The Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) has announced its readiness to unlock the economic potential of the region through what it called the One Bloc Development Agenda — a framework designed to harmonise and coordinate growth initiatives across the six states of the Southwest.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Dr. Charles Akinola, who disclosed this at the inaugural board meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, stated the commission was “set for full take-off” and would fully deliver on its statutory mandate in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the commission’s priorities include driving infrastructure development, fostering industrialisation, promoting regional integration, creating jobs, and strengthening human capital development. These, he said, align with President Tinubu’s focus 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,” Akinola stated.
Unveiling the One Bloc Development Agenda, he emphasised that the initiative would discourage fragmented projects operating in isolation and instead promote regional solutions that transcend state boundaries. “Whether in agriculture, technology, or transport, the Southwest must speak with one voice in setting development priorities. This is how we will attract large-scale investments and deliver shared prosperity,” he said.
Akinola urged state governments, private sector leaders, traditional institutions, civil society, and regional residents to support the vision, noting that the commission’s success could not rest solely on the board. “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,” he added.
The inaugural meeting, which was held between September 1 and 2 in Ibadan, brought together all newly inaugurated members of the board, led by the Chairman, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.
Other members include 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).
Also on the board 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, headquartered in Ibadan, represents a landmark intervention by the Federal Government to coordinate development in the Southwest in a strategic and sustainable manner.
