This is the official X (twitter) handle of Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Chairman, South West Development Commission #SWDC | Senate (2011-2015 and 2019-2023)
The Vice President, Senator @KashimSM has said the vision behind the creation of new regional development commissions is to further unlock and harness the unique strengths and opportunities in the various regions for Nigeria’s collective prosperity.
He thus stated that President @officialABAT needs to be praised for such foresight and directional leadership.
He said the vision must, however, be backed by innovation, effective collaboration and integrity in the discharge of the mandate of the various regional development bodies, noting that the “Renewed Hope Agenda is about translating policy into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.”
The Vice President stated this on Wednesday when he received the management of the South West Development Commission (@swdcgov), led by its Board Chairman, @SenAdetunmbi on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The worsening perennial flood in Lagos is symptomatic of a larger socioeconomic challenge that needs to be well studied and understood in order to address it sustainably.
Internal migration into Lagos from the other 35 states, the FCT, including other West African countries, puts enormous demographic pressure on infrastructure and the delivery of social services that is beyond the fiscal capacity of Lagos State.
This is a national economic challenge, given the peculiar geography and economic significance of Lagos State to the entire country.
We need an empirical assessment to determine the level of economic subsidy, in terms of social and economic demands, that the rest of the country puts on Lagos. The outcome of such study should be a basis for a national policy and fiscal support for the economic stabilization of Lagos.
This is a subject that needs to be debated, resolved for Lagos and other centers of existential threat in Nigeria, such as erosion in the East, education deficit in the North, and insecurity everywhere.
Today, I led the Board of the SWDC on a productive courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and some members of his Executive Council. We held fruitful discussions on strategic collaboration to support the successful takeoff of the South West Development Commission, including startup and institutional support, the provision of a befitting permanent site in Lagos, a dedicated coordination framework, and innovative financing opportunities.
We also concluded our two day Board meeting, where we considered key policy, institutional, and operational matters that will guide the Commission's effective takeoff and the delivery of its mandate across the South West.
I appreciate His Excellency, Governor @jidesanwoolu and his team for their warm reception and steadfast commitment to partnering with the Commission to advance a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous South West.
Today, I received the Chairman of the Board of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi, alongside members of the Board and Management, on a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Ikeja.
We had a good discussion about regional growth. The SWDC is a vehicle for real, tangible progress across the South-West and our goal in Lagos State is to work closely to turn shared ideas into actual infrastructure and a stronger economy for our region and our people.
It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Senator Tony Adeniyi, SAN, with whom I had the honour of serving in the 7th Senate.
He was an accomplished lawyer, a principled legislator, and a committed progressive whose contributions to constitutionalism, democracy, and the development of Ekiti State and Nigeria will remain enduring. His calm disposition, intellect, and dedication to public service earned him the respect of colleagues across political divides.
Ekiti has lost one of its finest sons, and our nation has lost a distinguished statesman.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Ikere Ekiti, the good people of Ekiti State, and all whose lives he touched. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Today, we successfully concluded a 2-day retreat for the Ministry of Regional Development and the Regional Development Commissions, focused on unlocking the vast potentials across our regions.
The retreat, held in Benin, Edo State, provided a valuable platform for alignment, strategic discussions and collaborative planning towards more impactful and coordinated regional development.
Grateful for the insights shared and the collective commitment to driving sustainable growth across the regions.
Today, I had a productive meeting with His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, where we discussed key issues concerning the South West Development Commission. Our conversation focused on strengthening synergy between Development Commissions and the National Economic Council, fostering closer collaboration with State Governments, and aligning our interventions with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
#SWDC
At #LEDU2026 in Lagos, I commended Lagos State for setting the pace in subnational governance. Its GDP performance confirms its role as the engine room of the South West and Nigeria’s economic warehouse.
However, beyond size, we must focus on GDP per capita, as index of human capital productivity, and accelerating growth, Lagos is flying, but it can fly higher.
I also raised concerns about the population myth. Official figures significantly understate realities on ground. This statistical distortion must be confronted so we can properly assess the true burden Lagos carries on infrastructure and the implicit subsidy it provides to the nation.
Finally, Lagos’ demography is evolving. Indigeneship alone can no longer define citizenship in a modern metropolis. With increasing internal migration into Lagos and the diversity it brings, we must interrogate population and migration data, their growth patterns, and social composition; to support effective planning and sustainable development.
One appropriate place of engagement on the Sen. Ted Cruz Nigeria Religious Freedom Bill and the likelihood of military action by President Trump is the US Senate public hearing. This is where Nigeria should make a credible presentation on the state of affairs on the allegation of genocidal killings. Nigeria's Senate should gather evidence and appear at the hearings with findings on random and widespread killings in Nigeria. Representatives of relevant Senate Committees should appear alongside the representative of the NSA, interfaith bodies and other appropriate agencies to give honest accounts of the situation and defend Nigeria's sovereignty with facts and verifiable evidence. I'm sure with a united front, Nigeria shall overcome this.
In furtherance of our commitment to revitalising cooperative movement across the South West, I met with Mr. Sammy L. Ladokun, President of Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Ltd, Mr. Kayode Johnson Oloruntobi, General Manager, and Mr. Wasiu Oladimeji, Head of Finance.
Our discussions focused on strengthening cooperative financial services and societies, expanding access to credit through viable, well-governed unions, and working out the modalities and partnerships necessary for success.
I was accompanied by Alh. Fatai Ibikunle, Executive Director, Environment & Commerce, SWDC, as we explored partnership pathways for inclusive regional growth.
#SWDC #CooperativeEconomy #InclusiveDevelopment #SouthWestCURRENT #OduaCooperative
Today, I delivered a goodwill message at the 8th Annual General Meeting of the Bodija (Ibadan) UNIQUE Cooperative Investment & Credit Society (CICS) Ltd, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Themed “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Development for Members,” the event provided a valuable platform to reflect on the enduring importance of cooperative societies in driving community progress and shared prosperity.
The South West Development Commission (SWDC) is planning initiatives for the revitalisation of cooperative movements across the region, recognising that the cooperative credit system remains one of the most effective grassroots financial structures for deepening inclusion, supporting small businesses, and strengthening community resilience across the South West.
#SWDC #InclusiveDevelopment #CooperativeEconomy #Ibadan #OyoState #SouthWest
🇳🇬 Happy Independence Day!!
Since 1960 our nation has walked through challenges and triumphs, always showing resilience and hope. Nigeria’s true strength is in its people, united in spirit, rich in innovation and blessed with great potential.
Together we can turn promise into prosperity for all.
#NigeriaAt65 #SWDC #UnityInDiversity
Just had an inspiring meeting with Engr. Ronald Ajiboye (MRAeS, COREN), Founder & CEO of STEM Garage Africa, and his team.
Ronald is a First-Class Aerospace Engineer, globally recognized deep-tech leader, The Next Titan promoter, and the pioneer behind Africa’s first humanoid robot & ultra-long-endurance UAS.
Through STEM Garage, he is building 50 innovation hubs across Africa, shaping robotics, drones & AI, and contributing to global platforms on Digital Public Infrastructure & Open Innovation.
They have expressed interest in collaboration on a Talent Hunt across diverse categories, unlocking opportunities for youth, women & entrepreneurs in the South West. The horizon of innovation and talent in the South West is boundless.
#SWDC #STEM #Innovation #TalentHunt #NextGenSouthWest