- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Arts Collector
Dr. Akinola is a lover of the arts and culture, collects works of indigenous artists, such as Jimoh Buraimoh, Demas Nwoko, Tola Wewe, Nike Okundaye, among others.