South West Development Commission sets agenda at inaugural Board meeting

*Dr. Charles Akinola, Managing Director/CEO of the South West Development Commission, in Nigeria, emphasises the mandate of the Commission includes driving infrastructure development, fostering industrialisation, strengthening regional integration, creating jobs, and promoting human capital development across the six states of the South-West region

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The South West Development Commission (SWDC) Monday and Tuesday September 1 and 2, 2025, formally held its inaugural Board meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The Commission, at the meeting, outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at unlocking the full economic potential of the South-West region, in Nigeria.

The forum attracted all the newly inaugurated members of the Board of SWDC, including the Chairman, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Dr. Charles Akinola; Executive Directors, and other Board members.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dr. Akinola declared that the Commission is “set for full take-off”, and is determined to deliver on its statutory mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Managing Director/CEO also said: “The establishment of the South West 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.

“We assure the people of the South-West that this Commission will deliver fully on its mandate.”

Akinola noted the mandate of the Commission includes driving infrastructure development, fostering industrialisation, strengthening regional integration, creating jobs, and promoting human capital development across the six states of the South-West region of the country.

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

The Chief Executive of SWDC stated: “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 also strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic resilience.”

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

“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,” said the Managing Director/CEO.

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

Dr. Akinola, therefore, urged all stakeholders, including the state governments, private sector leaders, traditional institutions, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), to support the Commission’s vision.

He averred: “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 South-West to bring this vision to life.

“This is our collective project, and with unity of purpose, we can make the South-West not only the economic powerhouse of Nigeria but also a globally competitive region.”

The South West Development Commission (SWDC) is led by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi as Chairman and Dr. Charles Akinola as Managing Director/CEO.

The Board of the Commission 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 Engr. Alwell Ihenacho.

The Commission has its headquarters in Ibadan.