Gov. Abiodun Celebrates SWDC Boss Charles Akinola at 70, Commends Legacy of Service
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has congratulated the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, on his 70th birthday, describing him as an accomplished public servant, development expert, and visionary leader whose contributions to national development have impacted countless lives.
In a congratulatory message to mark the milestone, Governor Abiodun said Dr. Akinola’s 70th birthday is a celebration of a lifetime of selfless service, exemplary leadership, and unwavering dedication to institutional growth and Nation-building.
The Governor noted that Dr. Akinola’s illustrious career, spanning more than three decades in Government, International development organisations, and the private sector, has been characterised by excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to improving the welfare of people.
He praised the pioneering leadership of Dr. Akinola at the South West Development Commission, noting that his vision and strategic direction have positioned the Commission as a catalyst for regional integration, economic transformation, and sustainable development across the South-West region.
Governor Abiodun highlighted Dr. Akinola’s impressive public service record, including his tenure as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the South-West Governors’ Forum on the SWDC Bill, Director-General of the Office of Economic Development and Partnerships, Chairman of the State Planning Commission, founder of Enterprise for Development International (EfDI), National Coordinator of the Sustainable Tree Crops Programme (STCP), Nigeria Country Director of TechnoServe Inc., and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy.
According to the Governor, these positions reflect Dr. Akinola’s passion for transformational leadership, institutional reforms, and inclusive economic growth, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s foremost development strategists.
“I heartily felicitate the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission, Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. This remarkable milestone calls for gratitude to Almighty God for a life of impact and outstanding service.
“Dr. Akinola has distinguished himself as an exceptional administrator and public policy strategist whose contributions have positively shaped governance, economic development, and institutional reforms both within and outside Nigeria.
“I am particularly delighted by the vision and purpose he has brought to the South West Development Commission as its pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the Commission is well positioned to drive regional integration, unlock economic opportunities, and accelerate sustainable development across the South-West,” the Governor stated.
Governor Abiodun also acknowledged Dr. Akinola’s national and international engagements, particularly his service as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy and his contributions to development initiatives in the Niger Delta region.
On behalf of his family, the Ogun State Government, and the people of the state, Governor Abiodun prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Dr. Akinola, wishing him many more years of sound health, wisdom, and continued service to Nigeria and humanity.
