By Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez (IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE)

In the corridors of governance and development strategy, few minds stand out for their clarity of purpose, futuristic vision, and relentless drive for impact. Dr. Debo Akande belongs to that rare class of thinkers who don’t merely respond to the times—they redefine them.

To those who have followed Oyo State’s quiet yet deliberate transformation over the past five years, his name resonates with purpose and precision. Behind many of the state’s groundbreaking reforms in agribusiness, food systems, and sustainable development lies a man whose thought process is shaped by what he calls “the mindset, mind switch, and mind swift”—a threefold approach that emphasizes strategic thinking, adaptability, and timely execution.

The Mindset: Thinking Beyond the Present

For Dr. Akande, mindset defines everything. It is the foundation of transformation and the birthplace of innovation. He believes that development must begin from a reoriented mind—one that sees opportunities where others see obstacles.

His mindset is rooted in systems thinking: understanding that growth in any society is interconnected. Agriculture, for instance, is not just about farming—it’s about markets, logistics, finance, youth empowerment, technology, and environmental balance. Under his guidance, Oyo State has transitioned from subsistence Agriculture to structured Agribusiness, bridging farmers with investors and creating value chains that attract international attention.

Through OYSADA, Dr. Akande has institutionalized a new mindset across the Agricultural landscape—where farming is seen as a business, and young Nigerians view the sector as a viable path to prosperity rather than survival.

The Mind Switch: Adapting to New Realities

In a rapidly changing world, adaptation is not optional—it is essential. The “mind switch,” as Dr. Akande describes it, is the ability to move from outdated models to modern realities without losing focus on purpose.

His professional journey, spanning over three decades in international development, has exposed him to global best practices. Yet, he remains firmly rooted in local realities. This unique balance enables him to translate complex global frameworks into actionable state-level solutions.

When COVID-19 disrupted global food systems, Oyo State—under his technical guidance—responded not with panic, but with precision. The focus shifted toward strengthening local supply chains, promoting homegrown food security initiatives, and supporting smallholder farmers through digital platforms.

The mind switch here was clear: building resilience through innovation. To Dr. Akande, true leadership is not only about having a plan but being able to adjust that plan when circumstances change—without compromising long-term goals.

The Mind Swift: From Thought to Action

Speed is often mistaken for haste. But for Dr. Akande, “mind swift” is about precision-driven speed—the ability to execute ideas efficiently and effectively. It is about timing: knowing when to act, how to act, and with whom to act.

His leadership of OYSADA reflects this. From conceptualizing the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub to forging strategic partnerships with global institutions such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations agencies, Dr. Akande’s swift actions have placed Oyo State on the global Agribusiness map.

The result? Increased investor confidence, improved youth participation in Agriculture, and a growing recognition of Oyo State as a model of Agribusiness transformation in Nigeria. His commitment to impact-driven governance continues to inspire a new generation of policymakers who now see data, strategy, and technology as indispensable tools for progress.

Shaping Tomorrow from Today

At the core of Dr. Akande’s philosophy is one simple but profound truth: Tomorrow begins today. His projects, policies, and partnerships are designed with sustainability in mind. Whether it’s land use reforms, climate-smart Agriculture, or rural development planning, his focus remains steady—build today what the next generation can inherit and expand.

Beyond his administrative brilliance, those who work closely with him often describe him as calm, analytical, resilient, responsive and deeply human ( Allows you to strive). He listens before he speaks, observes before he acts, doesn’t measure efforts but results and measures success not by applause, but by the continuity of impact.

Dr. Akande’s mindset represents foresight. His mind switch embodies adaptability. His mind swift drives timely execution. Together, they form the architecture of a new developmental approach that transcends politics and personal ambition.

Legacy of a Strategic Mind

The legacy Dr. Adebowale Akande is building is not one of titles or positions—it is one of systems and sustainability. Under his guidance, Oyo State has become a reference point for how sub-national governments can harness Agribusiness as a catalyst for inclusive growth.

His belief that leadership must be evidence-based has shaped how projects are designed, monitored, and evaluated. Each initiative, from rural cluster development to youth training programmes, carries a clear roadmap and measurable outcomes.

As the global conversation around food systems, climate change, and economic diversification continues, Dr. Akande’s work positions Oyo State and by extension, Nigeria—as a proactive contributor to Africa’s future development dialogue.

A Mind on a Mission

In Dr. Debo Akande’s world, progress is not accidental, it is intentional. His threefold philosophy—Mindset. Mind Switch. Mind Swift.—is more than a personal creed; it is a developmental framework that every public leader, policymaker, and visionary can learn from.

He reminds us that the greatest leaders do not wait for tomorrow, they build it today. And in that journey of building, they leave behind not just results, but renewed minds capable of sustaining, maintaining the vision and the legacy.

Dr. Adebowale Akande is, without a doubt, one of those rare minds. A thinker. A doer. A strategist. A nation builder—shaping tomorrow from today.

GrowOyo #OyoState #InvestInAgriculture #Investment #Agripreneur #AgriTech #OyoAgribusinessSummit #Agribusiness

E-Signed:
Written/Reported By
✍️ Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez
(IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE)
Policy Advocate | Public Affairs Analyst
Convener, Emerging Force Platform
Loyalist of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE