…says Commission will bridge regional gaps, sustain Awolowo’s legacy
Ondo State’s representative at the newly established South-West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Jide Martins Adewinle, has lauded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership and commitment to development across the state, pledging to strengthen collaboration between the Commission and the Ondo State Government to accelerate growth in the region.
Adewinle gave the commendation at a thanksgiving reception held in his honour at Adekunbi Hall, Iye Ile Resort Centre, Ode-Aye, on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The event attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political associates from within and outside Ondo State.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the SWDC, describing it as a timely intervention to fast-track regional integration, industrialisation, and youth empowerment.
According to Adewinle, “What President Tinubu has done with the establishment of this Commission is a continuation of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s dream for a prosperous South-West — a region that thrives on unity, innovation, and development. The Commission will rekindle that legacy by driving growth in education, welfare, and infrastructure.”
He also praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his developmental strides across Ondo State and for his unwavering support to federal appointees, promising not to disappoint the people.
“I deeply appreciate Governor Aiyedatiwa for his trust, encouragement, and developmental vision. His leadership has inspired confidence and set a clear direction for progress in Ondo State. I assure him and the good people of the state that I will justify the confidence reposed in me through dedicated service,” Adewinle stated.
He added that the SWDC would tackle the challenges of centralised development by initiating region-specific projects that promote education, agriculture, and economic empowerment.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with the SWDC to drive infrastructural renewal, industrialisation, and youth empowerment.
The Governor commended President Tinubu for creating the Commission, describing it as a major step toward bridging developmental disparities and unlocking the South-West’s economic potential.
“With the right leadership and collaboration, the Commission will serve as a veritable tool for economic revitalisation, infrastructural renewal, and social transformation in our region,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He congratulated Adewinle, describing his appointment as a product of competence, capacity, and character, while urging him to live up to expectations.
“Leadership is stewardship imbued with humility, inclusiveness, and vision. Let your service reflect diligence, integrity, and accountability. The expectations are high, but I am confident that you will make Ondo proud,” he advised.
Aiyedatiwa further assured that the state government would collaborate closely with the Commission to ensure Ondo people benefit maximally from ongoing and future developmental projects.
In attendance were top government functionaries, including the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji (represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Gbegudu), the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa, former Deputy Governor Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, and several traditional rulers and political leaders.
Also present were the Abodi of Ikale, Oba George Babatunde Faduyile (Adegun II); Jegun of Idepe, Oba Michael Adetoye Obatuga; Halu of Ode-Aye, Oba William Akinlade; representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Joseph Moronfoye Okunlola-Oni; and notable business figures including Mega Chicken CEO, Mr Timothy Olubisi Ayenuyo, and former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Ambassador Sola Iji.
