Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, has announced that Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, will serve as the headquarters for the South-West Development Commission.
This declaration was made during an event in Ado-Ekiti, where 5,000 bags of fertilizer were distributed to farmers in his senatorial district.
Bamidele stated that the bill establishing the commission had been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and would be signed into law by President Bola Tinubu upon his return from vacation abroad.
He also addressed rumors that he opposed regionalism, emphasizing that no bill or memorandum on regional government had been brought before the Senate for discussion.
“Some enemies of progress are deliberately maligning my character.
“They have been doing so much to paint me as a bad person, suggesting that I am against regional government, but this is completely false. As of today, no such bill has been presented to the Senate,” Bamidele said.
Bamidele highlighted his role in passing the South-West Development Commission Bill, crediting it as a collective effort by all 18 senators from the region.
Bamidele stated, “I led the 18 senators representing the South-West to ensure the passage of the bill. There is no way anyone can say I am against the Yoruba race when I have worked so hard for this commission to be established.”
He assured that the commission would protect the interests of all six South-Western states, including Ekiti.
He said, “The headquarters will be in Ibadan, and there will be positions like Chairman, Managing Director, and four Executive Directors, each representing the states in the region.”
Bamidele urged Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu’s administration as it implements the “Renewed Hope” agenda, acknowledging current economic hardships. Regarding the fertilizer distribution, he cautioned beneficiaries to use them solely for agricultural purposes.
He said, “These fertilizers are meant to boost food production and the economy, in line with the government’s agenda. Please don’t sell them to non-farmers or unscrupulous individuals.”
Notably, Bamidele had previously expressed opposition to returning to regionalism in Nigeria, citing the need for thorough debate and consensus among stakeholders.
