FROM BANKING HALLS TO TOWN HALLS: AKIM YUSUF EYES OYO GOVERNORSHIP SEAT IN 2027

Read Time:4 Minute, 37 Second

By ‘Sefiu Ajape

As political activities gradually begin to shape up ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dr. Akim Adebola Yusuf mni, popularly known as Omoluabi Ta Nwa, is once again stepping into the spotlight—this time seeking the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State.

A former governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the 2023 elections, Yusuf’s renewed ambition reflects a journey that spans decades across banking, public service, and now, active politics.

Early Life and Foundation

Born into a middle-class family of civil servants, Yusuf attributes much of his development to the strong educational and moral foundation laid by his parents.

“I was born to middle-class, civil servant parents. I am grateful for their vision of the quality of education and character they wanted in their children,” he said.

He noted that he and his siblings benefitted from high-quality education, attending top private primary and public secondary schools, alongside a solid moral and spiritual upbringing.

“Coupled with moral upbringing and spiritual development, I cannot thank my parents enough for the kind of adult that my siblings and I grew into,” he added.

Academic and Professional Credentials

Yusuf began his educational journey at Sacred Heart Private School, Ring Road, Ibadan, before proceeding to Government College, Ibadan, for his secondary education.

He later earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Ilorin and obtained two master’s degrees in Industrial and Labour Relations, as well as Business Administration, from the University of Ibadan.

A seasoned professional, he is a qualified Associate and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

In 2014, he attended the Senior Executive Course 36 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State—an experience he describes as pivotal.

Beyond formal education, Yusuf has participated in numerous local and international training programmes across sectors such as International Banking, Oil and Gas, Agriculture, Communications, and Ethics in Management.

A Distinguished Banking Career

Yusuf’s professional journey began in 1989 when he entered the banking industry, where he spent over 25 years working across several institutions within and outside Nigeria.

He rose through the ranks to become the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Skye Bank (Gambia) Limited. Following his tenure, he was appointed Transition Managing Consultant for Skye Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited.

His career trajectory reflects extensive experience in financial management, institutional leadership, and cross-border operations.

Public Service and Governance Exposure

In addition to his banking career, Yusuf held key public sector roles.

Between 2005 and 2007, he served as Pioneer Special Adviser on Due Process, Project Management, and Policy Implementation under former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

He later served as Special Adviser on Digital Transformation to the Honourable Minister of Communications in 2017.

The Political Awakening

Although politics was not his initial career path, Yusuf admits it has always been a recurring presence in his life.

“Politics has always hovered around me,” he said, recalling how he studied Political Science despite initially applying to study Law.

His exposure to government projects and interactions with policymakers during his banking career further deepened his connection to governance.

He credits his formal entry into politics to his association with Ladoja.

“I got to meet His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja… and he was the first to drag me into acting politics and governance,” he said.

Despite briefly returning to banking after his first political experience, Yusuf noted that politics remained a calling he could not ignore.

The Turning Point

Yusuf formally re-entered politics in 2018, driven by sustained encouragement from individuals across Nigeria and abroad who believed in his capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance.

“I was motivated by various calls and suggestions… who believed that I’ll add significant value in Governance,” he said.

He added that his participation in the NIPSS programme in 2014, combined with his strong views on national development, convinced him that he had a greater role to play beyond advocacy.

Vision for Oyo State and Nigeria

At the core of Yusuf’s political ambition is a vision to build a more inclusive and economically viable society, starting with Oyo State.

“Principally, the vision is to make Nigeria a better society starting from my home state—Oyo State,” he said.

He emphasised the need to create sustainable opportunities for the youth through deliberate investment in key sectors.

“We must build a society that provides abundant legitimate opportunities of gainful engagement of our rapidly growing youth population,” he noted.

His policy focus includes boosting primary and secondary production, enhancing talent development, and driving economic growth.

He also advocates for import substitution, revitalization of dormant industries, and increased agricultural productivity through support for both smallholder farmers and large-scale agriculture.

“We must rev up agricultural production… This combined effort ultimately drives down the cost of food commodities and encouraging agro-allied processing and export,” he explained.

Yusuf further stressed the importance of strengthening social services such as education and healthcare, alongside infrastructure development in transportation, power, and housing.

Security and anti-corruption measures, he added, remain central to his agenda.

“These, essentially, are the must-do’s if we are to have a better Nigeria,” he said.