Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, was signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described Dr. Akinola as a distinguished public policy strategist, development expert, and accomplished administrator whose over three-decade career has left an indelible mark on governance, regional and sustainable development across Nigeria and West Africa.
The Governor noted that Dr. Akinola’s appointment as the pioneer Managing Director of the SWDC is a testament to his exceptional competence and the trust reposed in him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead the region’s transformation agenda.
He said: “Dr. Charles Akinola is well acknowledged for his expertise in development strategy and public administration. His life of service reflects the highest ideals of patriotism, excellence, and selfless dedication to the progress of our nation and the Southwest region in particular.”
The Governor commended Dr. Akinola’s leadership of the SWDC, where he has championed the “One Bloc Agenda”, and working with the states, to harmonise regional initiatives into a unified framework for infrastructure development, industrialisation, job creation, and human capital development across the six Southwest states while
The Governor noted Dr. Akinola’s previous distinguished public service as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, and his impactful tenure as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State between 2018 and 2022, where he was central to policy coordination, governance reforms, and the development of strategic initiatives that advanced the state’s development objectives.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State,I join family, friends and associates of Dr. Akinola to celebrate this remarkable milestone.”
“I pray that the Almighty God continues to grant him wisdom and good health as he leads the SWDC towards a future of shared prosperity, regional integration, and inclusive growth for all.” Sanwo-Olu said.
