The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission and the South-West Development Commission have formalised a strategic working relationship to strengthen coordinated development across the Southwest. The two organisations sealed the partnership during a courtesy visit by the SWDC executive management team to the DAWN Commission office at Cocoa House in Ibadan.
SWDC’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Charles Akinola, led the delegation, accompanied by Executive Director of Corporate Services, AdeFunmilayo Tejuoso; Executive Director of Finance, Tele Ogunjobi; and Executive Director of Commerce and Environmental Development, Fatai Ibikunle. Their visit marked the official start of a collaborative relationship designed to help both commissions work more efficiently and deliver results faster.
Under the new arrangement, SWDC will draw from DAWN Commission’s 12 years of experience, frameworks, and tested methodologies in regional integration. The plan allows SWDC to begin full operations without facing the usual hurdles that slow down new institutions. Akinola described the partnership as a practical way to advance development across the region. He said the collaboration enables the commission to rely on DAWN’s institutional memory and proven systems so it can quickly begin work in key sectors that directly benefit people in the Southwest.
Both institutions agreed to focus first on agriculture modernization, railway infrastructure, human and social capital development, industrial growth, and technology and innovation. They also committed to preventing duplication of efforts and ensuring that resources are deployed efficiently for maximum impact across the region.
DAWN Commission’s Director-General, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, welcomed the partnership and said it reflects the cooperation needed to transform the Southwest. He explained that DAWN’s work across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti has produced valuable lessons, and the organisation is ready to share this knowledge with SWDC to support more coordinated and effective development efforts in the region.
