Meet Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola: The Newly Appointed Managing Director of SWDC
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
Southwest Nigeria is set to enter a transformative phase with the appointment of Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola as the new Managing Director of the Southwest Development Commission (SWDC). A seasoned public policy expert and development strategist, Dr. Akinola brings a wealth of experience in governance, economic growth, and regional integration.
With an impressive track record spanning government leadership, international development, and strategic policymaking, his appointment is expected to strengthen SWDC’s commitment to sustainable progress and inclusive development.
Here are seven key things you need to know about Dr. Akinola and his remarkable career:
1. A Seasoned Public Policy Advisor and Development Strategist
Dr. Akinola has over 30 years of experience in public service, international development, and strategic governance, specializing in agricultural development, sustainable economic growth, and policy implementation across Nigeria and West Africa.
2. Holds Prestigious Academic Credentials from Global Institutions
He earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ibadan and a master’s in public policy & administration from Harvard Kennedy School, where he was an Edward S. Mason Fellow.
He also studied at Cambridge, Cranfield, and MIT, gaining advanced expertise in cross-sector partnerships, enterprise development, and conflict resolution.
3. Instrumental in the Formation of the SWDC and the DAWN Commission
Long before his nomination, Dr. Akinola played a key role in founding the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for regional integration. He was deeply involved in shaping the vision of the SWDC.
As Chairman of the Technical Committee under the Southwest Governors’ Forum, he led the review of the SWDC Bill and coordinated regional consensus on development priorities.
4. Former Chief of Staff in Both Federal and State Governments
He served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State (2018–2022) and later as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), while also acting as Senior Special Assistant on Marine and Blue Economy to President Tinubu.
These roles gave him frontline experience in both subnational and national policy execution.
5. A Leader in Community Engagement and Sustainable Development
Dr. Akinola has worked with major oil & gas companies, including WAPco, designing sustainable livelihood programs across Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. His contributions helped establish the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoUs) as an industry benchmark for community development in the Niger Delta.
6. Active Global Policy Thought Leader
He is a member of the Dean’s Council at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and was a Fellow at Harvard’s Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs. His thought leadership focuses on governance, economic innovation, and institutional reform.
7. Arts Collector
Dr. Akinola is a lover of the arts and culture, collecting works of indigenous artists such as Jimoh Buraimoh, Demas Nwoko, Tola Wewe, Nike Okundaye, among others.
Career Highlights
Dr. Akinola’s professional journey spans roles in academia, policy advisory, and community development, including:
- Serving as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State (2018–2022) and Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy while acting as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine & Blue Economy.
- Leading strategic governance initiatives as Chairman of the Technical Committee that reviewed the SWDC Bill under the Southwest Governors’ Forum.
- Founding and directing Enterprise for Development International (EfDI), which focused on community economic development in Nigeria and the Niger Delta.
- Working with major oil & gas companies to implement sustainable development programs across West Africa.
- Serving as Director General of the Office of Economic Development and Partnerships (OEDP), shaping economic policies in Osun State (2011–2018).
- Being a Fellow at Harvard Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs, focusing on governance and economic innovation.
- Holding leadership roles in international organizations like TechnoServe and the Sustainable Tree Crop Program (STCP), promoting agricultural and agribusiness development.