From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has submitted a list of nominees for three newly established regional development commissions to the Senate, requesting their screening and confirmation.
The request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session.
The commissions are the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC), and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC. They are intended to fast-track infrastructure projects, stimulate economic growth, and enhance social welfare in their respective geopolitical zones.
Each commission will operate under the oversight of the National Assembly.
“In accordance with constitutional provisions, I hereby request the confirmation of the underlisted nominees for the governing boards of the South-West, North-Central, and South-South Development Commissions,” President Tinubu stated in the letter.
South-West Development Commission (SWDC)
President Tinubu nominated 18 individuals for the SWDC. The proposed chairman is former Ekiti senator, Olubunmi Adetunbi, while Charles Akinola is nominated as Managing Director.
Other nominees include Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Scholastica Omoworare, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, retired General Abdul Adamu, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle, and Lateef Ajijola.
For the North-Central Development Commission, Tinubu nominated Cosmas Akiyir as Chairman and Tsenyil Yiltsen as Managing Director.
Other board members include Dauda Kigbu, Zakari Jikantoro, Suleiman Ali, Bunmi Olusona, Umar Mantu, Atotse Abraham, Solomon Adodo, Abdulkadir Usman, Habu Mamman, Atinuke Owolabi, Rachel Nse, Boniface Izziogu, James Uloko, Princess Ajanah Bilgis Sani, Aishatu Ibrahim, and Muhammad Bashar. The president recommended for South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Chibudom Nwuche as Chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio as Managing Director.
Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the nominations to the appropriate committees for screening and subsequent confirmation.