Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Onikepo Akande Accepts Chairmanship of 3rd Ajibosin Symposium

Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Onikepo Olufunmike Akande, CON, OON, DF.CIoD, FCIB, JP, two-time former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadan, has formally accepted the invitation to serve as Chairperson of the Symposium, which holds on Friday, 30th October 2026 at the Main Auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

In her letter of acceptance conveyed to the Convener, Prince Dr. Olanrewaju Kazeem Bakinson, PhD, Aare Mayegun of Owu Kingdom, Chief Akande described this year's theme, Community Development, Artificial Intelligence and National Leadership, as both timely and significant, and commended the Platform for what she called its vision to promote integrity, accountability and excellence in leadership.

A nomination from the Chief Host

Chief Akande was nominated for the Chair by His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Matthew Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, Balogun of Owu Kingdom and Chief Host of the Symposium, who proposed her name personally. In accepting, she acknowledged the honour extended to her by the Convener and by Chief Obasanjo, whom she referred to warmly as her Papa.

Her acceptance brings to the Chair a career that has shaped the very institutions through which Nigerian enterprise engages the world. Chief Akande was the first woman appointed Minister of Industry of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and served two terms in that office. She is a past President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and her recognition as Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadan places her at the meeting point of enterprise and tradition, which is the ground on which the Ajibosin Platform itself stands.

The programme

The Symposium is held under the royal patronage of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, FNSE, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, with Chief Obasanjo as Chief Host.

Date; Friday, 30th October 2026
Time; 12:00 Noon, with an Exclusive Dinner at 7:00 PM at the Small Marquee
Venue; Main Auditorium, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta
Theme; Community Development, Artificial Intelligence and National Leadership

The Ajibosin Platform is an intellectual and cultural initiative devoted to advancing dialogue on leadership, governance and community development in Nigeria. Each year it convenes policymakers, business leaders, traditional institutions, scholars and professionals in a single forum, in the conviction that the counsel of accomplished men and women is a national resource that ought to be gathered and shared. Previous editions have featured former Governors, Ministers and distinguished public servants before audiences drawn from across the country, and the proceedings are published afterwards and circulated to institutions of learning and to public offices.

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