The Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC).
Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday by the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, thanked the president for appointing people of impeccable character to run the commission’s affairs.
He specifically commended Tinubu for appointing Dr Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the MD/CEO of the South West Development Commission, describing the appointment as a visionary choice and a historic turning point for the region’ s developmental trajectory.
Ooni described Akinola as an outstanding technocrat, with an impressive pedigree and passionate commitment to regional and national development.
He also commended the president on the excellent choice of Senator Olu Adetunmbi, a development expert, as the chairman and the appointment of other members of the board, including a distinguished daughter of Ile-Ife, Princess Nike Omoworare; Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu, a retired general; Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle and Lateef Ajijola– saying all the appointees are round pegs in round holes.
While specifically lauding the appointment of two illustrious citizens of Osun State– Akinola and Omoworare– to executive positions within the newly established commission, Oba Ogunwusi described the new MD as a seasoned development expert with impressive public service experience, having served as Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor.
“Dr Akinola who has been appointed as the pioneer Managing Director of the SWDC undisputably deserves the esteem position,” the monarch said.
He urged the new MD to let his extensive experience in both the public and private sector speak for him in leading the commission and addressing the infrastructural and socio-economic challenges of the South West region.
Oba Ogunwusi also described Omoworare’s inclusion as Osun State’s representative as a testament to her dedication to regional development and service.
Ooni stressed that these appointments reflect Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and the upliftment of the South West region, and expressed confidence that the SWDC’s leadership will work diligently to fulfil its mandate of addressing infrastructural deficits, ecological challenges, insecurity and promotion of sustainable development in the region.
He urged the appointees to approach their new responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and a focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people of the South West region.
Oba Ogunwusi enjoined all stakeholders, including traditional institutions, state governments, and civil society organisations to support the SWDC in its mission to transform the South West into a hub of economic prosperity and cultural renaissance, assuring all and sundry that Akinola and his team will approach their new responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and a focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people of the region.
