Afenifere endorses Tinubu’s Southwest Development Agenda

April 02, 2025

By Yinka Ayantade

Afenifere, a prominent Pan-Yoruba socio-political and cultural organization, has publicly backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Southwest Development Agenda.

The organization’s spokesperson, Jare Ajayi, praised the Regional Development Commissions signed into law by Tinubu, stating that they have the potential to accelerate development in the region.

Tinubu recently signed three significant bills into law: the South-West Development Commission Bill, the South-South Development Commission Bill, and the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill, 2025.

Ajayi commended the establishment of regional development commissions, saying it “is the right thing to do” and demonstrates Tinubu’s commitment to regional empowerment and economic development.

Ajayi emphasized that Afenifere has consistently advocated for a system that encourages creativity at local, state, regional, and national levels.

“It is one of the main reasons for our unrelenting advocacy for restructuring,” he explained.

While acknowledging that the creation of regional development commissions doesn’t fully align with Afenifere’s vision for restructuring, Ajayi sees it as a step in the right direction.

“The establishment of commissions for each of the geo-political zones in the country is an acknowledgment of the need to restructure,” Ajayi noted.

He expressed optimism that the commissions will accelerate economic development and create more opportunities for the people of the region.

Senator Gbenga Daniel, who moved the motion for the establishment of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) in the Upper Chamber, shared similar sentiments.

“The South-West Development Commission will definitely accelerate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and create more opportunities for the people of the region,” Daniel said.