Stakeholders from Oyo State appointed to the newly established South West Development Commission (SWDC) have assured Nigerians of their unwavering commitment to rapid infrastructure development and the creation of a conducive environment for business and economic integration. This assurance comes as the regional development commissions across the nation begin their long-anticipated operations.
Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, chairs the Senate Committee on the SWDC, while Hon. Prince Akeem Adeyemi, a member of the House of Representatives from Oyo, chairs the corresponding committee in the House. Also serving on the Management and Board of the Commission are Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, a seasoned technocrat and political strategist, and Dr. Ibrahim Olaifa, a medical doctor and former federal lawmaker.
Speaking at various forums, the appointees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and represent Oyo State in the commission. They pledged their dedication to surpassing expectations and working collaboratively with experts and professionals to drive sustainable development across the South West region.
Senator Akintunde and Hon. Adeyemi, while addressing stakeholders during a courtesy visit at the National Assembly, described the establishment of the six regional development commissions as a transformative initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They noted that the move will not only accelerate Nigeria’s development trajectory but also position the country as a leading force in Africa’s economic renaissance.
“This bold initiative is a masterstroke that will redefine the economic future of Nigeria and place us firmly on the global map of industrial growth and innovation,” Senator Akintunde said.
” We are committed to work assiduously and engage the best strategic initiatives to achieve the goals and aspirations of the commission working with the experts on the Management and Board as constituted” Hon Akeem Adeyemi assured Nigerians.
Echoing similar sentiments, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, appointed Executive Director of Commercial and Environmental Development at the Commission, emphasized the game-changing impact of the commissions.
“The world will witness a new dimension of economic growth from Africa. Nigeria is set to lead the charge, with the South West region leveraging its vast human, natural, and environmental resources,” he affirmed.
The Oyo representatives collectively assured Nigerians of their resolve to make the South West Development Commission a model of excellence—not out of competition, but as a strategic effort to elevate regional development standards nationwide.
“We understand the trust the President and Nigerians have placed in us,” said Dr. Ibrahim Olaifa. “We are fully prepared to work with all stakeholders to ensure the commission delivers beyond expectations.”
He urged citizens to remain optimistic and supportive, adding that the active implementation of SWDC’s development plans will soon begin in earnest.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently inaugurated the Management and Board of the six regional development commissions to bridge infrastructure gaps and facilitate economic growth. Observers across the country have applauded the initiative, describing it as a bold and visionary step toward accelerating national development.
This strategic move is expected to resolve long-standing concerns around resource distribution and regional autonomy. By empowering regions through dedicated commissions, Nigeria is poised to rekindle the spirit of rapid development last experienced during the era of regional government—before the centralization introduced by the federal system slowed economic integration and progress.
With the regional commissions now in place, agitation for structural reforms may give way to performance-driven development across all zones. The South West, led by committed figures like Senator Akintunde and his Oyo counterparts, is ready to take the lead.
The South West Development Commission has Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi as the Chairman of the Board while Dr Charles Akinola will lead the Management as the Managing Director alongside other nominees who are seasoned professionals with enviable credentials and experience required to drive the objectives and aspirations of the commission.
Details of the activities, action plans and functional responsibilities of the various regional development commissions will soon be emerging in earnest.
Kunle OLATUNJI
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Yunus Akintunde
Oyo Central Senatorial District and Chairman Senate House Committee on South West Development Commission.
