Olowo of Owo Applauds Tinubu Over Appointment of Dr. Akinola as SWDC MD

Olowo of Owo Applauds Tinubu Over Appointment of Dr. Akinola as SWDC MD

...Tasks New Commission Boss on Security, Youth Empowerment, Agriculture

The Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Charles Akinola as the pioneer Managing Director of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing the appointment as a step in the right direction.

Speaking with journalists, Oba Ogunoye praised President Tinubu for entrusting the leadership of the newly established commission to a seasoned technocrat and development strategist. He described Dr. Akinola as a “square peg in a square hole” whose wealth of experience will benefit the South West region immensely.

“The appointment of Dr. Akinola is truly commendable,” Oba Ogunoye stated. “He is eminently qualified. His training, experience in public policy, agriculture, governance, and development span over three decades. This is a call to serve, and I am confident he will provide selfless leadership for the good of the Yoruba people.”

Dr. Akinola, a public policy advisor with extensive expertise in agricultural development and economic growth, was appointed on May 8, 2025, by President Tinubu to lead the SWDC, a newly established commission aimed at fast-tracking socio-economic development in the South West.

Reflecting on Dr. Akinola’s ties to the region, Oba Ogunoye recalled his formative years in Owo, noting that the values and Omoluabi ethos instilled in him would serve as a strong foundation for his new role.

“He has strong roots in Owo,” the monarch noted. “Those early years shaped his character, and I believe those values will guide him in fulfilling his mandate.”

The Olowo also outlined key priority areas the new MD should focus on, including regional security, youth empowerment, and agricultural development. He urged the SWDC to prioritize initiatives that would reduce unemployment by investing in skill acquisition and the revitalization of technical education.

“Our youths, both educated and non-educated, must be empowered with vocational skills,” Oba Ogunoye stressed. “We need functional technical colleges to train them in trades like carpentry, electrical work, and other skilled vocations. This will address the growing unemployment challenge.”

On the evolving conversation around state policing, the traditional ruler called on the commission to play an active role in equipping and supporting a modern policing system for the region.

“With the general acceptance of state policing in Nigeria, the commission must be proactive in training personnel and deploying technology to strengthen security infrastructure in Yoruba land,” he said.

Speaking further on agriculture, Oba Ogunoye advocated for value addition and the establishment of processing clusters to transform the region’s agricultural potential into economic wealth.

“Value addition to agricultural produce must be a major focus. We need small, medium, and large-scale processing industries that can drive exports and earn foreign exchange. This will significantly boost the South West’s economic standing,” he concluded.

The Olowo expressed optimism that Dr. Akinola’s leadership will usher in a new era of inclusive development for the South West, while also appreciating President Tinubu for his foresight in setting up the commission and appointing a capable hand to lead it.