…As SWDC Urged to Focus on Rail, Power, Energy Transition
By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr ‘Seye Oyeleye, has commended the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for his instrumental role in the establishment of the Commission. He noted that DAWN, which was conceived as a policy and strategy hub for regional integration, will now serve as a think tank for the newly established Southwest Development Commission (SWDC).
Speaking in Ibadan on Monday at a roundtable marking Dr Fayemi’s 60th birthday, Oyeleye emphasised the importance of celebrating individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped governance and regional cooperation. He stated, “This conference is a recognition of Dr Fayemi’s commitment to regional integration and his role in setting up DAWN Commission, which will now help guide SWDC’s strategy. Unfortunately, we live in a society where we celebrate the wrong and overlook the right.”
Dr Fayemi, a two-term governor of Ekiti State and a founding member of the Afenifere Renewal Group, has long championed policies aimed at advancing regional development. His tenure as Minister of Solid Minerals also saw significant reforms in the sector, further reinforcing his legacy in national development.
The conference focused on the relevance of SWDC in fostering economic growth and regional cooperation.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Remi Aiyede of the University of Ibadan stressed the need for structured intergovernmental relations to drive the regional development agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Professor Aiyede further highlighted that regional development commissions should not be seen as mere political instruments but as mechanisms for fostering multi-level governance. He urged policymakers to ensure these commissions function as engines for sustainable economic progress rather than political compensation tools.
The Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group and the Yoruba Academy, Wale Oshun, also spoke at the event, stressing that SWDC must remain apolitical if it is to achieve its core developmental objectives.
Oshun, a former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, argued that partisanship would only derail its mission and limit its ability to deliver long-term benefits to the region.
Participants at the conference unanimously agreed that SWDC should focus on large-scale projects with a lasting regional impact. They urged the commission to prioritise investments in rail infrastructure, power, and energy transition rather than engaging in micro-scale projects such as road rehabilitation, classroom construction, and borehole installation.
Accountability and human resources were also identified as critical success factors for SWDC. The need for transparent governance, skilled professionals, and clear performance benchmarks was emphasised to ensure the commission effectively fulfils its mandate.
In his response, Dr Fayemi reflected on the journey towards establishing DAWN Commission and the milestones achieved so far. He expressed satisfaction with the renewed commitment to regional collaboration and called for sustained dialogue and partnerships in addressing shared challenges.
Dr. Fayemi, therefore, urged stakeholders to move beyond competition and focus on collective progress, stating that “true development is only possible when we work together with a common purpose.” His remarks reinforced the broader consensus that regional integration remains crucial for long-term economic transformation in the Southwest.