By Ayomide Otitoju
The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) , Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing the move as a historic turning point for the region’s socio-economic advancement.
In a statement on Tuesday, the revered monarch expressed deep appreciation to the President for what he termed a strategic and inclusive approach to regional development. He specifically applauded the appointment of Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, hailing it as a “visionary choice.”
“Dr. Akinola is an outstanding technocrat with an impressive pedigree in public service and a passionate commitment to national and regional development,” the Ooni said. “His wealth of experience in public-private partnerships, rural enterprise development, and international development cooperation makes him ideally suited to lead the Commission at this crucial time.”
The monarch also praised the appointment of Senator Olu Adetunmbi as Chairman of the Commission, describing him as a seasoned development expert. He commended the inclusion of other members of the board, including Hon. Princess Nike Omoworare, Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu (retd), Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle, and Lateef Ajijola, describing the appointments as “round pegs in round holes.”
The Ooni singled out the appointments of Dr. Akinola and Hon. Omoworare, both indigenes of Osun State, for special recognition. He noted that Dr. Akinola’s previous role as Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor underscores his readiness for national service at a higher level. He also described Hon. Omoworare’s inclusion as Osun State’s representative as a reflection of her dedication to service and regional development.
“These appointments are a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and the transformation of the South West into a hub of economic prosperity and cultural renaissance,” the Ooni stated.
Urging the new appointees to approach their responsibilities with integrity and dedication, the traditional ruler called on all stakeholders—including traditional institutions, state governments, and civil society groups—to support the SWDC in fulfilling its mandate.
“The time has come for collaborative action to tackle infrastructural deficits, ecological challenges, and security gaps, while promoting sustainable development across the South West,” the monarch added.
The Ooni, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, assured the people of the South West that the leadership of the Commission would deliver tangible and impactful results in line with their collective aspirations.Ooni of Ife Hails President Tinubu Over Inauguration of South West Development Commission, Appointments
The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing the move as a historic turning point for the region’s socio-economic advancement.
In a statement on Tuesday, the revered monarch expressed deep appreciation to the President for what he termed a strategic and inclusive approach to regional development. He specifically applauded the appointment of Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, hailing it as a “visionary choice.”
“Dr. Akinola is an outstanding technocrat with an impressive pedigree in public service and a passionate commitment to national and regional development,” the Ooni said. “His wealth of experience in public-private partnerships, rural enterprise development, and international development cooperation makes him ideally suited to lead the Commission at this crucial time.”
The monarch also praised the appointment of Senator Olu Adetunmbi as Chairman of the Commission, describing him as a seasoned development expert. He commended the inclusion of other members of the board, including Hon. Princess Nike Omoworare, Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu (retd), Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle, and Lateef Ajijola, describing the appointments as “round pegs in round holes.”
The Ooni singled out the appointments of Dr. Akinola and Hon. Omoworare, both indigenes of Osun State, for special recognition. He noted that Dr. Akinola’s previous role as Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor underscores his readiness for national service at a higher level. He also described Hon. Omoworare’s inclusion as Osun State’s representative as a reflection of her dedication to service and regional development.
“These appointments are a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and the transformation of the South West into a hub of economic prosperity and cultural renaissance,” the Ooni stated.
Urging the new appointees to approach their responsibilities with integrity and dedication, the traditional ruler called on all stakeholders—including traditional institutions, state governments, and civil society groups—to support the SWDC in fulfilling its mandate.
“The time has come for collaborative action to tackle infrastructural deficits, ecological challenges, and security gaps, while promoting sustainable development across the South West,” the monarch added.
The Ooni, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, assured the people of the South West that the leadership of the Commission would deliver tangible and impactful results in line with their collective aspirations.
