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South-West Development Commission Sets Agenda At Inaugural Board Meeting: September 1

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South-West Development Commission Sets Agenda

South-West Development Commission Sets Agenda At Inaugural Board Meeting: September 1

South-West Development Commission sets agenda at inaugural board meeting: September 1. The two-day meeting, held on September 1 and 2, brought together the newly inaugurated board members of the commission, led by the chairman.

The South-West Development Commission (SWDC) has held its inaugural board meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, where it unveiled an ambitious plan to unlock the economic potential of the region.

The chairman of the SWDC board, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, and the managing director/chief executive officer, Charles Akinola, briefed journalists in Ibadan after the inauguration of the board members.

The two-day meeting, held on September 1 and 2, brought together the newly inaugurated board members of the commission, led by the chairman.

Established in 2024, following sustained agitation for a regional intervention agency to address development gaps similar to those tackled by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in oil-producing states, the commission aims to drive inclusive growth across the South-West states.

The board chairman told journalists after the meeting that “the commission is set for full take-off and committed to delivering on its mandate, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Mr Adetunmbi described the establishment of the SWDC as a landmark intervention by the president to tackle developmental challenges of the South-West in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

He added, “Our duty is to catalyse investments that will make the South-West a competitive economic bloc within a prosperous Nigeria.

“By focusing on infrastructure, innovation, education, and enterprise, we shall not only unlock new opportunities for our people, but also strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic resilience.”
The commission’s managing director, Mr Akinola, said the commission would pursue a “One Bloc Development Agenda” to harmonise projects across the six states of the region, rather than fragmented initiatives.

He urged state governments, private sector leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to support the commission’s vision, stressing that its success depended on collective ownership.

“We need the full cooperation of our governors, legislators, business leaders, community stakeholders, and indeed every citizen of the South-West to bring this vision to life,” Mr Akinola said.

The commission’s mandates include driving infrastructure development, fostering industrialisation, strengthening regional integration, creating jobs, and promoting human capital development across the South-West.

The board of the SWDC comprises executive directors: Olusegun Olufehinti (projects), Tele Ogunjobi (finance), Funmilayo Tejuosho (corporate services), and Fatai Ibikunle (commercial and environmental development).

South-West Development Commission Sets Agenda

South-West Development Commission Sets Agenda

Others are Lateef Ajijola (social and human capital development), Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olorunshola, Olanike Omoworare, Olamuyiwa Olabintan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, and Kabiru Lakwaya.

The rest are Abdul Biu Adamu, Fagbemi Benjamin, Ukoha Michael, and Alwell Ihenacho, an engineer.

Backed by an Act of the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, the commission, headquartered in Ibadan, was inaugurated in 2025 to serve as a vehicle for coordinated planning and execution of projects to boost economic growth and social development in the South-West.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

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