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 Oyo East, Oyo West, Atiba, and Afijio federal constituency in the 2027 general elections.
In this interview, 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 the 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. My vision is to transform it into a thriving economic hub through three key pillars:
1. Tourism & Cultural 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.
My plan is to:
• Champion a bill for the recognition and preservation of Oyo cultural heritage
• Partner with the palace and private sector to develop iconic tourism sites
• Elevate festivals like the Sango Festival into global tourism events
This will position Oyo on the global cultural map.
Once we start getting high footfalls in terms of visitors then an economic boom becomes inevitable
1. Agriculture & Industrialization
We are an agrarian constituency with immense potential.
My approach includes:
• Aggregating smallholder farmers into structured farm estates
• Leveraging agencies like National Agricultural Land Development Authority and Bank of Agriculture for funding and infrastructure
• Driving mechanization, irrigation, and processing capacity
• Attracting agro-processing industries to areas like Awe, Fiditi, and Ilora
With proximity to the Obafemi Awolowo Railway Station, Oyo is strategically positioned for distribution and export, making it a natural industrial hub.
1. Youth & Digital Economy
Our youthful population is a major asset.
I propose to establish Youth Development Hubs across the LGAs that will:
• Combine recreation (sports) with digital skills development
• Train youths in Data Analytics, AI, UI/UX, and Digital Marketing
• Partner with the Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy for support and resources
Beyond these, I will drive targeted social interventions for traders, artisans, and transport workers, while also strengthening healthcare by partnering with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to revamp primary health centres.
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 is known for progress and renewal—“Ajisebi Oyo la ri.”
At this stage, we need to move from incremental progress to transformational growth, particularly in building a sustainable economic hub.
That next phase requires:
• Fresh energy
• Broader exposure
• Proven execution capability
I believe I bring that combination.
What is the major problem facing your constituency, and how will you tackle it?
The core challenge is limited economic structure.
Our people are hardworking, but they lack:
• Structured opportunities
• Access to capital
• Scalable platforms for growth
My solution is to build a strong economic ecosystem through:
• Tourism development
• Agricultural industrialization
• Youth digital empowerment
When you fix the economic foundation, you naturally address poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
How will you tackle insecurity, unemployment, and youth restiveness?
These are symptoms of deeper economic gaps.
My approach is holistic and preventive:
• Job creation through agriculture, tourism, and digital economy
• Youth engagement via skills, hubs, and recreation
• Economic inclusion through structured empowerment
When people are productively engaged and economically empowered:
• Crime reduces
• Restiveness declines
• Communities become more stable
