The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of South West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, on his 70th birthday.
The Governor sent the birthday congratulatory message in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
He said Dr. Akinola has made a great impact as a multi-sectoral technocrat, public servant, and public policy strategist of note.
Reflecting on the antecedents of the birthday celebrant, he said Dr. Akinola can look back with pride and fulfillment and thank God for 70 years of fruitful and result-oriented contribution to statecraft and nation building.
He hailed him for his selfless service to his native Osun State, which he served meritoriously as the Chief of State to the Governor between 2018 and 2022, where he was central to policy coordination, governance reforms, and executive decision-making.
Governor Oyebanji pointed out that Dr. Akinola’s worth and pedigree were appreciated by his fatherland with his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy with an unforgettable role in shaping Nigeria’s emerging ocean economy agenda, maritime governance and economic diversification.
The Ekiti State helmsman added that his emergence as the pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive of South West Development Commission further demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s faith in his competence and capacity to drive a coordinated policy thrust to make the geopolitical zone a model in the key sectors and better standard of living for its people.
He expressed delight that Dr. Akinola since his assumption of office as the SWDC boss has been using the position to champion regional integration, economic renewal and institutional innovation in Nigeria to the applause of his countrymen and women.
The Governor charged him to use the occasion of his milestone birthday to rededicate himself to continued service of mankind, the nation, and the South West geopolitical zone in years ahead.
He prayed to God to grant him long life, sound health, and energy to continue to be a great asset to the nation and its people.
Oyebanji added: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate this great achiever and wish him many more productive years in the service of our great nation.”