Taiwo Francis Akerele
Taiwo Francis Akerele (born March 30, 1976) is a Nigerian policy economist, author, and politician.
He served as the Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government under Governor Godwin Obaseki from 2016 until his resignation on April 25, 2020.
Education and Career
- Studied at:
- Harvard University
- Carleton University
- Stellenbosch University
- World Bank Institute
- University of Ibadan
- University of Benin
- Founding member of the Center for Values in Leadership, Lagos Business School.
- Worked at:
- United Bank for Africa (Strategy Group Agent)
- First City Monument Bank
- Fidelity Union Merchant Bank (during National Youth Service Corps)
- Served as Project Coordinator for the World Bank Public Financial Management and Youth Employment Program for Edo State:
- Initiated budget reform programs.
- Created public finance management and audit laws for the state.
- Country Representative of Policy House International.
- FCT Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors.
- Appointed Technical Adviser to the National Project Coordinator of the NGCares Project (World Bank-assisted) in June 2022.
Politics
- In 2017, condemned the poor treatment of Edo-origin Nigerian migrants in Libya and outlined plans for their return, reintegration, and empowerment.
- On April 25, 2020, resigned as Chief of Staff citing administrative and governance grounds, while reaffirming support for Governor Obaseki.
- Following his resignation, the State Security Service (DSS) reportedly searched his residence and removed documents.
- On Children’s Day 2021 (May 27), warned that ongoing school closures in northern Nigeria could raise the number of out-of-school children from 10.5 million to 15 million by year-end.
- In July 2021, criticized Nigeria’s weak revenue mobilization despite a sustainable debt profile and advocated for private sector lending backed by government support.
- Urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to follow constitutional processes to avoid candidate imposition ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
Personal Life
- Indigene of Igarra, Akoko-Edo, Edo State, Nigeria.
- Married to Onayimi Akerele; they have four children.
Awards and Recognition
- Honored at the Focus Africa Awards & Expo for contributions to human capital development in Nigeria.
- 2019 – Award from the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice for championing the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Edo State.
- 2017 – Conferred the chieftaincy title “Omokhafe” (“child is home”) by HRH Oba Sule Idaiye of Somorika in recognition of community development efforts in Akoko-Edo.