SWDC holds inaugural board meeting, outlines agenda for socio-economic growth

The Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) has unfolded its plan to unlock the full economic potentials of the region in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu led administration in the Country.

The Commission at its inaugural meeting held at the Corporate headquarters, Iconic Cocoa House building, Ibadan disclosed its readiness to reposition all the sectors of the economy of the region as it sets to commence full operation.

Addressing the newsmen in a sideline interview, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Charles Akinola said the interventionist is established with a mandate to address developmental challenges in the region.

“The establishment of the Southwest Development Commission is a landmark intervention by President Tinubu to address the developmental challenges of our region in a coordinated, strategic and sustainable manner. 

“We are grateful to Mr President for the trust reposed in us, and we assure the people of the Southwest that this commission will deliver fully on its mandate,” Dr Akinola said.

Akinola added that the Commission mandate includes, driving infrastructure development, fostering industrialisation, strengthening regional integration, creating jobs, and promoting human capital development across the six states of the Southwest.

He explained that these priorities are aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on economic diversification, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.

“Our duty is to catalyse investments that will make the Southwest a competitive economic bloc within a prosperous Nigeria. By focusing on infrastructure, innovation, education, and enterprise, we shall not only unlock new opportunities for our people but also strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic resilience,” he added.

Akinola unveiled what he described as the “One Bloc Development Agenda,” a strategy that will harmonise initiatives into a unified framework for regional growth.

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He said: “Rather than pursuing fragmented projects in isolation, the One Bloc Development Agenda will allow us to pool resources, coordinate efforts, and ensure that the Southwest speaks with one voice in terms of development priorities. This means that whether in agriculture, technology, or transport, we will pursue regional solutions that cut across state boundaries and deliver shared prosperity.”

According to him, this approach will attract large-scale investments, and foster collaboration among states in the Southwest.

Dr Akinola called on all stakeholders, including state governments, private sector leaders, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations, to support the commission’s vision.

“The success of the SWDC cannot rest on the Board alone. We need the full cooperation of our governors, legislators, business leaders, community stakeholders and indeed every citizen of the Southwest to bring this vision to life. This is our collective project, and with unity of purpose, we can make the Southwest not only the economic powerhouse of Nigeria but also a globally competitive region.”

The Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) is led by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi as Chairman and Dr. Charles Akinola as Managing Director. The commission’s Board includes Executive Directors Olusegun Olufehinti (Projects), Tele Ogunjobi (Finance), Rt. Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho (Corporate Services), Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle (Commercial and Environmental Development), and Alhaji Lateef Ajijola (Social and Human Capital Development). Other board members are Hon Bolaji Ariyo, Hon Joseph Olorunshola, Rt. Hon Olanike Omoworare, Hon Olamuyiwa Olabintan, Dr. Adewinle Martins, Hon Ibrahim Olaifa, Hon Kabiru Lakwaya, Rear Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu (rtd), Fagbemi Benjamin, Dr. Ukoha Onyekwere Michael, and Eng. Alwell Ihenacho.