Mr. Sanuth Jafar Babatunde Adewole, an Epe-born technocrat and retired Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, has been honoured as the Distinguished Father of the Day at the first anniversary celebration of the GRACE Foundation.
Epe Insights reports that the recognition was presented during the foundation’s anniversary celebration held at the Ijebu-Ode Grammar School Hall, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The honour recognises Adewole’s more than four decades of professional service spanning agricultural economics, public administration, development projects, agribusiness and community leadership.
Adewole, a native of Epe, Lagos State, is also the President of the Epe Ogunmodede Club, where he continues to contribute to community development and the advancement of the interests of Epe people.
Born on December 26, 1958, Adewole began his education at Epe Grammar School and obtained his Secondary School Certificate in 1977.
He proceeded to the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he earned a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Agricultural Economics in 1984.
His commitment to professional development continued after his first degree.
He later obtained a Certificate in Electronic Data Management in 1996 and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1997.
Adewole also participated in professional courses covering agricultural development, project management and economic planning.
His professional career began in 1984 as an Agricultural Economist and Financial Analyst with Manfu International Consultancy Limited in Kaduna.
He later joined the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, where he rose to become Head of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
His career subsequently took him to the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, where he served as Director of Planning.
In that capacity, he was involved in agricultural planning, policy implementation and monitoring.
Adewole later served as Director of Industry and Team Head, Economics, under the Lagos State Government Informal Sector Reform Programme.
His administrative experience eventually led to his appointment as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
He was later appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development and subsequently served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
Adewole retired from the Lagos State Civil Service in 2017 after a career that covered several ministries and areas of public administration.
His retirement from the civil service, however, did not bring an end to his professional activities.
He continued to contribute to agricultural and rural development through assignments connected with development initiatives supported by organisations such as the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
His engagements included agricultural value chain development, project implementation and rural economic empowerment.
Adewole also extended his experience into the private sector through RASAJ Ventures, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer.
The enterprise is involved in agricultural consultancy, agribusiness and commercial fish farming at the Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate.
His areas of professional interest include agricultural economics, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, policy formulation, agribusiness development, agro-allied production, business management and development consultancy.
Beyond his professional career, Adewole has maintained a strong connection with his Epe roots.
His leadership of the Epe Ogunmodede Club has further provided an avenue for him to participate in activities focused on education, community development and the welfare of Epe people.
Adewole was elected President of the Epe Ogunmodede Club for the 2026–2028 tenure, following the club’s leadership election in March 2026.
The club has historically promoted education and community development, including support for educational opportunities for young people in Epe.
His current role therefore adds another dimension to his long-standing involvement in professional and community activities.
The GRACE Foundation’s recognition brings together different aspects of Adewole’s journey, from his early education in Epe to his professional career in agriculture and public administration.
It also highlights his continued involvement in development initiatives after his retirement from the Lagos State Civil Service.
The Distinguished Father recognition was therefore presented against the background of his extensive professional experience and community involvement.
Adewole’s career has taken him through agricultural economics, government administration, development programmes, entrepreneurship and community leadership.
His journey also reflects the diverse professional paths that have shaped the careers of many Epe indigenes serving in public and private sectors.
The recognition at the GRACE Foundation anniversary adds another milestone to a career that has spanned more than four decades.
As President of the Epe Ogunmodede Club and an experienced retired public servant, Adewole continues to maintain links with professional, agricultural and community development activities.
His story remains connected to Epe through his educational foundation, community leadership and ongoing commitment to activities that involve the development of the area.
