By Olawale Asake
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN Commission has organised a Roundtable Conference in Ibadan to mark the 60th Birthday of the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
Dr Kayode Fayemi, a two-term Governor of Ekiti state, and former Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, also served as Minister of Solid Minerals under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Before his appointment, he was a founding member of the Afenifere Renewal Group.
The Conference, which championed its discourse on the relevance of the Regional Development Commission Agenda of the present administration, showcased the viability of the Commission in driving force to better serve the people.
Delivering a keynote address, A Professor of Political Science at the University of Ibadan, Remi Ayede recommended intergovernmental relations to achieve the regional development agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Professor Ayede explained that the establishment of Regional Development Commissions should not be seen as political compensation but as a means to engender multilevel governance to enhance a common developmental economy.
Professor Ayede stressed the need to re-tune the governance system to adapt to current issues of geographical peculiarities, calling for policy and mechanisms to coordinate activities of regional development commissions at the local, regional and federal levels
A one-time Chief Whip of House of Representatives and Chairman, of Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, Hon. Wale Oshun, stressed the need for regional development commissions to be apolitical so as to achieve their developmental aims and objectives.
Earlier, the Director General, of the DAWN Commission, Dr ‘Seye Oyeleye, who said the Conference was organised to recognise and appreciate the impact of Dr Kayode Fayemi for playing a key role in the establishment of the DAWN Commission, noted that the Commission would serve as a think-tank for the newly established Southwest Development Commission, SWDC.
Responding, the Celebrant, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who recalled his efforts towards the creation of the DAWN Commission to fast-track the development of the southwest region, expressed happiness at its success stories.
Dr Fayemi, therefore called for continued dialogue, and partnership, urging them to shun competition in addressing common issues and promote national development.
He called on all Stakeholders in the SouthWest to work together in the interest of Regional Development, as laid down by the founding fathers like the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo whose legacy still lingers to date
Meanwhile, the Commission presented an Award Plaque to His Excellency, Dr John Kayode Fayemi for his outstanding role towards establishing the Commission among the SouthWestern States.
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