Member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency at the National Assembly, Hon Adedeji Olajide has expressed delight at the passage of the bill seeking to establish the South West Development Commission (SWDC) by the House of Representatives.
Olajide’s special adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha, in a statement on Friday, noted that the South West Development Commission Bill, modeled after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC), and South East Development Commission (SEDC), will help to tackle regional challenges.
He said the South West Development Commission Bill, which had been forwarded to the Senate for concurrent legislation, when signed into law by the president, would focus on addressing the specific challenges facing the southwest region, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
Olajide, who is also the Oyo State representative on the Constitution Amendment Committee of the National Assembly described it as a testament to the commitment of the National Assembly to the development of the region.
“The passage of this bill is a significant milestone in our quest for economic development and improved standard of living in the South West region,” he said.
“We are grateful to our colleagues who supported the bill and we look forward to its concurrence by the Senate.
“We are confident that the South West Development Commission will make a significant impact in the region and complement the efforts of the state governments,” Olajide added.
Harping on the provisions of the bill, Adedeji Olajide said that once signed into law, the South West Development Commission would be responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at promoting economic development and improving the standard of living in the region.
He said the establishment of the commission was expected to bring significant development to the region, create jobs, improve infrastructure, increase economic activity, and would also be responsible for the management of funds allocated to the commission, which will be used to finance development projects in the region.
Olajide called on the South West caucus at the Senate to give accelerated attention to the bill to ensure its quick passage into law.
