By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has assured that the National Assembly will give full legislative and institutional support to the newly established South West Development Commission (SWDC), describing it as a major step toward reviving the region’s industrial and economic heritage.

Speaking during his Midterm Community Assessment and Review Tour held in Ilisan, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Daniel said the Commission would serve as a catalyst for job creation, infrastructure renewal, and agricultural revitalization across the South West.

Daniel, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the SWDC, disclosed that through the Commission, the abandoned livestock and dairy farm project initiated during his tenure as Ogun State Governor would be resuscitated a project he said could generate over 10,000 jobs across its value chains, including meat production, leather processing, and small scale manufacturing.

“As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on SWDC, we will work closely with the Board and Management to achieve more in the spirit and principles that guided its creation,” Daniel said. “This will be fashioned after heritage institutions like the old Western Nigerian Development Corporation (WNDC) established by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the Bill establishing the Commission, noting that it reflected a renewed national commitment to balanced regional development.

According to him, the SWDC will ensure equitable allocation of federal projects, strengthen local economies, and provide a framework for sustainable growth within the South West geopolitical zone.

“Renewed Hope is not a slogan; it must wear overalls and go to work. Hope is not what you promise people, it is what you make happen for them,” Daniel stated.

As part of his midterm assessment tour, Daniel visited the National Grain Reserve in Ikenne/Aiyepe, inspected the ongoing ultra-modern Skills Acquisition Centre in Irolu Remo a project he personally facilitated and unveiled a multimillion naira empowerment programme for constituents across Ogun East.

He emphasized that leadership must remain people focused, describing the tour as an avenue for evaluation, engagement, and recommitment rather than celebration.

Daniel also lauded Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for completing and expanding the Gateway International Airport in Remo, noting that development should be viewed as a relay race where successive administrations build upon the legacies of their predecessors.

Among other constituency interventions, the Senator listed completed and ongoing projects in Ikenne Local Government, including solar powered boreholes in Ogere, streetlights in Ilisan, and the Skills Acquisition Centre in Irolu.