By Seun Ibiyemi
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has congratulated the Managing Director of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, on his 70th birthday, describing him as an accomplished public servant, development strategist and trusted ally.
In a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday, Oyetola commended Akinola’s integrity, intellect and dedication to public service, noting that he had consistently demonstrated visionary leadership in the various positions he has occupied.
The minister recalled Akinola’s service as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as Governor of Osun State and later at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying his contributions were marked by diligence, strategic thinking and an exceptional ability to translate policies into tangible results.
Oyetola also praised Akinola for his tenure as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy before his appointment as the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SWDC.
According to the minister, Akinola’s extensive experience and leadership qualities would continue to promote regional integration, economic growth and institutional development across the South-West region.
He described the celebrant as a seasoned public policy expert with more than three decades of experience spanning government, academia, international development and the private sector.
Oyetola noted that Akinola’s contributions to development planning, economic reforms and cross-sector partnerships had earned him national and international recognition.
Akinola holds a doctorate degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ibadan and a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he was an Edward S. Mason Fellow.
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He also undertook executive programmes at the University of Cambridge, Cranfield University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, further strengthening his expertise in governance, public policy and institutional development.
Praying for God’s continued guidance and good health for the celebrant, Oyetola expressed confidence that Akinola would continue to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
“Your life has been defined by service, excellence and commitment to building stronger institutions and improving the lives of our people.
I wish you many more years of good health, fulfilment and impactful service to our nation,” the minister said.
