaders like former Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Advocacy: Emphasis on federalism and resource control.

Infrastructure

Transport: Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos).

Urban Challenges: Overpopulation and infrastructure strain in Lagos.

Tourism

Landmarks: Olumo Rock (Abeokuta), Idanre Hills (Ondo), Ikogosi Warm Springs (Ekiti).

Beaches: Tarkwa Bay and Elegushi Beach (Lagos).

Cultural sites: Osun Sacred Grove (Osogbo), Ife Museum (Ile-Ife).

Security

Initiatives: Amotekun regional security outfit to combat kidnapping/highway robberies.

Issues: Occasional interstate highway robberies.

Notable Personalities

Wole Soyinka: Nobel Laureate in Literature (Abeokuta).

Media: The Punch and Nigerian Tribune newspapers originate from the region.

Challenges

Environmental degradation, urban planning issues, and industrial pollution.