The Osun Development Association (ODA) has re-affirmed its commitment towards articulating a strategic and inclusive roadmap for the newly created South West Development Commission (SWDC).
The association made the commitment during a virtual Webinar organised by its members who are policy influencers, industry experts and regional development stakeholders.
The Webinar session is themed: “Setting the Development Agenda for the South West Development Commission (SWDC)”.
In his opening remark, the Chairman of ODA and the President of the African Fintech Network, Dr. Segun Aina, emphasized the importance and need for a foundational and legacy-driven approach.
He described the theme as apt, adding that it serves as a strategic platform to engage the leadership of the SWDC to set the tone for an inclusive, transformative development across the region.
“We have an enormous opportunity to create a legacy. The foundation must be strong so that the building will last,” he said.
He reminded the participants of the Southwest’s historic leadership role in African development.
According to him, the region pioneered free education and also launched the continent’s first television station. He called for a return to a more visionary, people-focused planning.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, advocated for a shared regional ambition with a $600 billion GDP target, regional rail systems and smart energy grids.
He also called for a two million tech-enabled, high-skill jobs for the region and 100 percent food self-sufficiency.
In his remarks, Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Chairman of the SWDC, described the commission as “unprecedented in Nigeria’s federal structure” and pledged transparency, stakeholder consultation, and evidence-based policy.
“We’ll invest time and consultation into shaping policies and processes. This dialogue will serve as reference material for our foundational work,” he said.
Dr. Charles Akinola, the Managing Director of the SWDC, also emphasized that the Commission would be collaborative, inclusive and data-driven.
“We will not build from the top down, we will build with everyone at the table,” he said.
Various stakeholders on the panel discussion called for the adoption of Public-private partnership (PPP) models, diaspora bonds and financing innovations.
He noted that this will bridge infrastructure gaps, youth empowerment and better social protection systems.
Others highlighted the importance of digital education, innovation sandboxes and smart agriculture, investor-friendly fiscal policies and private sector engagement, amongst others.
