By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Senate will on Wednesday begin the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the South-West Development Commission, marking a significant step toward operationalising the long-awaited regional intervention agency.
At its inaugural meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the Senate Committee on SWDC, led by Senator Yunus Akintunde, announced that it would screen the presidential nominees for key leadership positions, including the commission’s Chairman, Managing Director, and other board members.
Akintunde assured all that the committee would not only carry out its constitutional role of confirming appointments but also deliver a robust oversight function aimed at ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the commission’s operations.
According to him, the establishment of the committee is in line with Section 62 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
He said, “Our first assignment is to screen the presidential nominees for the positions of Chairman, Managing Director and other board members of the South West Development Commission.
“These are the schedules for tomorrow (Wednesday). Our mission is to provide an adequate oversight function for the good governance of the commission, promoting economic growth, social justice and human capacity development.
“We will work together to address the infrastructure deficit, enhance regional cohesion and foster a business-friendly environment through robust legislative activities.”
Akintunde added that the screening is a strategic step by the Senate to strengthen its communities through sustainable development initiatives and shared knowledge.
The senator also urged committee members to embrace open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared vision.
“Let us remember that great things are not achieved in isolation. They are borne out of determination and shared vision. I believe we have the right people and purpose to make it happen,” he appealed.
Committee members echoed his sentiments, with Senator Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, describing the establishment of the SWDC as “a dream come true.”
Daniel lauded Tinubu for actualising what he called “the aspirations of millions” in the South-West and noted that expectations for the commission’s impact are sky-high.
Another committee member, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, noted that the committee must work toward human capital and infrastructure development, especially on road development across the zone.
Eshilokun also called for a rehabilitation of the major highway and access roads within the South West, including the deplorable Ikorodu-Sagamu.
The SWDC, modeled after similar regional bodies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, is expected to spearhead major developmental projects and interventions in the South-West geopolitical zone, which includes Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states.