By IBUKUN EMIOLA

The South West Development Commission (SWDC) has held its inaugural board meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, where it unveiled an ambitious plan to unlock the economic potential of the region.

The Chairman of the SWDC board, Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Charles Akinola, briefed newsmen in Ibadan after the inauguration of the board members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day meeting, held on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2, brought together the newly inaugurated board members of the commission led by the chairman.

Established in 2024 following sustained agitation for a regional intervention agency to address development gaps similar to those tackled by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in oil-producing states, the commission is aimed at driving inclusive growth across the South West states.

The commission Is also part of a broader strategy to accelerate development across the country’s geopolitical zones, with focus on addressing infrastructure deficits and tackling ecological challenges, among others.

The board chairman, therefore, told journalists after the meeting that “the commission is set for full take-off, and committed to delivering on its mandate, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He described the establishment of the SWDC as a landmark intervention by the president to tackle developmental challenges of the South West in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

He added that “our duty is to catalyse investments that will make the South West 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 strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic resilience.”

Akinola said that the commission would pursue “One Bloc Development Agenda” to harmonise projects across the six states of the region, rather than fragmented initiatives.

“This means that whether in agriculture, technology or transport, we will pursue regional solutions that cut across state boundaries and deliver shared prosperity.”

He urged state governments, private sector leaders, traditional rulers and civil society groups to support the commission’s vision, stressing that its success depended on collective ownership.

“We need the full cooperation of our governors, legislators, business leaders, community stakeholders and indeed every citizen of the South West to bring this vision to life,” Akintola said.

The commission’s mandates include driving infrastructure development, fostering industrialisation, strengthening regional integration, creating jobs and promoting human capital development across the South West.

The board of the SWDC comprise executive directors — Olusegun Olufehinti (Projects), Tele Ogunjobi (Finance), Rt. Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosho (Corporate Services) and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle (Commercial and Environmental Development).

Others are Alhaji Lateef Ajijola (Social and Human Capital Development), Hon. Bolaji Ariyo, Hon. Joseph Olorunshola, Rt. Hon. Olanike Omoworare, Hon. Olamuyiwa Olabintan, Dr Adewinle Martins, Hon. Ibrahim Olaifa and Hon. Kabiru Lakwaya.

The rest are Retired Rear Adm. Abdul Biu Adamu, Fagbemi Benjamin, Dr Ukoha Michael and Mr Alwell Ihenacho, an Engineer.

Backed by an Act of the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, the commission, headquartered in Ibadan, was inaugurated in 2025 to serve as vehicle for coordinated planning and execution of projects to boost economic growth and social development in the South West. (NAN)