Kamar Adeolu writes that Oyo State merits a technocrat, policy-strategist bridge-builder, and a governor with management competence come February, 2027.
Akim Adebola Yusuf towers above all different applicants within the drawing close race to Agodi Govt Area in 2027.
His efficiency speaks to it. To be had data verify it. At simply 57, this son of Oluyole soil easily shows the noble rules of completed management, environment friendly control with Omoluabi, the ennobling qualities of elegant characteristics. Here’s a guy of integrity, honour, studying, personality, and sound achievements.
Schooled and Rooted for Provider
Yusuf’s upbringing and academic preparation replicate serendipity: a dedication to excellence, carrier and a predestined pathway.
He attended and finished his secondary schooling on the extremely respected Govt School, Ibadan (GCI), the crucible of the previous Western Area’s meritocratic custom in 1984.
He then proceeded to the College of Ilorin and received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1988. In 1997, he were given a Grasp of Business and Labour Family members (MILR) from College of Ibadan. From the similar college, he were given Grasp of Industry Management (MBA) in 2002.
Via dint of onerous paintings, he earned his skilled qualification as an Affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in 2000.
In 2014, he were given deeply embedded in nationwide and global governance buildings by means of the distinguished Nationwide Institute for Coverage and Strategic Research, (NIPSS) Kuru following his crowning glory of Senior Govt Route 36 and therefore received the globally rated and extremely identified mni designation — the quiet badge of Nigeria’s strategic elite.
Luck Throughout Borders
Lengthy prior to politics beckoned, Yusuf had conquered Banking and Finance, two of essentially the most challenging however very rewarding developmental sectors of each country’s financial system.
As Managing Director/CEO of Skye Financial institution (Gambia) Restricted (2009–2013), he effectively ran complete banking operations on overseas soil — a check of management, adaptability, and fiscal stewardship that few Nigerian executives ever face.
In line with exceptional efficiency, the machine reinvited him as Transition Managing Guide for Skye Financial institution (Sierra Leone) Restricted in 2019.
From 2016 until date, he has been serving as Asset Control Spouse of the Asset Control Company of Nigeria (AMCON) — the country’s answer automobile the place distressed property are recovered and fiscal balance is quietly defended.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB, 2014), he’s no dabbler in finance, reasonably, he’s an institution-builder with cross-border enjoy that Oyo State desperately wishes to draw funding, create jobs and company building.
An Spectacular Governance Résumé
What actually distinguishes Yusuf from the everyday aspirant is that he had in truth ruled at quite a lot of ranges, other puts and a large number of instances.
He served as a Particular Adviser on Due Procedure, Coverage and Finances Implementation to former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s management in 2005–2007. On this place, he sat on the nexus of Oyo State’s management — imposing fiscal self-discipline and making sure that budgets delivered actual cost to the folks.
In 2017, he served as Particular Adviser (Virtual Transformation) to the then Minister of Communique, bringing federal-level coverage intensity and a virtual financial system imaginative and prescient to his portfolio.
In 2003, he established The Fortune Crew, a pro-active revered good-governance advocacy think-tank. This displays an envisioned chief who were getting ready for governance lengthy prior to in quest of votes. This candidate isn’t a beginner in governance. He is aware of the ropes. He’s going to no longer get to energy to experiment or govern by means of trial and mistake.
He has actively blended the attributes of a technocrat with deep company governance experience. It’s uncommon, if no longer unimaginable, to discover a governorship candidate so steeped in competence.
Honours, from other resources, have adopted his paintings: magistrate, Oyo State (2007); Member of the Nationwide Institute (mni) (2014); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (2014); and Honorary Doctorate of Science in Public Management, IBLT College, Lomé, Togo (2023).
Via hands-on enjoy, he has mastered governance successfully and successfully. Oyo State will have to no longer omit this uncommon alternative to elect Yusuf, an completed guy.
Examined, Groomed and Grown
In contrast to first-time contenders, Yusuf has felt the furnace of electoral politics and has emerged more potent.
In 2023, he flew the flag of the Motion Democratic Birthday celebration (ADP) within the Oyo governorship race, completing fifth of 16 applicants — a extremely commendable appearing for an intruder platform, and transparent evidence of grassroots enchantment and electoral viability.
Now, because the Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for 2027, he returns to the sector no longer as a beginner however as a battle-tested, better-organised and extra extensively approved contender.
Yusuf, Oyo State’s Absolute best Selection
Oyo State stands at a crossroads. It wishes greater than slogans; it wishes substance. Greater than reputation; it wishes competence. Greater than guarantees; it wishes confirmed efficiency. This candidate’s achievements discuss to focal point, efficiency and affect which resonates on the grassroots, home, nationwide and global ranges.
He’s clever but substantive, skilled but humble and obtainable, completed within the boardroom but conversant with the burdens of the ward on the grassroots — Yusuf provides a unprecedented synthesis:
For the Economic system: A technocrat who has controlled banks, budgets, monetary sources throughout West Africa can truly develop Oyo State’s financial system.
For Governance: A due procedure knowledgeable who will entrench transparency, self-discipline and value-for-money.
For the Long run: A virtual transformation strategist who will place Oyo youths for the roles of the next day.
For Solidarity: A bridge-builder whose profession spans banking and budgeting, state and federal carrier, grassroots and world publicity.
In a state hungry for resounding, character-driven and cosmopolitan management, the case for this Oluyole-born technocrat-politician writes itself. Oyo does no longer simply want a governor. It wishes an Omoluabi. In Akim Adebola Yusuf, it has discovered him.
-Adeolu writes from Ibadan.