The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye II, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr Charles Akinola as the pioneer Managing Director of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing the move as timely and appropriate.
Dr Akinola, an accomplished public policy advisor and development strategist with over three decades of experience in governance, agricultural development, and international development, was appointed on May 8, 2025. His appointment marks the commencement of activities at the newly established commission, which is expected to drive socio-economic development across the South West region.
Speaking with journalists, Oba Ogunoye said the appointment of Dr Akinola was “a case of putting a square peg in a square hole,” adding that the new SWDC boss possesses the requisite skills and character to succeed in the role.
“Dr Akinola is eminently qualified. He’s a man of good character, good learning, and deep-rooted in the values of the Yoruba people. His years of experience, training, and political exposure make him fit for the assignment. I have no doubt that he will offer selfless service for the benefit of Yoruba land,” the monarch stated.
The Olowo, who also recalled Dr Akinola’s formative years in the ancient kingdom of Owo, noted that the values of discipline and responsibility instilled in him from an early age would serve as a moral compass in leading the Commission.
“His early life in Owo means he must have imbibed the values of Omoluabi. This foundation will guide him in delivering on the expectations of the region. The SWDC is a major intervention for development, and we expect a lot from it,” he said.
Oba Ogunoye urged Dr Akinola to prioritise key areas such as regional security, youth empowerment, agriculture, and industrial development. He particularly called for a focus on skill acquisition for both educated and non-educated youth, and the revitalisation of technical colleges to reduce unemployment.
“Our youths must be trained in skills like carpentry and other trades. We must shift from producing university graduates without skills to building a workforce equipped with practical know-how,” he added.
On the issue of regional security, the traditional ruler stressed the need for the commission to play a strategic role in supporting the development of the proposed State Police framework. He urged the SWDC to champion the training and equipping of personnel using modern technology and ICT tools for effective policing.
“The Commission should network across the entire South West and support the establishment of a well-equipped policing system. The era of relying solely on federal security is giving way to local solutions, and the South West must lead the way,” he stated.
Oba Ogunoye also emphasized the importance of value addition in agriculture, noting that processing and exporting agricultural produce could significantly boost the region’s economy.
“There is a need for clusters of industries that will add value to agricultural products—small, medium, and large scale. That way, agriculture can become a major revenue source for the region through export and industrial growth,” he said.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting the leadership of the SWDC to a capable hand, expressing hope that the Commission would fulfill its mandate of transforming the South West.