Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Pioneer President of the Forum of Regions of Africa and former Governor of Ekiti State, has reaffirmed his commitment to regional development, emphasizing the necessity of long-term infrastructure investments for the Southwest region of Nigeria.
Speaking at the DAWN Commission roundtable in Ibadan, Fayemi highlighted the progress made in institutionalizing regional integration, stressing that the commission’s framework now serves as a guiding structure for the newly established Southwest Development Commission (SWDC).
“Regional development has always been at the core of my vision for governance. At the DAWN Commission roundtable in Ibadan, we reflected on the journey that led to its establishment and the immense potential it holds for the Southwest. It was a moment of pride to see how far we have come in institutionalizing a framework for regional integration, one that is now positioned to guide the newly established Southwest Development Commission (SWDC),” Fayemi stated.
He expressed gratitude to Dr. ‘Seye Oyeleye and the DAWN Commission team for their unwavering commitment to advancing regional economic integration. According to Fayemi, their contributions have laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
To ensure SWDC fulfills its mandate effectively, Fayemi emphasized the importance of prioritizing large-scale infrastructure projects, such as rail, power, and energy transition, over fragmented short-term initiatives. He underscored that regional development must be driven by strategic, long-term investments that guarantee sustainable economic prosperity.
Fayemi also called for a non-partisan approach to regional growth, urging all stakeholders to set aside political differences in favor of collective progress.
“True development is not about competition but collaboration. It is about forging partnerships, strengthening governance, and ensuring that regional integration translates into tangible benefits for our people. I remain committed to this vision and to working with all stakeholders to drive real, lasting progress for the Southwest and Nigeria at large,” he added.
His remarks reinforced the necessity of coordinated regional efforts, with the DAWN Commission and SWDC playing pivotal roles in advancing economic development and integration in the Southwest region.
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