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The Story Of Dr. DEBO AKANDE
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Why Everyone Is Talking About Him
Dr. Debo Akande requires little introduction within the current administration in Oyo State. He is arguably one of Governor Seyi Makinde’s closest associates; indeed, at most state functions or private gatherings involving the governor, Dr. Akande is highly likely to be present.
Beyond his official appointments as Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness and International Cooperation, he is also a prominent member of the governor’s core think-tank.
This close working relationship, combined with the impressive agricultural transformation sweeping through Oyo State, is precisely why Dr. Debo Akande is a subject of significant discussion.
Dr. Akande has been the quiet force driving many successful initiatives, such as the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, which has transformed barren land into a beacon of food security and economic growth.
His impact was underscored when Governor Makinde, at a recent gathering, made a remark that resonated through political circles.
The Governor described Dr. Akande as one of those who will play critical roles in the state’s next government after his second term.
He stated: “There will be things that we’ll start now that will be realized in the years to come. That’s the spirit of Oyo State. But continuity however, yes, I will make recommendations for the people of Oyo State. And if you see Saheed (referring to Hon. Saheed Fijabi), you see Odidiomo (Hon. Stanley Olajide), Debo (Dr. Debo Akande), O Shine (Hon. Oyeshina Oyedeji) and even ‘Laju e’. What it means is that we are having very young, agile, vibrant people that can move Oyo State further even after my tenure. Like it or not they will play critical roles in the Oyo State that will come to be from May 29, 2027. I will recommend. It will be left for Oyo State people to decide. Those who feel I won’t recommend are only deceiving themselves.”
This statement, delivered with a knowing smile, has fueled speculation, with many interpreting it as a strong hint of Dr. Akande playing a significantly larger, perhaps even pivotal, role in the state’s political landscape come 2027.
The governor had previously stated that he would reveal his preferred gubernatorial candidate at an appropriate time. With this recent remark, many believe Governor Makinde has dropped a significant hint about his favored successor. This also lends further credence to ongoing speculations that Dr. Debo Akande may indeed be the governor’s choice.
Akande’s expertise, coupled with the Governor’s implicit trust and public endorsement, has positioned him as a figure to watch closely in the coming years.
With a career spanning over three decades in international development, agricultural strategy, public policy, and governance, Dr. Akande is seen by many as exceptionally well-positioned for such a task.
He has established himself not only as a leading figure in Nigeria’s agribusiness space but also as a silent force within the state’s political circle.
For those who believe in Akande’s potentials, the future of Oyo State, particularly in key sectors, will undoubtedly require his continued, and perhaps even expanded, leadership.
But who really is the man we are talking about here? Dr. Debo Akande is an agribusiness development specialist based at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. He’s the Chief Executive Officer of IITA Business Incubation Limited.
He has an impressive C.V. An expert in Agribusiness Strategy Development and Management, he earned his Doctoral Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hertfordshire, UK.
His extensive education includes master’s and bachelor’s degrees in international development studies, along with diplomas in International Environmental Law (UNITAR) and Agribusiness Management (Pan African University).
He also received specialized training in Climate Change Management (Oxford University), Food Security Policy (FAO/World Bank), and Negotiation Conflict Analysis and Management (US Institute of Peace).
A chartered manager and fellow of the Chartered Managers Institute, he has authored over 20 agricultural articles.
Prior to this, Dr. Debo Akande has undertaken many responsibilities both on local and international scenes including his role as the Head of Olusegun Obasanjo Station in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is said to be the third largest IITA Research for development station in Africa.
He leads the Mechanization and Zero Hunger programmes, and the roles have not only placed him at the forefront of innovation in Africa’s food systems but also made him a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s political landscape.
He has proven himself to be a visionary professional whose dedication and contributions have been instrumental in transforming Oyo State’s agricultural sector into a thriving agribusiness hub.
One of his major achievements as OYSADA Director-General, Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub has attracted numerous investment benefits to Oyo State.
Fasola Agricbusiness Industrial Hub under Akande has attracted many investors from both local and international sources.
Some of the activities of the investors at Fasola include crop and livestock production, agro-processing, and farm mechanization.
Notable among these investors is FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, a leading dairy company that has secured about 200 hectares of land for livestock breeding and processing.
Another investor is Milkin Barn Agro Services Limited which is into grain cultivation and dairy production.
Additionally, IITA GoSeed collaborates on the production of improved crop varieties, including cassava, cowpea, maize, and soybeans.
Apart from Fasola, Debo Akande’s other commendable achievements in the agricultural transformation in Oyo State included the Eruwa Agribusiness Hub, a massive 3,250-hectare development for production, processing and value-chain development, and the Ijaye Agribusiness Industrial Hub just to mention but few of his staggering records of achievements.
-Dare Adeniran
08057639079
