The newly appointed Managing Director of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akinola, has unveiled a robust regional development strategy as his core vision for the Commission, during his screening before the Nigerian Senate.
Dr. Akinola, along with 17 other nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu for various leadership and membership roles within the SWDC, appeared before the Senate on Wednesday. The screening session was conducted by the Senate Committee on the South-West Development Commission, chaired by Senator Yunus Akintunde.
In his remarks, Akinola emphasized a unifying economic blueprint for the six South-Western states under the concept of “one bloc, one economy”, stating that the Commission would aim to build a globally competitive and resilient regional economy capable of attracting investment and talent.
“The vision will be anchored on a strong regional development strategy where we have six states, but one bloc,” Akinola said. “This will allow us to build a competitive regional identity that can attract investment and talents.”
The development expert with over 30 years of experience outside academia further articulated plans to position the South-West as a hub for manufacturing, digital industries, innovation, and the creative economy. He pledged to align the Commission’s agenda with the broader Renewed Hope vision of the current administration.
“My vision for the South-West is a globally competitive, forward-looking, resilient economy in a prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Akinola also identified infrastructure development, regional interconnectivity, and energy self-sufficiency as key priorities of his leadership, describing them as critical drivers of industrialization and sustainable development in the region.
During the session, only Dr. Akinola was subjected to an extensive questioning process, as other nominees — including Chairman-designate Senator Olubumi Adetunbi — were granted the traditional “take a bow” privilege by the Committee. Adetunbi, a former lawmaker, was recognized for his prior service in two legislative assemblies.
Among the Executive Directors screened were Alhaji Lateef Ajijola Oladimeji (Social and Human Capital Development, Ekiti), Tele Ogunjobi (Finance, Ogun), Adefumilayo Tejuosho (Corporate Services, Lagos), and Fatai Ibikunke Bayonne (Environmental Development, Oyo). Other members include Scholastica Olanike, Bolaji Idris Ariyo, Joseph Akin Olugbenga, and Dr. Adewinle Martins, among others, representing various geopolitical zones.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Akintunde, advised the nominees to approach their assignments with diligence, stressing that the Commission’s current financial backing is only a takeoff grant. He urged effective management of resources to fulfill the Commission’s mandate of advancing socio-economic development in the region.
“You are the pioneer set,” Akintunde said. “It means you have a special task to take off — and I know God will help you.”
The Senate Committee emphasized that the screening was conducted under the framework of Sections 147–151 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and guided by principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability.
If confirmed, the team is expected to immediately set to work on building the institutional foundation for the South-West Development Commission, which aims to drive inclusive growth and development across the region.