Ogun State, like many other states in Nigeria, has a rapidly growing youth population, and the challenges that come with this demographic shift require innovative and focused leadership.
With over 60% of the state’s population as youths, it has become increasingly clear that a dedicated platform is needed to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed. This is why the establishment of an Office of the Commissioner for Youth Engagement is both timely and essential.
This is a position designed to harness the potential of Ogun’s youth, bridge the gap between them and the government, and create pathways for their meaningful participation in governance and socio-economic activities. It could also bring about transformative change to the state.
The responsibilities of the Commissioner for Youth Engagement would extend far beyond mere policy creation. It would entail active collaboration with various stakeholders, youth groups, educational institutions, community leaders, and political bodies to ensure that youths are equipped to contribute positively to the development of Ogun State.
The areas of focus will be education, employment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and political engagement. The goal would be to empower Ogun State’s youth to become not just beneficiaries of the state’s development agenda but active participants in it.
In light of this urgent need, Ogun is not short of capable hands to pioneer the take-off of this office. However, of the lot, one individual stands out as the perfect fit for this role: Kadiri Oyewole Sholola.
A man whose roots in Ogun State run deep, with ancestry cutting across Ilishan, Iperu, and Egba, Sholola embodies the values and heritage of the state.
Kadiri’s strong, active participation within the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and in various socio-economic activities further cements his commitment to Ogun’s development.
Moreover, his unique blend of education, business acumen, and philanthropic endeavours make him the ideal candidate to lead the charge for youth engagement in the state.
Born in London, United Kingdom, over three decades ago, Kadiri was raised in a reputable family from Remo land, and received an early education that saw him travel between Nigeria and the UK.
For primary school he was at Princeton Junior School in Surulere, Lagos, before his secondary education at Model College Badore, Focus College, and Global International College. He thereafter returned to the UK, where he pursued higher education at the prestigious University of Nottingham, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering.
Driven by his passion for entrepreneurship, Kadiri established his first company, Unorthodox Clothing Ltd, in 2013 in the UK. Since then, he has continued to expand his business interests, venturing into local businesses such as hair salons, money exchange services, and later founding Unorthodox Agriculture in 2017.
This company specializes in the export of charcoal, contributing to the agricultural sector. In 2018, Sholola also established Ortho Eng. Ltd, focusing on the procurement and management of heavy machinery, which is vital to large infrastructure projects. His involvement in projects such as the cargo airport and the Ilishan-Ago road demonstrates his ability to handle complex and impactful endeavors.
Sholola’s expertise in engineering, combined with his experience in business administration, makes him well-suited for the role of Commissioner for Youth Engagement. His education, includes a Master’s degree in Engineering and Law, which gave him a multifaceted understanding of both technical and legal issues, which are critical in governance. His track record of success in both local and international business contexts reflects his capacity to innovate and lead.
Kadiri Oyewole Sholola can wear the shoes of Commissioner for Youth Engagement because of his youth and energy. This makes him a relatable figure for the young population of Ogun State.
As someone who has built successful businesses both locally and internationally, he serves as a role model for young entrepreneurs and professionals in the state.
His involvement in Ogun State’s socio-economic development, particularly through his businesses and infrastructure projects, highlights his commitment to improving the lives of the state’s citizens. His deep roots in the Ilishan, Iperu, and Egba regions of Ogun also give him a broad understanding of the state’s diverse communities, ensuring that his policies and programs will be inclusive and representative of all youths.
Moreover, Sholola has been an active participant in the All-Progressives Congress APC, where he has served as an agent and observer during various congresses at local, state, and federal levels. This demonstrates his dedication to the party’s growth and his understanding of the political landscape.
Essentially his appointment as Commissioner for Youth Engagement would provide a much-needed bridge for disenfranchised young people to become active members of the APC and to participate meaningfully in governance.
Youth inclusion is key to the future of Ogun State. The state’s young people are full of potential, but right now many of them feel disconnected from the political process and lack opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Sholola’s vision for youth engagement includes creating programs that not only provide opportunities for education and employment but also foster political awareness and participation. His entrepreneurial background makes him uniquely qualified to help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy, while his experience in governance ensures that their voices will be heard at the highest levels.
Sholola has a vision for Ogun State that goes beyond just youth engagement. Deeply committed to advancing the socio-economic development of the entire state, his track record of success in business and infrastructure projects, combined with his dedication to philanthropy and community service, makes him the perfect candidate to lead efforts that will benefit not only the youth but all citizens of Ogun.
He is one person burning with a desire to bring about positive change through effective governance. This is due to his love for the state and his deep understanding of its needs.
Sholola’s leadership as Commissioner for Youth Engagement would undoubtedly bring about the kind of accountable, innovative representation that Ogun State desperately needs.
Sholola K Oyewole
Youth Apc member from
Ikenne State constituency
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