David Oluwafemi Okunlola, running mate to All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, has revealed what his youthfulness would add to the campaign.
The Saki-born Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso lecturer revealed this in an exclusive interview with OYOINSIGHT.COM.
He disclosed how his upbringing shaped his life, adding that “Again, I give glory to God for His Mercy on me. Let me tell you here unequivocally that most of my bosom friends are Muslims. My mother was born into a Muslim family while my father was born into a Christian home. So, to me, it’s a mixture of both. That’s why I take interest in studying the two Holy Books – Bible and Quran. My students can testify to this in a course I take and that’s the source of the nickname Dr. Tewétegbo! To let you know that, as I study Bible and Quran, I also have good interest studying traditional faith because the three are interconnected and interrelated. Let me shock you!— I read/study both Bible and Quran, and the two have helped me tremendously in my judgement of/on issues that comes my way, and even in decision making. However, my interest in other faiths doesn’t take away the fact and truth of being a Christian.”
He said he was not born with the proverbial silver spoon. “Well, let us first appreciate God for His grace and mercy in the journey of life so far. May His name be glorified forever. To your question of being born with silver spoon or not. Proverbial silver spoon is subjective, depending on which angle one views it from. As for me, I was born by noble parents and into a noble family where hard work, good moral and self discipline remains the hallmark till date. My parents might not be rated among affluent in the society, but they are not poor. That’s why contentment has no replacement in the journey of my life and aside God, I hold every gratitude to my parents.”
He also spoke on how he joined politics.
“My journey to this moment was not so smooth but God of enablement has been there for me. Political inclination comes two ways, inborn or by acquisition. However, the two must compliment each other in an individual to succeed in the journey of politics. That is why it marvels one to hear some individuals claims of not having mentors. So, my journey to this present moment takes its roots from innate and acquisitions cum willingness to serve the good people of Oyo State.
On how as a Christian, he knows some Islamic tents, he retorted ”It takes God’s grace. It is one thing to aspire, it is another to have the grace and enablement. And that grace God has given me shall never be taken for granted.”
According to him, his parents are his greatest influence.
”In the first place, my greatest influence in life are My parents! May I tell you, that I appreciate my father in death more than while he was alive. The foundation he laid so far has being my strength. May his soul continue to rest in peace and I equally appreciate my mother for the upbringing. There is this popular saying that – Omo to ba dara, ti Baba è ni, èyí tó kù díè káàtó ni tìyá è. Ki Olorun jéki gbogbo abiamo jèrè Omo won. To this I pray that God continually bless the womb that conceived me.
“Next to my parents are my teachers in all aspects of my life, academic, moral and political parents. As a moving stream that gives waters to the surrounding vegetations experiences protection, calmness and cleanness, so shall it be unto them all for their positive impacts and influence in my life.”
He said it was divine that he is now running mate to Folarin having contested contested governorship under All Grassroots Alliance, AGA, in 2019.
”God has a way of shaping His handwork’s journey in life. Little wonder stanza 4 of one Baptist Hymn 257 says –
B’ orun ti ga ju aiye lo,
Bel’ ero Re ga ju t’ emi,
Ma dari mi k’ emi le lo
S’ ipa ona ododo Re
“In other words, God has over a billion ways where I have none!
“While my own vision was on becoming a governor in 2019, God’s own plan for me could be liken to that of Moses and Joseph in foreign land, which was to prepare them for a greater future. Now that His Will is clear to present me a running mate on the platform of incoming government at all levels come 2023 and beyond in Oyo State and Nigeria at large, May His (God) name be glorified forever.
Speaking on how he became AGA candidate in 2019, he said it “didn’t come on platter of gold. It was divine. Perhaps, a sojourn to prepare me for this moment. Do not forget I was the youngest and the least in terms of financial strength amongst every other good citizens and illustrious sons of my region who stepped out on Okeogun Lókan Project. The processes that produced me as the preferred candidate of Okeogun were purely on merit, based on undaunted decision and credibility of the vessels of honour in charge and the available number of political parties that offered my region their gubernatorial tickets.
Asked how as a 49-year old, his youthfulness would assist the APC and Okeogun, he explained that “from all senses of definition, I am among the youth as you rightly identified. Practically, I interrelate well with people of all age and status (artisans, students, civil and public servants, retirees, aged among others) brackets. This fact cannot be separated from my background and training as a real local, student and academic.
“For election matter, people are involved and needed, also across cadres.
“Being with people across all cadres as identified above, which has assisted in winning their confidence and loyalty, this is a plus for my party, APC.
“I am a well grounded OkeOgun born and my interpersonal relationships in Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibadan, are assets for our election. Another basic and fundamental truth are the experiences and acumen gathered during the 2019 election, all will be brought to table. On a personal level, I value integrity, fairness, service and most especially humanity so much. All these personal attributes will obviously add to the success of my party during electioneering and in delivering in office.
Another latent advantage is the fact that as an academic and researcher proffering solutions to problems in governance becomes easier, not only by principles alone but also by practice . In a sane clime, academics profer way forward on development, which obviously we are not tapping into in this part of the world.
“Do not forget, that the wealth of an individual is not measurable by the amount of money in whatever currency he has in his bank account, but by the calibre of people that surrounds him! I tell you without mincing or mixing words that my party – APC and incoming governor, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, OFR are very wealthy because quality brain and world builders are around him, especially from the academic world I came from.
The choice of the distinguished senator is a demonstration of his readiness to expose youths to good governance and to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Oyo state.
“By His grace, we already have a deal with people of Oyo state to deliver good leadership and excellent governance.
“Congratulations to the people of Oyo State for the rays of hope and all inclusive good governance in the state with effect from May 29, 2023,” he added.
