From Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Obafei Awolowo, and others, history is replete with eminent leaders who showed readiness to serve their people. Some things are common about these prominent leaders – they are committed, compassionate, inspirational, and people-oriented. Hence, they left indelible marks in various places they have served.
Mogaji [DR] Akin Fagbemi aptly fits into this tribe as he always shows willingness to serve in any capacity given to him – both in public and private sectors.
Before he was appointed as the Chairman Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority [OYRTMA] by Governor Seyi Makinde, he had served in capacities, including being the Campaign Director-General of the People’s Democratic Party [PDP] in Oyo State [South]. He recorded a resounding success in the assignment, leading to the emergence of Engineer Seyi Makinde as the governor in 2019.
Recognising his capacity to serve and deliver mouthwatering results, Governor Makinde appointed him to lead OYRTMA. Lo and behold, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi left indelible marks by transforming the once moribund organisation a reliable and service-driven agency.
His numerous achievements are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. Some of them include the changing of the kits of officers, exposure of officers to professional training; the list is endless. He also created over 60 zonal offices for the agency to provide effective traffic control in the state. The articulate leader got motorbikes for the agency, ambulance, and renovated some dilapidated buildings of the agency and a host of others. Unarguably, before leaving OYRTMA, he became a household name among drivers – both private and commercial -in Oyo State and a brand many wanted to associate with.
In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi was appointed again by Governor Seyi Makinde as the Director, Field Operations of the Ṣeyi Makinde/PDP 2023 Governorship Campaign CouncilOyo State. He delivered as expected.
As the saying goes – the reward for hard work is more responsibilities. Having demonstrated transformational leadership at OYRTMA, Governor Makinde thought that it was imperative for Dr Fagbemi to deploy his professional training and talent in the management of the state hospitals. Hence, in 2024, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board.
Since his coming on board, it is clear to all that a man with a Midas touch is charged to the hospital board.
While still counting, within a short time, the chairman has recorded many feats.
One of such is his appeal to Doctors and Nurses to call off their protracted industrial actions, which they acceded to.
He also supervised the re-opening of the Psychiatric Unit of RRSH, conducted a promotional interview exercise for over 800 health workers, and recommended upgrading Jericho Nursing Home to the 5th Semi-Autonomous Hospital, installed Solar Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at State Hospital, Oyo. Again, he supervised the completion of 18 bedded children’s wards at the same hospital. The intellectual leader got accreditation for Seven Physiotherapy Units for Seven State Hospital after 30 years of Non Accreditation. Dr Fagbemi, a pathfinder, supervised the change of Apex Nurses and junior nurses Uniform for better identification.
The servant leader collaborated with academic institutions, professional bodies, and NGOs to provide sustainable healthcare delivery for the people. The leader par excellence supervised the recruitment of professionals and workers who are ready to assist the board to provide affordable healthcare service delivery for the people of the state.
WHO IS THIS COLOSSUS – DR FAGBEMI
Born January 14 to the family of Fagbemi, Alekuso, Ibadan Northwest Local Government Area of Oyo State, Dr. Akintomide Stephen Fagbemi is Mogaji Agunleyinju Compound, Beere, Ibadan. Dr Fagbemi is a seasoned scientist with a PhD in Food Biotechnology and a research interest in metagenomics and molecular characterization of plants from one of Nigeria’s foremost University of Technology, after earning a Master of Science Degree in Food Processing and Preservation, Post-Graduate Diploma in Nutrition, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Certificate in International Food Law, Michigan State University, USA.
Dr Fagbemi has a Master of Science Degree in Public Policy, a Master of Science Degree in Safety Technology Management, Leadership Certificate in Criminal and Security Intelligence Management, Defense Intelligent College, Abuja,Professional Diploma in Data Science, Certificate in Advanced Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (PMEL), African University of Science and Technology, Abuja. Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Ghana. Certificate in Quantitative Risk Assessment in Food Safety, University of Maryland, the USA.
Fagbemi is rounding off a Law programme in Public and International Law with a special focus on International Food Law and Legislation.
He is a research fellow at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA, Ibadan). Certificate in SQF System Implementation (Post Farm Gate), SQF Institute U.S.A. Certificate in Advanced Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), International HACCP Alliance U.S.A. Certificate in Advanced Programme in Corporate Sustainability Management from the Nigerian Premier Citadel of Higher Learning, the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, to mention but a few.
A great unionist, Dr Fagbemi is the former National Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), former Assistant National Secretary, and former National President of the Students’ Body (NAFSTS, 2001/2002).
MANY AWARDS IN HIS KITTY
The astute administrator has to his credit countless awards and accolades from both local and international organizations including but not limited to United Nation’s Ambassador of Peace, 2020; Oyo State Ambassador of the NDLEA on fight against Illicit Drugs: 2022; 2nd Prize Winner, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and 3rd Dr. I.A. Akinrele Competition on Challenges Facing Nigeria Food Industries, 2002; Distinguished Service Award by the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance, 2017; Public Service Award, Nigerian Union of Journalists, 2021; NDLEA Grand Ambassador in Oyo State; 2022. And most recently Nigeria’s top ten most ethically responsible/corrupt-free CEOs have been covertly accessed by the revered Centre for Ethics & Self-Value Orientation on the thematic areas of Dedication to Humanity Service, Public Accessibility, Self-discipline, Integrity, Emotional intelligence, service compliance, Honesty, Staff Discipline/ Welfare, Innovation, Efficiency,National Interest Consideration, Ethical Uprightness, Quality Assurance in Project implementation and due process application, and a host of others.
Beyond a shadow of doubt, Dr. Fagbemi is a leader willing to serve and is imbued with the capacity to deliver top-notch and mouthwatering results.
