“We turn not older with years, but newer every day,” wrote Emily Dickinson, one of America’s most distinctive poets. That timeless reflection perfectly captures the spirit surrounding the birthday of Oladapo AbdulRahman Okubadejo, Ogun State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, as he marks another milestone on Saturday, 28 February.
Birthdays are moments of celebration, but they are equally occasions for reflection, gratitude to the Almighty, and deeper bonding with family and friends. Coming during the holy month of Ramadan, this year’s celebration offers even greater reason to give thanks for life, faith, and divine grace.
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A proud son of Ogun State, born in Ijebu-Ode, Okubadejo—fondly called Dapo by friends and associates—stands today as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished technocrats in public service. A man of deep faith in Allah, profound intellect, and an unblemished record of service, he exemplifies excellence in governance and commitment to social transformation.
His academic journey began at Luba Comprehensive High School and Ijebu Muslim College, Ijebu-Ode, where he recorded six distinctions and one credit in his WAEC Ordinary Level examinations. He proceeded to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, earning a Bachelor of Agriculture (Upper Second Class Division) in 1990. His quest for knowledge later took him to the University of Glasgow, where he obtained a Master of Finance (Distinction) in International Finance in 2003 as a British Chevening Scholar. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Development Finance at Babcock University, Nigeria.
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With a distinguished 31-year professional career, Mr Okubadejo’s footprint in the global financial landscape is remarkable. His early career saw him rise steadily through Arthur Andersen LLP, where he served in various capacities from Staff Accountant to Senior Manager between 1992 and 2002.
He later joined KPMG Professional Services, one of the world’s “Big Four” accounting firms, where his rise was meteoric. Between 2003 and 2019, he served as Associate Director, Partner, Head of Corporate Financial Advisory for West Africa, and eventually Partner & Africa Head, Deal Advisory & Private Equity Group. He also served as a member of the KPMG Policy Board before transitioning fully into public service in 2019.
Since July 2019, Okubadejo has served Ogun State with distinction as Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor. From December 2019, he has combined that responsibility with his role as the Commissioner for Finance. In these capacities, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as the Economic Transformation Project and the Revenue Mobilisation & Harmonisation Committee, driving fiscal discipline, revenue optimisation, and sustainable economic reforms.
Throughout his career, he has advised governments, corporations, and development institutions including the World Bank and the African Finance Corporation. His expertise has earned him international recognition, including the Global Financial Advisor of the Year Award for Africa (2017 and 2018) by the Private Equity Africa Association in London.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI), Mr Okubadejo has also contributed to global policy conversations at the World Economic Forum and other international platforms.
Yet, beyond the accolades and titles, Dapo remains a jolly good fellow—an agent of change, a voice of courage and conviction, and a stickler for excellence in public service. He measures success not merely by milestones achieved but by the difference made in people’s lives.
As he celebrates this milestone birthday, friends, colleagues, and associates rejoice in a life defined by service, dedication, and impact.
Happy birthday, Dapo. May your vision, wisdom, and leadership continue to shape Ogun State and Nigeria’s economic landscape for generations to come.
*Mr Akinmade is Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy
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