Ijesa Community Hails Tinubu's Nomination of Dr. Akinola to Lead South West Development Commission

 The Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola as the pioneer Managing Director of the newly established South West Development Commission (SWDC). The group described the appointment as a significant and visionary step towards regional transformation.

In a statement released over the weekend, ICDA Chairman, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, praised the nomination as well-deserved national recognition of Dr. Akinola's extensive contributions to public administration, governance, and sustainable development.

"This prestigious and well-deserved appointment is a glowing testament to Dr. Akinola's enduring legacy of excellence, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service, particularly demonstrated during his meritorious tenure as Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Adeboyega Oyetola," Fasuyi stated.

He highlighted Dr. Akinola's consistent display of brilliance, innovation, and strategic insight in governance, development planning, and capacity building, emphasizing that these qualities will position the SWDC as a catalyst for regional transformation, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth.

"The entire Ijesaland is immensely proud of this national recognition and expresses deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight in entrusting this critical mandate to such a competent and illustrious son of Ijesaland," Fasuyi added.

Dr. Akinola’s nomination, submitted to Senate President Godswill Akpabio for confirmation last Thursday, coincides with the nomination of Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi as Chairman of the SWDC Board, among other key appointments.

A renowned public policy expert and development strategist, Dr. Akinola brings over 30 years of diverse experience to the role. He recently served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy and concurrently as Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister in the same sector.

From 2018 to 2022, he served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State, where he played a pivotal role in developing strategic initiatives and fostering regional collaboration. As Chairman of the Technical Committee under the South West Governors’ Forum, he spearheaded the drafting of the SWDC Bill, integrating policy input from all six states in the region.

Dr. Akinola holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ibadan and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where he was an Edward S. Mason Fellow. His academic credentials also include studies at the University of Cambridge, Cranfield University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

His extensive experience includes serving as Director General of the Office of Economic Development and Partnerships (OEDP), Chairman of the Osun State Planning Commission, and founder of Enterprise for Development International (EfDI). His work with TechnoServe and major oil and gas companies, including WAPCo, has been widely recognized for advancing community development and economic empowerment across West Africa.

As Dr. Akinola prepares to lead the SWDC, stakeholders and community leaders across the South West region are optimistic that his visionary leadership will herald a new era of integrated infrastructure, economic growth, and inclusive prosperity.