Sanwo-Olu urges SWDC to fast-track S’West development

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged the South West Development Commission to justify its establishment by delivering tangible development across the region, saying the commission must move swiftly to address infrastructure and socio-economic challenges.

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Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Thursday while receiving the commission’s management, led by its Chairman, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, on a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

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The governor, who also chairs the South-West Governors’ Forum, pledged the support of governors in the region, saying they would work closely with the commission to ensure it succeeds.

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“The essence of creating the commission is to bring meaningful development to the South-West. You can fast-track; you don’t have to work for a number of years to achieve what you need to achieve,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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He urged the commission to ensure prudent use of available resources and align its programmes with national development priorities.

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“Our objective should not be at variance with the national interest. Available resources must be properly utilised to deliver projects that will improve the lives of our people,” he said.

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Sanwo-Olu also challenged the commission to measure its performance against other regional development commissions across the country.

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“You should compare notes with other commissions and replicate successful initiatives where necessary. Whatever I can do to ensure the commission does not fall behind in the comity of commissions, I will do, because to fall behind is an embarrassment.

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“We are here to help make life better. It is a commission that has peer review, and you cannot afford not to do well,” he said.

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The governor welcomed a proposal by the commission for South-West governors to serve as its advisory committee, describing the idea as beneficial to regional development.

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He said he would discuss the proposal with his colleagues in the South-West Governors’ Forum.

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Sanwo-Olu also pledged to provide office accommodation in Lagos to serve as the commission’s liaison office and assured it of the state’s continued support.

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Earlier, Adetunmbi said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the commission and the governments of the six South-West states.

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“The purpose of this visit is to extend courtesies to the governor of Lagos State as the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum.

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“It is a good starting point for the commission to familiarise itself with the managers of the states in the South-West, starting from Lagos,” he said.

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According to him, discussions centred on areas where the commission and state governments could work together to accelerate development across the region.

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“We explained the areas where we need assistance, which is to bring development to the South-West through collaboration and cooperation with the states that make up the zone.

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“I believe this is a good starting point, and the governor has assured the commission of his support and that of the South-West states, so we can work together to solve problems in the interest of the people of the region,” Adetunmbi said.

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