A viral video of Senator Gbenga Daniel’s position on the need to address the developmental needs of South West zone in the country has resurfaced online.
The Ogun Senator spoke when the upper chamber embarked on a debate concerning the South West Development Commission Bill.
He advocated that the region is set to be the home for 50 per cent of Nigerians by 2050.
This legislative initiative, co-sponsored by all Southwest Senators and championed by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, signifies a step towards addressing the region’s developmental needs.
According to a February 2024 report from The Society, the news agency stated that the former Ogun governor’s position was propelled by projections indicating a significant demographic shift.
“With the Southwest poised to accommodate nearly half of Nigeria’s population by 2050, the bill seeks to establish proactive measures to mitigate infrastructural strains and foster sustainable growth.
“Spearheading this effort is the proposed South West Development Commission (SWDC), designed to spearhead strategic initiatives across vital sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Daniel, drawing from his background as a Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Academy of Engineering, articulated the imperative of the SWDC in fostering collective prosperity and bolstering the region’s competitive edge.
The debate underscores a unified commitment among Southwest Senators to prioritise the region’s development agenda, paving the way for inclusive growth and resilience.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties to report back in four weeks.
However, PUNCH Online cannot verify at press time the status of the bill and the feedback scheduled for March ending.
The House of Representatives, in October 2021, passed bills seeking to establish a South-East Development Commission and a South-West Development Commission, PUNCH Online reported.
Also passed were bills to establish a North Central Development Commission and a North-West Development Commission.
The South-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill 2019 passed the first reading at the plenary on December 11, 2019.
