Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Honourable Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, has declared that the establishment of South West Development Commission (SWDC) will help to address major challenges facing the region.
Olajide, who represents Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency in Oyo State, made this declaration shortly after the House of Representatives passed the South West Development Commission Bill.
The lawmaker, in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday through his media adviser, Tolu Mustapha, explained that the bill was modeled after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC), and South East Development Commission (SEDC), which have been instrumental in transforming the regions.
Olajide noted that the South West Development Commission Bill, which has been passed to the Senate for concurrence legislation, when signed into law by the President, will focus on addressing the specific challenges facing the South West region.
He added that the bill, when it becomes law, will help to address deficiencies in infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment in the region.
The lawmaker added that it will also be responsible for the management of funds allocated to the commission, which will be used to finance development projects in the region.
He used the opportunity to call on the South West caucus of the Senate to give accelerated attention to the bill to ensure its quick passage into law.
“The passage of this bill is a significant milestone in our quest for economic development and an improved standard of living in the South West region.
“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.”