Why The South West Development Commission May Not Succeed: An Open Memo To Senator Adetumbi, Mr. Akinola, And Fellow Stakeholders

By

Wale Ojo-Lanre

Why the Caution?

Frankly, there should be no justifiable reason why the South West Development Commission (SWDC)—under the visionary leadership of Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi and the strategic acumen of Mr. Charles Akinola—should not succeed.

This Commission is staffed by seasoned, tested, and accomplished professionals—true sons and daughters of the South West—whose contributions to governance, development, and public service are well documented. All indicators suggest the SWDC is poised for success. Yet, as a UNDP-trained development communicator, tourism diplomat, and passionate advocate for regional transformation, I am compelled to issue this open memo: partly congratulatory, partly cautionary, and wholly agenda-driven.

With cautious optimism and a profound sense of regional responsibility, I extend my warmest congratulations to the newly inaugurated members of the Commission. This moment is not merely ceremonial; it symbolizes a renaissance—a return to the self-reliant, visionary ethos that once defined the Western Region under the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

I applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his foresight in establishing this Commission and selecting individuals of enviable pedigree. The inclusion of Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi—a cerebral parliamentarian—and Mr. Charles Akinola—a seasoned development expert—is strategic and commendable. Other appointees likewise reflect the intellectual depth, administrative competence, and cultural consciousness necessary to steer the region toward greatness.

But here lies the rub: Credentials alone do not guarantee success. The SWDC must not become a ceremonial agency. It must be a catalyst for transformation—bold in vision, deliberate in action, and unified in purpose. It must dismantle the siloed development mindset and reignite the collaborative spirit that once made the Western Region a continental exemplar.

The South West—comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo—is more than a geopolitical entity. It is a cradle of civilization, an economic nerve center, and a beacon of intellectual and cultural excellence. Yet its vast potential remains largely underexploited. The SWDC must adopt a contextually responsive and visionary development blueprint—one rooted in the region’s unique strengths.

1. Tourism and Culture: A Sleeping Giant

Tourism remains one of the South West’s most neglected goldmines. The region’s wealth of heritage sites, natural wonders, and cultural assets must be repositioned as pillars of economic transformation.

The waterfalls of Erin Ijesha, Ikogosi, Arinta, and Efon Alaaye should be developed into eco-tourism destinations of global standards. Heritage corridors such as the Badagry Slave Route, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oyo-Ile ruins, Idanre Hills, Sungbo’s Eredo, and Iwo Eleru in Isarun must be revitalized and commercialized.

The establishment of a Regional Heritage Development Fund is imperative—targeting preservation, infrastructure, and marketing. Tourism-specific infrastructure such as roads, signage, and visitor facilities must follow.

2. Agriculture: From Legacy to Leadership

The South West has no business being on the periphery of Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. The region’s arable land, favorable climate, and industrious populace should place it at the forefront of modern agribusiness.

We must revisit the farm settlement model pioneered in the Awolowo era and integrate it with modern technologies and market systems. A South West Agricultural Corridor—focused on crops such as cocoa, cassava, oil palm, maize, and yams—should be developed, with strong value chain linkages to agro-processing industries. This will drive rural development, increase exports, and enhance food security.

3. Integrated Regional Mobility: The Artery of Growth

A connected region is a productive region. The SWDC must urgently formulate a South West Integrated Mobility Blueprint—harmonizing road, rail, and logistics infrastructure. Interlinking economic and cultural zones with high-capacity highways and regional rail lines will facilitate trade, tourism, and unity.

4. Water Resources: Dormant Giants, Missed Opportunities

The region’s underutilized dams—Ikere Gorge, Asejire, Ero, Oyan, Ede, and Ose—must be harnessed for hydroelectricity, irrigation, and aqua-tourism. These can serve as multipurpose hubs for agriculture, energy, and leisure, driving integrated rural development.

5. Solid Minerals: Unlocking Subterranean Wealth

The South West is richly endowed with minerals like granite, kaolin, limestone, and even gold. The Commission must establish Solid Mineral Development Zones in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, and Oyo States. Beyond extraction, these zones must process and add value—through partnerships with private investors, community development agreements, and environmental safeguards.

6. Creative Economy: The Soul of the Region

From Nollywood to Afrobeats, digital art to Adire fashion, the South West is the cultural and creative heartbeat of Nigeria. The SWDC should develop regional innovation clusters linking universities, tech hubs, and creative studios.

A South West Creative Industry Grant Scheme is essential to support filmmakers, designers, musicians, and digital entrepreneurs—empowering youth and preserving cultural heritage in the digital age.

In Conclusion:

Let the SWDC not just be a commission—but a commissioning of hope, unity, and prosperity. Let it bind the region in a shared vision, rekindle the legacy of purposeful governance, and serve as the fulcrum for South West competitiveness—not just nationally, but globally.

To the members of the Commission: Think boldly. Act swiftly. Serve selflessly.
History has handed you the pen. Write a chapter of pride, purpose, and posterity.

Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.
Barrister-at-Law
Tourism Diplomat | Development Advocate | Media Strategist
Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development