Fayemi Hails Tinubu’s Pick of Adetunmbi, Akinola to Lead SWDC

Dr. Charles Akinola, Managing Director, South West Development Commission

Former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi and Dr. Charles Akinola as Chairman and Managing Director of the newly established South West Development Commission (SWDC).

In a statement issued to the media, Fayemi said the appointments reflect a thoughtful choice of individuals who possess the intellectual capacity and institutional knowledge needed to drive strategic development in the South West.

“These appointments are clearly a case of putting round pegs in round holes,” Fayemi said. “Senator Adetunmbi and Dr. Akinola are development economists, policy advocates, and operational experts who have long been part of the region’s development journey.”

The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development recalled the duo’s significant involvement in several regional initiatives, including the Afenifere Renewal Group, Yoruba Academy, and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), which officially took off in 2013 with full support from South West state governments.

Fayemi noted that the concept of regional development commissions was part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto in 2015, when he served as Director of Policy and Strategy. He explained that the goal was to create alternative but complementary vehicles for accelerating development at the regional level.

“Unfortunately, only the North East and North West Development Commissions were signed into law during the Buhari administration,” he said. “President Tinubu has now moved quickly to actualize the full vision by establishing the remaining four commissions, including the SWDC.”

While commending the progress, Fayemi warned against allowing the commission to become another layer of government bureaucracy. He stressed the importance of delivering real impact, especially in areas such as regional infrastructure and digital economy initiatives.

Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi

“It is hoped that the SWDC will avoid the trap of superficial empowerment schemes or constituency projects that yield minimal benefits. The focus should be on initiatives that deepen regional integration, such as energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure,” he said.

Fayemi also revealed that the South West Governors’ Forum had anticipated the commission’s establishment and, in 2020, set up a technical committee chaired by Dr. Akinola to shape its strategic direction.

“With the benefit of institutional memory and a clear vision for development, I have every confidence that Senator Adetunmbi, Dr. Akinola, and their team will succeed,” Fayemi added. “I wish them all the best as they take on this important task.”

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