Yusuf: A Technocrat as Oyo Gov in 2027

Kamar Adeolu argues that Oyo State needs a technocrat, skilled in policy-making and leadership, to lead the state in the upcoming gubernatorial election in February 2027. Among the candidates, Akim Adebola Yusuf stands out as the top contender. Standing at just 57 years old, Yusuf displays the qualities of a strong leader, with a commitment to excellence, service, and a clear pathway to success.

Born and raised in Oluyole, Yusuf completed his secondary education at the prestigious Government College, Ibadan in 1984, before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Ilorin in 1988. Following this, he obtained a Master of Industrial and Labour Relations (MILR) from the University of Ibadan in 1997, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution in 2002.

Yusuf's dedication to his profession is evident, as he earned his professional qualification as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in 2000. His expertise extends beyond Nigeria, as he was invited to serve as a Transition Managing Consultant for Skye Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited in 2019, following his successful tenure as Managing Director/CEO of Skye Bank (Gambia) Limited from 2009 to 2013.

In addition to his banking and finance experience, Yusuf has held various governance roles, including serving as a Special Adviser on Due Process, Policy, and Budget Implementation for the former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. He later served as Special Adviser (Digital Transformation) to the Minister of Communication in 2017.

Before his political aspirations, Yusuf established The Fortune Group, a respected good-governance advocacy think-tank. His impressive resume includes numerous honors, such as being a Justice of the Peace in Oyo State (2007), a member of the National Institute (mni) (2014), and an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Public Administration from IBLT University, Lomé, Togo (2023).

Yusuf has already demonstrated his political prowess by finishing fifth in the 2023 Oyo gubernatorial race, representing the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and now returns to the race as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2027. With his extensive experience spanning technology, finance, and governance, Yusuf presents himself as the ideal choice for Oyo State, offering a unique blend of skills and expertise that will enable the state to thrive economically, govern effectively, and prepare its youth for the jobs of tomorrow.