Seye Oyeleye attending an emergency virtual meeting of Southwest Agric Commissioners and Southwest Agricultural Company, on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. PHOTO: TWITTER/ DAWN COMMISSION
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, yesterday, began moves to boost the economy of the South-West through efficient power supply and effective rail transport within the region.
It, however, urged governors to take advantage of the constitutional amendment signed by President Muhammadu Buhari to allow states generate, transmit and distribute electricity, as well as expunging of railways from the Exclusive Legislative List.
Director-General, DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, who stated this during the South-West Investment Promotion Agencies Conference in Akure, Ondo State, said the Commission had commenced discussions with some foreign investors and partners to link about 44 cities of 667 kilometres by rail.
He, however, stressed the need for political office holders to key into the system and create policies and a strategic framework to ensure implementation, strengthening of the base, and leveraging the capacity of the national grid.
Oyeleye said the commission had also been carrying out preparations for railway project to boost the revenue of states in the region. despite many encumbrances against it.
He said the DAWN would create a Community of Practice (CoP) for transport (rail) and energy that will hold a meeting in the next two weeks at the DAWN Commission.
Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, while declaring the conference open, urged the states to collaborate and create an enabling environment for private sectors.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer of Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Gbenga Badejo, highlighted the strategic importance of the conference as having the potential of instigating a meaningful change that is both immediate and futuristic for the region.
