Policy analyst, economist, and communications strategist Ayobami Adekojo has been inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Experts (INCOS-DE), in recognition of his contributions to public policy and social advancement.
The induction ceremony, held in Abuja, attracted an audience of government officials, development partners, and professionals from across the country, as the Institute welcomed a new class of Fellows certified to enhance Nigeria’s capacity in negotiation, social development, and governance.
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of INCOS-DE, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, said the Institute’s mission was to equip professionals with the skills to negotiate and implement development projects that deliver tangible benefits to communities.
“Nigeria has over ₦40 trillion in potential funding from global development partners and humanitarian organisations,” Yusuff noted. “Our task is to train experts who can access these opportunities and ensure they reach the communities that need them most.
Chairman of the Board of INCOS-DE, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, underscored the importance of negotiation and community engagement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), describing them as vital tools for effective grassroots transformation.
She commended the newly inducted Fellows for their commitment to national growth and encouraged them to uphold the values of transparency, professionalism, and ethical leadership.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Bauchi State Government, Governor Bala Mohammed pledged the state’s support for the Institute’s initiatives.
“I commend the Institute for building a cadre of professionals whose expertise will help unlock global resources and deliver sustainable impact at the local level,” he said. “Bauchi State stands ready to collaborate with certified Fellows to ensure that development funds reach communities and foster real transformation.”
The Institute, which partners with the Møller Institute at the University of Cambridge and Liberty University (USA), provides executive training and certification in negotiation, leadership, and development management.
Speaking after his induction, Ayobami Adekojo expressed appreciation to INCOS-DE for the honour, pledging to continue promoting evidence-based policy, community engagement, and public-private partnerships.
“This fellowship strengthens my resolve to drive policy innovation and design solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Adekojo said.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and fellowship badges to the new inductees, who pledged to uphold the Institute’s ethical and professional standards.
For Adekojo, the fellowship represents both an honour and a renewed responsibility — a call to deepen his contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through negotiation, research, and strategic policy design.
