DAWN Commission DG celebrates Fayemi at 60, lauds role in regional integration

The Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. ‘Seye Oyeleye, has lauded Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Solid Minerals, for his pivotal role in the establishment of the DAWN Commission.

Oyeleye, speaking at a roundtable in Ibadan on Monday to celebrate Fayemi’s 60th birthday, emphasized that DAWN, originally conceived as a policy and strategy hub for regional integration, is now positioned to serve as a think tank for the newly created Southwest Development Commission (SWDC).

“This conference is a recognition of Dr. Fayemi’s dedication to regional integration and his instrumental role in setting up the DAWN Commission, which will now help steer the strategic direction of the SWDC,” Oyeleye stated.

He also emphasized the importance of celebrating those who have meaningfully contributed to governance and regional cooperation, lamenting that in society today, positive contributions are often overshadowed.

Fayemi, who served as Ekiti State governor for two terms and is a founding member of the Afenifere Renewal Group, has long advocated for regional development policies.

His tenure as Minister of Solid Minerals also saw significant reforms in the sector, cementing his legacy as a key player in national development.

The roundtable, which centered on the role of the SWDC in driving economic growth and fostering regional cooperation, featured a keynote address from Professor Remi Aiyede of the University of Ibadan.

Aiyede highlighted the necessity for structured intergovernmental relations to support the regional development agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Professor Aiyede emphasized that regional development commissions must not be viewed solely as political tools but as effective mechanisms for multi-level governance.

He urged policymakers to focus on making these commissions engines of sustainable economic growth, rather than instruments of political patronage.

Wale Oshun, Chairman of both the Afenifere Renewal Group and the Yoruba Academy, also spoke at the event, stressing that the SWDC must remain apolitical to fulfill its developmental objectives.

Oshun, a former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, cautioned that partisanship would hinder the commission’s ability to deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to the region.

Conference participants unanimously agreed that the SWDC should prioritize large-scale projects that will have a lasting regional impact. They urged the commission to focus on investments in rail infrastructure, energy transition, and power, rather than smaller-scale projects like road rehabilitation or borehole installation.

The importance of accountability and human resource development was also highlighted as critical to the success of the SWDC. Ensuring transparent governance, a skilled workforce, and clear performance benchmarks was seen as vital for the commission to meet its mandate.

In his response, Dr. Fayemi reflected on the establishment of the DAWN Commission and its achievements, expressing satisfaction with the renewed commitment to regional collaboration. He called for continued dialogue and partnerships to address shared challenges and urged stakeholders to focus on collective progress.

“True development is only possible when we work together with a common purpose,” Fayemi stated, reiterating the broader consensus that regional integration is essential for the long-term economic transformation of the Southwest.

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