● Issues Vote of Confidence in Newly Inaugurated SWDC Board
The management and Organising Committee of the prestigious Southwest Games has extended hearty congratulations to the newly appointed board and leadership of the Southwest Development Commission (SWDC), describing the development as a bold and progressive step toward unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Southwest region.
Speaking on behalf of the Southwest Games, Chairman of the Games, Dr. Lanre Alfred, issued a statement on Thursday celebrating the formal constitution of the Commission and applauding the appointment of Dr. Charles Akinola as its inaugural Managing Director. He described Akinola’s appointment as “a masterstroke by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a solid foundation for the Commission’s journey toward institutional credibility, regional empowerment, and appreciable impact.”
“We at the Southwest Games warmly congratulate Dr. Charles Akinola on his well-deserved appointment as Managing Director of the Southwest Development Commission,” Alfred said. “Dr. Akinola brings with him a rich legacy of innovation, vision, and public service. His experience as a policy expert, development consultant, and former Chief of Staff to the Osun State Government puts him in a unique position to lead the Commission into an era of practical relevance and institutional excellence.”
In the same spirit of commendation, Alfred also congratulated Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi on his appointment as the Chairman of the Southwest Development Commission. A distinguished economist, accomplished legislator, and patriotic statesman, Senator Adetunmbi brings a wealth of experience rooted in both technocratic discipline and democratic service. With an illustrious career spanning the private and public sectors, including multiple terms in the Nigerian Senate where he championed fiscal federalism, infrastructure equity, and regional development, his leadership style is defined by deep intellect, policy clarity, and unwavering commitment to the Southwest’s advancement. His appointment, said Alfred, is timely and profoundly strategic, offering the Commission the benefit of a chairman who understands both the aspirations of the people and the imperatives of effective governance.
Alfred described Senator Adetunmbi as “a tested and trusted figure whose voice has consistently resonated with the yearnings of the Southwest region.” He added: “We at the Southwest Games see in Senator Adetunmbi a chairman of exceptional insight, one who will bring cohesion to the board and institutional stability to the Commission’s mission. His pedigree in legislative leadership and economic development gives us strong confidence that he will provide the visionary oversight needed to complement Dr. Charles Akinola’s executive capacity. With Senator Adetunmbi at the helm of the board, the Southwest Development Commission is well-positioned to become a benchmark of efficiency, transparency, and regional progress.”
Alfred noted that the Southwest Games, as a unifying and high-profile sporting platform, considers the establishment of the SWDC a significant milestone in the journey toward addressing long-standing regional developmental challenges, ranging from infrastructure deficits and educational gaps to youth unemployment and economic stagnation.
“We view the emergence of the SWDC not merely as another federal bureaucracy, but as a vehicle of hope and action for the good people of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states. The Southwest has always been a hub of ideas, talents, and innovation, and we trust that under the stewardship of Dr. Akinola, the Commission will harness these strengths to deliver measurable progress,” Alfred stated.
The Southwest Games, which attracts thousands of athletes, fans, corporate sponsors, and policy stakeholders across the region and beyond, has long advocated for an institutional framework that ensures equitable regional development. Alfred emphasized that the Commission’s strategic mandate is well-aligned with the broader vision of the Southwest Games, which is to build community, celebrate excellence, and develop young people through sports and culture.
“Sports is development. It is education. It is diplomacy. It is health. It is unity. And most importantly, it is empowerment,” Alfred declared. “We strongly believe that the Southwest Development Commission will see the value in using platforms like the Southwest Games as powerful tools for youth engagement, social reengineering, and regional integration.”
He added: “We therefore assure the new board, under the capable leadership of Sen. Adetunmbi and Dr. Akinola, of our unflinching support, partnership, and goodwill. We are offering our platforms, our networks, our energy, and our ideas in service of the Commission’s mandate.”
Dr. Alfred also extended commendations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating political will in bringing the Southwest Development Commission to life, and to the National Assembly for the bipartisan support that ensured the swift passage of the enabling legislation.
“It is commendable that this administration is not just talking about true federalism but is actively working to institutionalize regional development in concrete terms. The establishment of the SWDC is a testament to that vision. And we applaud every stakeholder who played a role in bringing this to reality,” he noted.
Alfred expressed confidence in the calibre of the newly constituted board, stating that the blend of technocratic and grassroots insight within the Commission gives it a strong foundation for success.
“We have no doubt that this is a leadership team that will listen, learn, and lead with integrity and vision. The Southwest deserves nothing less. We give this team our full vote of confidence and look forward to working hand-in-hand with the Commission for the betterment of our people,” he concluded.
