‘We are proud of your leadership’, Oyo NES chairman lauds Prof Adenikinju

As the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) begins in Abuja, the Oyo State branch of NES has congratulated the outgoing National President of the Society, Professor  Adeola Adenikinju, on his outstanding leadership and contributions over the past two years.

Professor Adenikinju, a renowned economist and lecturer at the University of Ibadan, assumed the presidency of the NES two years ago and is set to hand over the reins to a new leadership team during the week-long conference, scheduled from September 8 to 11.

In a statement signed by the Oyo NES Chairman, Dr. Alarudeen Aminu, the state chapter lauded Professor Adenikinju for his transformative leadership, innovative policy engagements, and inclusive approach that elevated the profile of the Society on both national and international fronts.

“Professor Adeola Festus Adenikinju, we are proud of your leadership at the helm of NES. Your two-year leadership was marked with unprecedented strides, cutting-edge ideas, bridge-building, and policy initiatives. You carried the banner of the Society and took it a notch higher,” the statement read.

Dr. Aminu further lauded Professor Adenikinju for fostering constructive dialogue between policymakers, academics, and industry stakeholders, and for promoting greater synergy between economic research and national development goals.

“You engaged the high and low in mutual exchange of ideas, reinforcing the value of collaboration between policymakers and knowledge-based institutions in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges,” he added.

The Oyo NES also noted the increased induction of Economics graduates into the Society under Adenikinju’s leadership, a development seen as vital for nurturing the next generation of economists and policy thinkers.

The 66th NES Conference is expected to draw a wide range of participants, including policymakers, scholars, industry leaders, and students from across Nigeria and beyond. Themed around practical pathways for Nigeria and Africa’s economic transformation, the conference promises to be a robust platform for dialogue, research sharing, and actionable insights.

Professor Adenikinju, who served as the 44th President of the Society, is widely respected for his scholarly work and public service, and the Oyo NES predicts even greater national assignments in his future.

“Congratulations, sir,” Dr. Aminu concluded. “Your impacts will remain indelible in the annals of the Society.”

Meanwhile, the state’s pioneer Chairman of the Society, Dr. Adeboye Adeyemo, has described Professor Adenikinju as a rare breed academic who combines academic excellence with unparalleled administrative acumen.

Dr Adeyemo said: “He is leaving behind a new and invigorated society, having championed the establishment of over 25 active State Chapters across the six geopolitical zones and connected the Society to policy makers and decision takers. No doubt, Professor Adenikinju’s term as President of the Society has been very impactful.”

Many stakeholders look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Professor Adenikinju and his team as the NES ushers in new leadership.

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