By Idongesit Jonah
At sixty, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele FNSE, exemplifies a rare blend of intellectual depth, professional excellence and quiet political strength.
Her life’s journey reflects a steady climb marked not by noise, but by purpose, discipline and enduring impact.
Born on January 8, 1966, to the late Professor Lateef Salako and Mrs Rahmat Adebisi Salako, Engr. Salako-Oyedele hails from Ota in Aworiland.
From an early age, she was shaped by strong family values that emphasised education, integrity and service—principles that have remained the compass of her public and private life.
Her academic pursuits took her from the University of Lagos, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1987, to Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health Engineering in 1989.
This solid academic foundation prepared her for a career defined by excellence and global best practices.
With over three decades of experience, Engr. Salako-Oyedele built an outstanding professional career in engineering consultancy, contracting and real estate development.
Her work with reputable organisations, including Ove Arup & Partners in the United Kingdom, and her leadership as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Glenwood Property Development Company Limited, positioned her as a respected voice in the built environment sector.
Her entry into politics in 2019 marked a historic milestone in Ogun State. Elected Deputy Governor alongside His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, she became the only female Deputy Governor in the South-West at the time and the first from Aworiland. The moment was not just symbolic; it signalled a shift towards inclusive leadership grounded in competence.
In office, Engr. Salako-Oyedele has distinguished herself as a thoughtful administrator and dependable partner in governance. She has served Ogun State with loyalty, patience and strategic insight, contributing meaningfully to policy direction and implementation as a member of the State Executive Council.
Her leadership extends to key committees, including her role as Chairman of the Ogun State Boundary Committee and the State Steering Committee of the World Bank-funded Nigeria for Women Project. Through these platforms, she has championed equitable development, women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion.
Nationally, her appointment in 2023 to the High-Level Advisory Committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender by former President Muhammadu Buhari underscored her growing influence and credibility beyond state politics.
A consistent theme in her public engagements is mentorship. Engr. Salako-Oyedele believes leadership must be shared and sustained. She has actively supported the emergence of young women into political leadership, encouraged female participation at grassroots levels and advocated for policies that promote gender balance.
Her speeches at international and national fora, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and the APC Women National Summit, reflect a leader who speaks from experience. She addresses the realities of cultural bias, the importance of loyalty tempered with integrity, and the need to intentionally prepare the next generation of leaders.
Despite operating in a male-dominated political space, she has remained firm yet graceful, proving that leadership is not about confrontation, but about consistency, character and results. Her calm disposition and principled approach have earned her respect across political and social divides.
Beyond politics, Engr. Salako-Oyedele’s engagement with youths and teenagers reveals another dimension of her leadership.
At forums such as the Trust Teens Conference, she emphasizes values, self-awareness and consistency, reinforcing her belief that influence begins long before public office.
As a wife, mother and devout Muslim, she balances public responsibility with strong family values. She is married to Alhaji Bode Oyedele, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, and credits family support as a vital pillar of her success.
Traditional recognition has also followed her journey. In December 2023, she was conferred with the title Beere of Ota Aworiland by the Olota of Ota, a testament to her impact and acceptance within her community.
At sixty, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele is not merely reflecting on past achievements; she is shaping a legacy anchored on service, inclusion and sustainability. Her story is that of a woman who leads with purpose, lifts others as she rises, and continues to inspire by example.
As Ogun State celebrates this milestone, it honours not just the age of an Amazon, but the enduring strength, wisdom and service of a leader whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
Idongesit Jonah writes from the Office of the Deputy Governor
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