The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Olubunmi Adetunmbi, a former senator from Ekiti State, as the substantive Chairman of the South-west Development Commission (SWDC).

The upper chamber also confirmed Charles Akinola as the Managing Director of the commission, alongside 16 other nominees who will serve as board members and executive directors.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, announced the confirmation after Mr Adetunmbi and other nominees were cleared by the senators through voice votes at the Committee of the Whole.

The upper chamber approved the appointment after considering the report of its Committee on South-west Development Commission, presented by its Chairman, Yunus Akintunde (APC, Oyo Central).

Mr Adetunmbi is a former senator who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2011-2015, 2019 and 2023.

He, alongside other nominees for the commission, were appointed by President Bola Tinubu in May as the acting chairman and board members of the commission respectively pending the approval of the Senate.

The president, however, forwarded their names to the Senate, requesting their screening and confirmation for the positions.

Others confirmed are, Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Scholastica Omoworare, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu a retired general, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere and Howell Ihenacho.

Also confirmed were, Olugbenga Olufehinti as Executive Director of Projects, Tele Ogunjobi as Executive Director of Finance, Funmilayo Tejuosho as Executive Director, Corporate Services. Fatai Ibikunle as Executive Director of Commercial and Environmental Development. Lateef Ajijola, as Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development.

The SWDC was established to address developmental challenges and infrastructure deficits across the six states of the region—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.

Its primary mandate includes promoting economic growth, addressing social inequalities, enhancing regional infrastructure, and supporting human capital development within the region.

Mr Akintunde, while presenting a report of its committee said it thoroughly screened all nominees in accordance with legislative protocols.

He noted that the committee reviewed the nominee’s academic qualifications, professional track records, and other relevant documents before recommending them for confirmation.

The chairman said after examining the nominees’ professional experiences, curriculum vitaes and other relevant documents, the committee found them suitable for the positions.

He therefore recommended their confirmation.

The deputy senate president thereafter put the confirmation. to vote and majority of the senators supported it through voice votes.

He urged the nominees to use their offices to develop the South-west region.