Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola, a seasoned development strategist and respected public policy advisor, has been nominated as the Managing Director of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC). With over three decades of experience across public service, international development, and economic governance, his track record cuts across national and regional policymaking.

1. An Expert in Public Policy and Development Strategy

Dr. Akinola boasts more than 30 years of experience in public administration, agricultural innovation, and strategic governance, with a focus on Nigeria and West Africa. His expertise includes agricultural development, sustainable economic planning, and policy implementation.

2. A Scholar of Global Repute

He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ibadan and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, where he was an Edward S. Mason Fellow. He further pursued academic programmes at the University of Cambridge, Cranfield University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specialising in enterprise development, cross-sector partnerships, and dispute resolution.

3. Architect of the SWDC and DAWN Commission

Dr. Akinola helped conceptualise and establish the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and was instrumental in forming the South-West Development Commission.

“As Chairman of the Technical Committee under the Southwest Governors’ Forum, I led the review of the SWDC Bill and worked towards building consensus among the six states in the region,” he said. “Our focus was on aligning priorities and ensuring institutional strength for coordinated development.”

4. Governance Leadership at State and Federal Levels

He served as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun State between 2018 and 2022. Most recently, he worked at the federal level as Chief of Staff to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), and concurrently as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Marine and Blue Economy.

“These roles gave me unique exposure to subnational and national governance,” said Dr. Akinola, “allowing me to understand the intricate relationship between policy formulation and execution.”

5. Champion of Sustainable Community Development

Dr. Akinola has led major development programmes with companies such as the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPco), focusing on community livelihoods in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

“We introduced the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoUs), which became a benchmark for sustainable development in the Niger Delta,” he explained. “Our aim was to build trust between corporations and host communities.”

6. Global Thought Leader in Policy Innovation

Dr. Akinola is a member of the Dean’s Council at the Harvard Kennedy School and was a fellow at Harvard’s Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs. His contributions to global discussions on governance, institutional reform, and economic innovation continue to influence development models.

7. A Patron of Nigerian Art and Culture

Beyond policy and politics, Dr. Akinola is also a devoted art collector. His collection features works by iconic Nigerian artists such as Jimoh Buraimoh, Demas Nwoko, Tola Wewe, and Nike Okundaye.

“I see art as a reflection of our cultural identity and social consciousness,” he shared. “Preserving these works is part of preserving who we are.”

Career Highlights

Founder of Enterprise for Development International (EfDI) (1999–2009), implementing projects in the Niger Delta.

Director General, Office of Economic Development and Partnerships (OEDP), Osun State (2011–2018).

Chairman, Osun State Planning Commission (2011–2014), working with global development partners.

National Coordinator, Sustainable Tree Crop Programme (STCP), supported by USAID and the chocolate industry (2001–2005).

Nigeria Country Director, TechnoServe, a U.S.-based global development NGO (1993–1998).

Former faculty member at the University of Ibadan and Pan African Institute for Development (PAID) in Cameroon.

The 2025 edition of the Nigeria MarTech Awards is set to spotlight excellence in the country’s marketing and technology landscape, as MarkHack 4.0 unveils its official list of nominees.

Organized by the Eko Innovation Centre in partnership with GDM Group, the prestigious award ceremony, taking place on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, will recognize individual creators, impactful campaigns, and future-forward teams across a range of categories, including content innovation, AI-driven marketing, and social media excellence.

“The Nigeria MarTech Awards aim to spotlight professionals and organizations that exemplify excellence in marketing technology, brand storytelling, and innovative communication strategies,” the organizers stated.

“The nominations reflect the dedication of these industry leaders in leveraging communication as a powerful tool to build connections, foster growth, and amplify voices across sectors.”

Award Categories and Nominees

Best Social Media Campaign

Dufil Prima Foods Limited (Indomie)

Money Africa

Best Use of Data in a Marketing Campaign

Individuals:

Ebere Anajama, Consumer Insight Manager, Tolaram/Indomie

Oluwatosin Olaseinde, CEO/Founder, Money Africa

Organizations:

MTN Nigeria

Best Use of AI in Marketing

Individuals:

Vera Oseighe Ogbebor, Graphic Designer & Digital Marketer

Adeola Kayode, Head, Brand & Creative Services, 9mobile

Rahmotallahi Folashade Adeniyi, Digital Marketing Manager, Indomie Nigeria

Organizations:

Opay Digital Service Limited

Kuda Bank

1695 Marketing and Ad Agency

Best Future-Focused Marketing Team

Bukayo Ewuoso, Head of Business, AdTech & Marketing Solutions, Pisi Mobile

Chika Ilang Phillips, Founder, Innoventure Solutions

Most Innovative Content Strategy

Individuals:

Oluwatosin Olaseinde, CEO/Founder, Money Africa

Chika Ilang Phillips, Founder, Innoventure Solutions

Organizations:

Samsung Electronics Co Limited

The Coca-Cola Company

Indomie

Most Innovative Virtual Event

Hallelujah Challenge Gospel Music Initiative

Moonshot

Afrovibes Africa

Celebrating Creative Excellence

Set under the theme, “Experience Ignited: Fueling the Consumer Journey,” the awards night will form part of the larger MarkHack 4.0 ecosystem. The event will include tech exhibitions, networking sessions, and thought-leadership panels, bringing together Nigeria’s leading minds across the marketing and media technology space.

“At the Nigeria MarTech Awards, we celebrate the individuals, brands, and creative pioneers shaping the future of marketing and technology,” the organizers added.

The ceremony will be held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 6:00 PM.

Public Voting Now Open

The public is invited to vote for their favourite nominees at markhack.tech/awards, with winners set to be revealed during the exclusive night of celebration and innovation.

Anambra State has finally received its first purpose-built Government House and Governor’s Lodge, more than three decades after the state was created in 1991.

The landmark project, spearheaded by Governor Charles Soludo, marks the end of a 34-year wait and fulfils a longstanding promise to give Anambra a befitting government complex in the state capital, Awka.

Known for his transformative leadership style, Soludo, often referred to as “Mr. Fixer”, “Mr. Reformer” and “Mr. Jinx Breaker”, described the project as a generational achievement that symbolises his administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.

According to Adichie Izuchukwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, “The new Government House is not just an infrastructure project; it represents a milestone and a generational change that carries historical significance.”

The new executive complex is one of several key developments delivered under Soludo’s watch. Among them is the Solution Fun City, described as a tourist delight designed to enhance leisure and livability in Anambra.

Additionally, the 19.1km Awkuzu–Igbariam–Anaku link road, which connects multiple communities, has also been completed.

Soludo’s broader regeneration efforts span various parts of the state, including eight major roads in Omagba Phase Two, such as Umunya Street, Heritage Street, Elite Club Road/Heritage Extension, Udodi Street, Enugu-Agidi Street Extension 1 and 2, Ofonze Street, Anam Street, Ikemba Street and Extension/Best Aluminum Street, and Esotrack Street.

These projects form part of what Soludo calls his “infrastructure revolution”, aimed at boosting connectivity and economic integration across Anambra.

Critics and supporters alike have acknowledged the governor’s pace of delivery. His administration is now being viewed as one of purposeful action, with a vision to turn Anambra into a “livable and prosperous homeland”.