Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South West Development Commission, Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, on his 70th birthday, describing him as an accomplished public servant, development strategist, and visionary leader whose contributions to national development have earned widespread respect.
In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, Abiodun said the milestone marked a celebration of a life devoted to selfless service, visionary leadership, and institutional development.
The governor noted that Akinola’s distinguished career, spanning more than three decades across government, international development, and the private sector, has been characterised by excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives.
He commended the pioneering leadership being provided by the SWDC chief, saying it had laid a solid foundation for regional integration, economic transformation, and sustainable development across the South-West.
Abiodun also highlighted Akinola’s extensive public service record, including his roles 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, National Coordinator of the Sustainable Tree Crops Programme, Nigeria Country Director of TechnoServe Inc., and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy.
According to the governor, Akinola has consistently applied his wealth of experience and international exposure to advance public sector reforms, strengthen institutions, and promote inclusive economic growth, making him one of Nigeria’s foremost development experts.
“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,” Abiodun said.
He described Akinola as an exceptional administrator and public policy strategist whose contributions had positively shaped governance, economic development, and institutional reforms within and outside Nigeria.
The governor further praised Akinola’s leadership of the commission, expressing confidence that the agency was well positioned to drive regional integration, unlock economic opportunities, and accelerate sustainable development across the South-West.
Abiodun added that Akinola continued to bring to the commission the wealth of experience gained from his national and international engagements, including his service as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy and his contributions to development initiatives in the Niger Delta.
He wished the SWDC chief many more years of sound health, wisdom, and continued service to the nation.
