Idowu Adesokan is an Oyo-born politician and a seniors management staff at foremost telecommunication company, MTN. He is aspiring to represent the people of AFIJIO, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West federal constituency in the 2027 general elections.
In this interview with OYOINSIGHT.COM, he speaks about his aspirations and what sets him apart from others in the race.
Why do you want to represent Oyo Federal Constituency?
I was born into a political home grounded in progressive ideals, and from an early age, I developed a deep passion for people and community development. At its core, my aspiration is simple: to create an enabling environment where the people of Oyo Federal Constituency can truly thrive. I see myself as a bridge between the dreams of our people and the realization of those dreams.
With over two decades of private sector experience, rising into leadership, I have developed the capacity to identify gaps, diagnose root causes, and implement both tactical and long-term solutions at scale. I am bringing that experience into public service.
Oyo Federal Constituency is rich with untapped opportunities, and my vision is to transform it into a thriving economic hub anchored on tourism, agriculture, and the digital economy. Oyo is home to the legacy of the Oyo Empire, one of the largest surviving empires in sub-Saharan Africa, yet this heritage remains under-leveraged. Interestingly, places like Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, built around Yoruba heritage, attract thousands of global visitors annually. I intend to champion legislation for the recognition and preservation of Oyo’s cultural assets, work with the palace and private investors to develop iconic tourism destinations, and elevate festivals such as the Sango Festival into globally recognized events. Once we begin to attract significant visitor traffic, the economic impact will be far-reaching.
Beyond tourism, Oyo is naturally positioned as an agrarian hub. My approach is to structure and modernize agriculture by aggregating farmers, improving access to finance through institutions such as the National Agricultural Land Development Authority and the Bank of Agriculture, and promoting mechanization, irrigation, and processing. With its proximity to the Obafemi Awolowo Railway Station, Oyo also has a strategic advantage for distribution and export, making it well-suited for agro-industrial growth.
Equally important is the youth population, which represents one of our greatest assets. I plan to establish youth development hubs that combine recreation with digital skills training in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, UI/UX, and digital marketing. These will be supported through partnerships with relevant federal institutions to ensure sustainability and scale.
In addition, I will pursue targeted social interventions for traders, artisans, and transport workers, while strengthening primary healthcare through collaboration with national agencies. Altogether, my goal is to build a constituency where opportunity is structured, growth is inclusive, and prosperity is sustainable.
The incumbent is from your party—why not support him instead?
Ideas alone are not enough; execution is everything. While the incumbent has made contributions over his tenure, leadership is also about timing and transition. Oyo has always been known for progress and renewal—“Ajisebi Oyo la ri.”
At this stage, the constituency must move from incremental progress to transformational growth, particularly in building a sustainable economic hub. That next phase requires fresh energy, broader exposure, and a proven ability to execute at scale. I believe I bring that combination, along with a clear vision for unlocking the full potential of our people and our resources.
What is the major problem facing your constituency, and how will you tackle it?
The fundamental challenge facing the constituency is the lack of a structured economic framework. Our people are hardworking and entrepreneurial, but they often operate without access to capital, organized systems, or scalable platforms that can unlock real growth.
My approach is to build a strong and integrated economic ecosystem anchored on tourism development, agricultural industrialization, and youth-driven digital innovation. By strengthening these pillars, we create jobs, stimulate enterprise, and open up new streams of income across the constituency.
When the economic foundation is solid, issues such as poverty, unemployment, and even insecurity begin to resolve naturally. The focus, therefore, is not just on addressing symptoms but on fixing the underlying structure.
How will you tackle insecurity, unemployment, and youth restiveness?
These challenges are largely symptoms of deeper economic gaps. My approach is both holistic and preventive, focusing on creating opportunities rather than merely reacting to problems.
By driving job creation through agriculture, tourism, and the digital economy, and by actively engaging young people through skills development and structured programs, we can significantly reduce the drivers of insecurity and restiveness. Economic inclusion is central to this strategy, ensuring that more people are meaningfully engaged and empowered.
When individuals have access to opportunities and can see a clear path to prosperity, crime reduces, restiveness declines, and communities become more stable. My focus is to build that environment—one where productivity replaces idleness and hope replaces uncertainty.
