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  • SWDC, DAWN set railway, agric as priorities

    SWDC, DAWN set railway, agric as priorities

    The Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) and Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have identified railway, agriculture and human capital development as priority areas of focus in coming weeks.

    SWDC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola and the Director General (DG) of the DAWN Commission Dr. Seye Oyeleye, disclosed this during the former’s courtesy visit to the DAWN at its Cocoa House, Ibadan office.

    The visit offered an opportunity to formalize a strategic working relationship aimed at advancing coordinated regional development across Nigeria’s Southwest region.

    Other members of Dr. Akinola’s executive management team are Rt. Hon. AdeFunmilayo Tejuoso (Executive Director, Corporate Services), Hon. Tele Ogunjobi (ED Finance) and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle (ED Commerce & Environmental Development).

    The visit marks the official commencement of symbiotic institutional collaboration between the two commissions.

    Under this arrangement, SWDC will leverage DAWN Commission’s 12 years of operational experience, established frameworks, proven methodologies and convening power in regional integration and development.

     The approach is designed to accelerate SWDC’s startup of full operations while avoiding the typical challenges associated with new institutional setup.

    “This partnership represents a pragmatic approach to regional development,” said Dr. Akinola. “By building on DAWN Commission’s track record and institutional memory, we can hit the ground running in critical sectors that deliver impact to our people faster and more effectively.” He added.

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    The partnership will focus initially on priority sectors including agriculture modernization, railway infrastructure, human and social capital development, industrialization, as well as technology and innovation, with both institutions committed to eliminating duplication of efforts and optimizing resource deployment for maximum regional impact.

    The DAWN’s Director General, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, welcomed the collaboration, noting that it exemplifies the spirit of cooperation necessary for meaningful regional transformation. He said: “Our 12 years of experience working across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states have taught us valuable lessons. We are pleased to share this knowledge with SWDC to ensure the Southwest region benefits from coordinated and efficient development interventions.”

    Both institutions expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic leadership in integrating regional development as a critical pillar of national development.

    Akinola and Oyeleye also commended the Southwest Governors’ Forum, under the chairmanship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, for its unwavering commitment to prioritizing regional development and fostering enabling environment for institutional collaboration and shared prosperity across the Southwest.

  • DAWN begins job-focused community development study

    DAWN begins job-focused community development study

    The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission is spearheading a study to facilitate the prompt execution of a comprehensive community development strategy, which includes a strong jobs initiative designed to enhance the financial stability of millions of individuals in the South-West region of Nigeria.

    Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Dr. Seye Oyeleye highlighted that a well-organised community development plan has the potential to unlock the significant economic resources of rural areas, resulting in considerable enhancements in the living standards of local residents.

    He noted that the primary advantages of such a plan encompass the stimulation of local economies, the creation of job opportunities for both youth and adults across various sectors, including agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and services. The approach, he stated, would directly tackle the challenges of unemployment and underemployment, especially in rural areas.

    To achieve this goal, he stated that the Commission is collaborating with Ara Growth & Development Foundation (AGDF) in Osun State to implement the Community-Led Development Toolkit (COLDET) project.

    The COLDET initiative, according to him,  enables local stakeholders to methodically evaluate their resources, identify their priorities, and execute sustainable projects.

    He further elaborated that an effective plan requires the active involvement of local communities in the decision-making process, ensuring that development efforts are in harmony with their needs and priorities. This approach, he believes, will cultivate a sense of ownership and empower communities to take charge of their own development.

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    He mentioned that the commission’s partnership with AGDF on the development study  in Ara, Osun State, emphasised  investments in infrastructure and facilities that support rural tourism.

    He was confident that by focusing on job creation and fostering sustainable economic growth, the community development plan can greatly enhance the living standards of millions in the South-West region.

    The Chairman AGDF Steering Committee, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, said a regional community development agenda is critical for the South-west as it enable the states to tailor policies for its unique economic and demographic context.

    According to him, the potential for rural tourism to be a major driver of economic growth is particularly significant with South-West Nigeria’s diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions.

    By investing in the necessary infrastructure and promoting these attractions, he noted that he region can attract both domestic and international tourists, generating substantial economic benefits.

    This includes developing eco-tourism initiatives, preserving historical sites, and supporting local crafts and cultural events. The activities, he indicated can generate income and create jobs in hospitality, tourism, and related industries.

    His words: ““The AGDF has launched the ARA2035 Agenda to rejuvenate our ancient community. This initiative aligns perfectly with DAWN’s COLDET project, making it an exemplary partnership. Together, we will illustrate how communities can spearhead their own development with the right resources and assistance.”

    He noted that social development means ensuring all people have access to public services, job opportunities, and a say in the projects that impact them. In addition, it means building cohesive and resilient societies and making institutions accessible and accountable to citisens.

    The Visioner, AGDF, Kabiyesi Alara of Ara, Oba Dr Olubayo Adesola Windapo Oyelade Abidogun1st, noted that community and local development programmes operate on the principles of transparency, participation, local empowerment, demand-responsiveness, greater downward accountability, and enhanced local capacity.

    According to him, communities can effectively organize to identify community priorities and address local development challenges by working in partnership with local governments and other institutions to build small-scale infrastructure, deliver basic services and enhance livelihoods. He noted that AGDF is established as an enabling vehicle for the actualisation of a coordinated development of Ara town. He indicated  that the foundation will implement  programmes to deliver an increase in access to quality infrastructure and services in a cost-effective manner, and in ways that enjoy broad community support and local legitimacy.

  • DAWN, stakeholders advocate regional integration for national development

    DAWN, stakeholders advocate regional integration for national development

    The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) and stakeholders have emphasised the importance of regional integration in driving the economic growth of Southwest, among other regions.

    According to the stakeholders, as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the emphasis on regional integration as a catalyst for growth and development is timely.

    However, DAWN as well as the stakeholders are optimistic that with the right policies and commitment, regional integration can drive Southwest’s economic growth and development.

    The views were shared at a discourse held at the DAWN Secretariat, Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The event with the theme: ‘Beyond Administrative Boundaries: Reimagining Nigeria’s Development through Regional Integration’, was organised to commemorate the 60th birthday of former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    He (Fayemi) lamented the country’s “arrested growth” despite being over 60 years.

    The former governor noted that Nigeria’s GDP was higher than China’s in 1979, but the country had since lost its footing.

    “I am sad about missed opportunities,” he said.

    Fayemi stressed the need for regional development to be tailored to the specific needs of each region, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

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    He noted that if taken seriously, regional commissions might be the country’s accelerated road to development.

    The ex-governor, who went down memory lane on how DAWN came into existence, said the gathering afforded participants the opportunity to reflect on “where we are and what we need to do on development.”

    The lead discussant, Prof. Remi Aiyede, stressed the importance of collaboration among the three tiers of government to drive economic growth and development, describing regional commissions as “veritable tools of intergovernmental collaboration, innovation and interest promotion.”

    He said regional development commissions were essential for coordinating policies, addressing regional issues and ensuring balanced development across the federation.

    Aiyede advocated horizontal initiatives among volunteering states to form Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) or bilateral and multilateral agreements.

    Other stakeholders, including Prof. Abiodun Folawewo, Prof. Olugbemga Afolabi, Dr. Emmanuel Akubor and Tahir Ijaya buttressed Aiyede’s sentiments.

    They said regional integration was crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

    Director General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, hailed Dr. Fayemi’s contributions to regional integration, describing him as one of the prime movers of regional cooperation among sub-nationals.

    He said DAWN was a think tank for the newly established Southwest Development Commission, with a template for developing the region already in place.

    The event was attended by personalities, including Hon. Wale Oshun, Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group; Sir Gbenga Adebusuyi; Dr. Tunde Adegbola and others.

  • DAWN, stakeholders harp on regional integration for national development

    DAWN, stakeholders harp on regional integration for national development

    The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) and other stakeholders have emphasised the importance of regional integration in driving the economic growth of the Southwest among other regions of the country. 

    According to the stakeholders, as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the emphasis on regional integration as a catalyst for growth and development is timely. 

    However, the commission as well as the stakeholders are optimistic that with the right policies and commitment, regional integration can drive the Southwest region’s economic growth and development.

    The views were shared at a roundtable discourse held at the DAWN Secretariat, Cocoa House, Dugbe Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday.

    The event, themed “Beyond Administrative Boundaries: Reimagining Nigeria’s Development through Regional Integration,” was organized to commemorate the 60th birthday of former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi.

    Fayemi, in his remarks, lamented the country’s “arrested growth” despite being over 60 years old. He noted that Nigeria’s GDP was higher than China’s in 1979, but the country has since lost its footing. “I am sad about missed opportunities,” he said.

    The former governor stressed the need for regional development to be tailored to the specific needs of each region, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, noting that if taken seriously, regional commissions may be the country’s accelerated road to development.

    Fayemi said: “In 1979, Nigeria’s GDP is higher than that of China. Look at where Nigeria is today, and look at China. I am sad about missed opportunities.

    “If taken seriously, regional commissions maybe our accelerated road to development. We have to be clear of what we want for oursleves,” he said.

    The former governor, who went down memory lane on how DAWN commission, came into existence, said the gathering afford participants⁸  the opportunity to reflect on “where we are and what we need to do on development.”

    Fayemi said the work of the commission is just starting, urging DAWN to continue working with academics to profer solutions to the challenges facing the Southwest region and the country at large. “DAWN Commission, the work is just starting. Sell your ideas to others if the government is reluctant,” he said.

    The lead discussant at the event, Prof. Remi Aiyede emphasized the importance of collaboration among the three tiers of government to drive economic growth and development, describing regional commissions as “veritable tools of intergovernmental collaboration, innovation, and interest promotion.”

    He noted that regional development commissions are essential for coordinating policies, addressing regional issues, and ensuring balanced development across the federation. He advocated for horizontal initiatives among volunteering states to form Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) or bilateral and multilateral agreements.

    According to him, if there is collaboration among the various tiers of government the dust raised by the Supreme Court ruling on local government, creation of Ministry of Regional Development and regional development commissions, as well as the proposed tax reform bills would not have arisen.

    Aiyede said the development is an indication of the complexities of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria as well brings to the forefront the challenges of balancing the interests of federal, state, and local governments.

    He said: “It is essential to foster greater collaboration and dialogue among all tiers of government to ensure that policies and decisions are effective, promote economic growth, foster equitable development and national unity”

    Describing regional commission as veritable tools of intergovernmental collaboration, innovation and interest promotion, Aiyede maintained that they are essential to harmonious relationships across the federation.

    According to him, “Regional Commissions operate as intermediaries between the federal government and the constituent states or regions, ensuring that regional interests are represented in national decision making. 

    “They are essential for coordinating policies, addressing regional issues, and ensuring balanced development across the federation. Horizontal initiatives among volunteering states to form RDCs or bilateral or multilateral agreements are better than top-down federal government initiatives. Indeed, horizontal initiative are reliable indicators of the health of cooperative federalism

    “The quality of a country’s governance and its institutions plays a significant role in driving economic growth and development. Research has consistently shown that strong institutions have a profound impact on income per capital and overall economic performance . 

    “In federations, regional development commissions serve as critical mechanisms for promoting balanced regional growth, maintaining intergovernmental harmony, and ensuring efficient governance. By bridging the gap between local and national authorities, these bodies contribute to a more responsive and equitable governance structure, ultimately benefiting the entire federation

    “While regional development commissions may offer a targeted approach to addressing specific challenges, their proliferation risks exacerbating bureaucratic inefficiencies and deepening existing governance challenges. 

    “A more sustainable solution lies in strengthening existing institutions, improving coordination between federal and state governments, and ensuring transparent and effective allocation of resources to meet the needs of all regions. Rather than relying on federal government interventions, which are often characterised by the politics of resource-sharing or “cake-sharing,” greater emphasis should be placed on horizontal cooperation among states. 

    “Collaborative efforts at the regional level can drive sustainable development initiatives through joint projects that benefit multiple states,”

    Other stakeholders, including Prof. Abiodun Folawewo, Prof. Olugbemga Afolabi, Dr. Emmanuel Akubor, and Tahir Ijaya, echoed Aiyede’s sentiments. They stressed that regional integration is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, and that it requires bold policy shifts, transparent leadership, and a relentless commitment to making regional integration a working reality.

    The Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, commended Fayemi’s contributions to regional integration, describing him as one of the prime movers of regional cooperation among sub-nationals. Oyeleye reiterated that DAWN commission is a think tank for the newly established Southwest Development Commission, with a template for developing the region already in place.

    The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Hon. Wale Oshun, Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group; Sir Gbenga Adebusuyi; Dr. Tunde Adegbola; and others.

  • DAWN Commission convenes Southwest education summit

    DAWN Commission convenes Southwest education summit

    The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission will gather stakeholders in the education sector across Southwest States in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital for a summit on Wednesday.

    The summit with the theme: “Collaborating for improved learning outcomes,” is being supported by Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), an education-focused programme funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

    According to the Commission’s Director-General, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, the summit will bring together key stakeholders in the education sector, spanning government and citizen groups, to address salient issues and challenges and proffer solutions aimed at improving learning in the education landscape of the Southwest Nigeria.

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    Speaking against the concerns thrown up by the recent release of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, Oyeleye emphasised the timeliness of the summit and the importance of collective action.

    “DAWN Commission has, long before the release of the UTME result, been actively engaging stakeholders to address the challenges in our education sector,” he said, adding: “we are confident that this summit will provide a platform for all education stakeholders in the region to review these challenges and  jointly design workable solutions to address the challenges of functional education in the Region.”

    The summit, which participation is by invitation, is expected to welcome representatives from relevant government agencies, private sector entities, community-based associations as well as non-profit and civil society organisations across the Southwest region. The Federal Ministry of Education will also be represented at the summit to share strategic updates on the Roadmap for the Nigerian Education Sector(2024-2027).

  • ‘DAWN means of economic development for South West’

    ‘DAWN means of economic development for South West’

    Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, has described the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) as another means of economic development for the member-states.

    She spoke yesterday during a courtesy call by the commission, led by its Director General, Dr Leye Oyeleye, to her office.

    The SSG appreciated the DAWN Commission’s efforts and reiterated that without being economical with the truth, the commission would serve as an alternative economic development for member-states, stressing that it had come to stay. She assured the team of continued support from the Lagos State Government

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    Dr. Oyeleye expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued support for the Regional Integration Project of the Southwest, being managed by DAWN Commission.

    He briefed the SSG on some notable projects requiring the attention of Lagos State Government such as the southwest regional rail infrastructure, Omoluabi books, health blueprints, digital literacy project, etc.

    In attendance were the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on DAWN Commission and Southwest Integration, Olanrewaju Odesanya, Lagos State Cabinet Office members and other senior officials.

  • Ondo commissioner to steer DAWN 

    Ondo commissioner to steer DAWN 

    As part of its mandate to ensure sustainable development in the Southwest, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has appointed Ondo State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese, as chairman, state focal officer, to evaluate, coordinate and maintain relations trajectory to the region.

    Ologbese, addressing reporters in Akure, said the appointment was an offshoot of the meeting with state focal representatives to DAWN Commission held in Ibadan, Oyo State, recently.

    Lauding Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ologbese said his interventions in the region such as establishing Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps; actualisation of Ondo deep seaport; export driven port for regional enhancement and mechanisms for farm production; boost in agricultural capacity of the state and stabilising the forex market of the nation had presented Ondo State with great opportunities for economic expansion and partnership.

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    “Peace and security play a crucial role in strengthening the regional economic integration of any society. It is indeed a rare opportunity given me to serve in such capacity for value addition,” he said.

    Ologbese called on other Southwest sister-state focal representatives to DAWN Commission for a more collective action, promising a harmonised effort to ensure the mandate of the commission is accomplished.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Director General, DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, said the appointment was deserving based on the brilliant contributions from Ondo State Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations to the commission and for upholding the core values of regional integration in enhancing the economic growth of the region.

  • DAWN, UI partner on innovation research for development

    •Okebukola calls for more improved funding

    The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has signed a partnership agreement with the University of Ibadan (UI) on research innovation for the development of Southwest and other parts of Nigeria.

    The partnership started on Wednesday with this year’s Research and Development Fair of the university marking its 70th anniversary.

    The fair, with the theme: University of Ibadan at 70: Celebrating Excellence in Research, Innovation and Societal Impact, was held at the International Conference Centre of the premier university.

    Various departments displayed some of the physical products they developed from their research findings for visitors and members of the university’s community.

    In his keynote address, with the topic: The Academic as Public Intellectual: 70 Years of Transversing Gown and Town, a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Prof. Peter Okebukola said Nigerian universities would regain their place within the global academic community if the government sustains the pace of innovation initiated by the institution through proper funding.

    Highlighting the impressive initiatives by Nigerian universities to address decadence in quality research, Okebokola said the country’s ivory towers were in the process of bringing back the glorious days when Nigerian academics produced over 63 per cent of research works in world’s top 10 journals in their disciplines among their African peers.

    Using the UI, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) as examples, Okebukola said they now train researchers on how to write proposals for grants and funding, access quality research materials and collaborate with renowned scholars.

    The former NUC chief noted that the institutions now fund their researchers to attend national and international conferences and train on how to use online research resources.

    Okebukola urged the government and other stakeholders to support efforts of universities at revamping quality research to feed development of the local, national and international communities.

    The DAWN Commission’s Director General, Mr Seye Oyeleye, hailed UI for sustaining the research fair in the last three years.

    He said: “Nigeria will have no future if we don’t invest in our research and innovation. Nigeria has no future if all we do is buy, buy, buy from other countries.”

    According to him, so much is happening in the Nigerian academic institutions but are largely not showcased.

    “At DAWN Commission, we are proud to be associated with this kind of programme to fast track development in our country,” Oyeleye said.

    UI’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, hailed the DAWN Commission.

    He urged private sector players to partner with the institution to bridge the town-gown gap and ultimately support development of the country.

     

  • DAWN rolls out Southwest tourism calendar

    The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has drawn a calendar of major festivals and other activities in Southwest states to guide tourists visiting the region for maximum advantage,

    The Director General of the Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, disclosed this while addressing the regional creativity business summit in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the weekend.

    Oyeleye said the commission developed the calendar to attract more tourists to the region, guide them in getting value for their money, expose them to the richer aspects of the Yoruba culture and also connect all the tourism efforts of the six states to the regional tourism network. He said the calendar would help tourists, festival actors and the government derive maximum benefits from their efforts.

    He lamented the poor perception of the creative industry in Nigeria, saying it is a reason the multi-billion dollar sector is struggling. The DAWN DG noted with concern that governments at all levels are just waking up to the capacity of the creative industry to galvanise the economy, create jobs and wealth for practitioners as evident in the Western world.

    According to him, the African society has neglected the sector for so long, stressing that the society used to believe that only the never-do-well people go into the creative industry. He said the Nigerian market is large enough to accommodate and create wealth for all practitioners.

    He commended Southwest states that have started tapping the opportunities in the sector such as Lagos State which, he revealed, was currently building six new theatres and Oyo State which has started the amala and Aso oke festivals.

    He called for deliberate policies that will regulate and strengthen the industry as well as halting of piracy which he said was totally killing Nollywood. The DG said only deliberately planned policies can help the industry, not palliative measures. He also called on the government to find ways to help practitioners overcome funding challenges.

    Oyeleye, however, called on creative artists to work hard to change the perception about the industry. He also enjoined them to embrace technology and produce works that can compete at the international level.

     

  • DAWN, BOI, Nustream to host Southwest e-commerce summit

    The Southwest regional think tank for government policies, the Development Agenda for Western Agenda (DAWN) Commission, has concluded plan with other partners to organise the maiden Southwest e-commerce and Expo 2018 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, from March 26 to 28.

    The expo, which aims at introducing a new culture of electronic business transactions in the region, is a partnership between the DAWN Commission, Bank of Industry (BOI) and Nustream Conference and Culture Centre.

    It is said to be in tandem with the mission of the commission, especially on economic competitiveness, social and human development.

    The expo, with the theme: The Future Started Yesterday and We’re Already Late, will hold at the Nustream Conference and Culture Centre in Ibadan, the organisers said.

    Addressing reporters to herald the summit, the Acting Director General of DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, noted that the internet connectivity and powerful online tools had resulted in a new commerce arena, called e-commerce.

    The commission’s chief stressed that “e-commerce offers many advantages to companies and customers”.

    The media briefing at the commission’s Cocoa House headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was attended by a BOI representative, Pacquedis Irabor; Nustream Conference and Culture Centre and IBridge Hub Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Francis Madojenu and e-entrepreneurial consultant, Ladi Thompson.