October 07, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
Oyo State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to designate Ibadan as the headquarters for the proposed South West Development Commission.
The party, through its publicity secretary Olawale Sadare, emphasized that Ibadan’s strategic location would best serve the region’s populace.
This call follows the Senate’s passage of the Bill establishing the Commission, aimed at promoting development in the six South West states.
The National Assembly’s swift passage is seen as an effort to balance regional development, as similar commissions exist in other zones.
The statement reads: “The SWDC, if well-structured and fully funded, would bridge the gap in the areas of special interventions, focused attention and infrastructural development.
“The idea of a South West Development Commission goes beyond replicating what has been done in other geopolitical zones. We welcome it wholeheartedly as it holds a lot of promise to the South West which has a unique record of regional integration and innovative leadership.
“The new Commission will, no doubt, afford the people of the South West a platform for collaboration, innovation, and peer support.
“Pointedly, the location of the main operation base or headquarters of the Commission is as important as its creation. Without mincing words, no other town or city comes close to Ibadan as an ideal place to harbour the headquarters of SWDC with its liaison offices in Ikeja, Akure, Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Osogbo, and Abuja.
“There are many reasons for this submission none of which can be wished away by the people who mean well for the entire Yoruba race.
“Apart from being the headquarters of the defunct Western Region, Ibadan offers a sense of belonging to all and sundry especially the good people of the Yoruba race. The ancient city is where an average Yoruba man or woman can call home and this explains why every Hamlet, village, and town across Yorubaland and beyond has their representation in Ibadan either as residents or critical stakeholders.
“Besides, citing the headquarters of SWDC in Ibadan would create leverage for all the six states while there would not be any room for unfair treatment or any imbalance in the running and operation of the Commission.
“It is also worthy of note that a meaningful partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) would accelerate the quick realization of the goals and objectives of the SWDC and we want the relevant stakeholders to look in this direction.
“We use this opportunity to warn again sabotage, from any quarters, as the Commission is expected to be activated and swing into action immediately with good funding from the federal government and other relevant stakeholders including the governors in the zone.”
The APC praised the National Assembly for prioritizing equity, fairness, and national integration.
The Commission’s establishment is expected to facilitate collective growth and development in the region. The APC’s request is now under consideration.
