2019 Tutu Fellow Akintunde Oyebode has been appointed as the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development for Etiki State in Nigeria. He was sworn in by the State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, following a cabinet reshuffle. Akin has played several senior roles in Ekiti state government, with this now being his most senior role.

Akin was previously the Special Adviser on Investment, Trade and Innovation at Ekiti State government, where he was responsible for leading the state government’s efforts to make Ekiti an attractive destination for investors and innovation-driven enterprises. An additional element to that portfolio had been creating jobs for young people.

Prior to this, Akin was the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. He came to government from the private sector, where he had been head of Small and Medium Enterprise banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, the Nigerian subsidiary of Standard Bank.

In a news report on Akin's appointment, EONS Intelligence pointed to his age - 40 - as a welcome trend in the south west region of Nigeria in which State Governors were beginning to entrust younger people with high-profile positions in government. Africa is the youngest continent with aging leaders.  The publication pointed out Akin before going on to mention 27-year-old Seun Fakorede who has been appointed Commissioner of Youth and Sports in Oyo State and Radiu Olowo, who is 35 and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State. 

EONS Intelligence also suggested Akin might be on track as a future governor of Ekiti State as a result of his competence.

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The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) focuses on building the capacity and capability of visionary and strategic leadership across the continent. Developing exceptional leaders representing all spheres of society, the Institute’s flagship programme is the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship. Offering a multifaceted learning experience and run in partnership with Oxford University, it is awarded annually to 20-25 carefully chosen candidates, nominated from across Africa. Alumni of the African Leadership Institute form a dynamic network of Fellows passionately committed to the continent’s transformation, bridging the divide between nations and ensuring that Africa is set centre-stage in global affairs.