BARRISTER OPEYEMI TIJANI CONGRATULATES FATAI IBIKUNLE’S APPOINTMENT AS SWDC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LAUDS TINUBU

An Ibarapa-born member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Barrister Opeyemi Tijani (BOT), has extended warm felicitations to Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle on his recent appointment as the Executive Director of Commercial and Environmental Development at the South West Development Commission (SWDC).

In a statement issued on Friday, Barrister Tijani lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing merit and regional integration by appointing an Ibarapa indigene to a key federal role. He described Ibikunle’s nomination as *“a testament to his exceptional track record and the Tinubu administration’s dedication to empowering grassroots talent for national development.”*

Barr. Tijani highlighted Ibikunle’s tenure as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), where he spearheaded transformative reforms that enhanced transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, the NLRC reportedly witnessed significant growth in revenue generation and public trust, positioning the agency as a model for regulatory excellence.

“Alhaji Ibikunle’s wealth of experience and visionary leadership at the NLRC exemplify the qualities needed to drive the SWDC’s mandate in fostering sustainable commercial and environmental progress across South West Nigeria. Indeed, the SWDC is off to a great start with persons of stellar qualities like Alh. Ibikunle.”* Tijani remarked. He expressed confidence that Ibikunle’s appointment would bring vigour to the commission’s efforts in addressing long – outstanding regional challenges and unlocking economic opportunities.

He also commended President Tinubu for recognizing the Ibarapa region’s contributions to national development, noting that the nomination underscores the administration’s resolve to ensure equitable representation. *“This is a proud moment for Ibarapa and Oyo State. We are assured that Alhaji Ibikunle will excel in this role, just as he has done in previous capacities,”* he added.

The South West Development Commission, tasked with accelerating infrastructure and socio-economic growth in the region, is expected to benefit from Ibikunle’s expertise in strategic governance and public-sector innovation. Stakeholders have hailed his appointment as a step toward bridging developmental gaps in the Southwest.

Barrister Tijani concluded by urging stakeholders to support Alhaji Ibikunle in his new role, emphasizing that collective efforts are vital to achieving the commission’s objectives. The people of Ibarapa and the APC family in Oyo State have joined voices in celebrating this milestone, reaffirming their commitment to backing initiatives that uplift the region and the nation at large.