The DPC was founded by the late Professor Ojetunji Aboyade in 1993. An erudite and highly distinguished scholar of international repute and a gifted administrator, late Professor Aboyade desired an autonomous and independent think tank where various stakeholders concerned about Nigeria's development process could brainstorm and develop sustainable policy options in this regard.

Regarded as the 'Father of Economics' in Nigeria who mentored and trained some of the leading economic planners and technocrats in the Nation today, Professor Aboyade recognised that the dicipline of economics alone could not address the weaknesses in the policy analysis and management mechanism of the nation's government at all levels, the federal, state and local. Hence, he established the DPC to encourage 'Multidiciplinary Approach' towards developing policy options for the nation's development. Other disciplines includede in this framework are: Political Science, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Management, Gender and Social Development, Information Management, Poverty e.t.c.

This unit contains publications writen in honour of this great patriot and give considerable insight into the legacy of Professor Ojetunji Aboyade.