The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing it as a bold and strategic step toward addressing key developmental challenges in the region.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch—who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council—expressed gratitude to the President for appointing credible individuals to oversee the affairs of the newly created commission.
Ooni Ogunwusi specifically hailed the choice of Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, calling it a “visionary appointment” that reflects the President’s desire to drive meaningful transformation in the South West.
Describing Dr. Akinola as a highly experienced development expert and public servant, the Ooni noted his past roles—including Chief of Staff to a former Osun State Governor—and his strong background in enterprise development and public-private partnerships.
The revered monarch also celebrated the selection of Senator Olu Adetunmbi as Chairman of the Commission and Hon. Princess Nike Omoworare, an indigene of Ife, as Osun State’s representative on the board. He described both appointments as fitting and reflective of a commitment to excellence and regional development.
Other board members acknowledged by the Ooni include Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, retired General Abdul Adamu, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle, and Lateef Ajijola.
According to the monarch, the composition of the SWDC board shows that the federal government is serious about addressing critical issues such as infrastructure gaps, environmental concerns, insecurity, and overall economic development in the South West.
The Ooni urged the appointees to carry out their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication, stressing the importance of delivering results that directly improve the lives of citizens in the region.
He also called on traditional rulers, state governments, and civil society groups to cooperate with the commission to ensure its success in transforming the South West into a hub of innovation, culture, and prosperity.
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