"A man who found himself to be famous in the morning hasn't gone to sleep." - Owolabi Falana

Fondly referred to as OJ, Owolabi was born into the Falana family in Mushin, Lagos. His mother is TA Falana (Nee Apena), a member of Apena clan, Epe, Lagos. His father is Olajide Falana, a retired civil servant and celebrated politician from the Falana clan, Mushin, Lagos. OJ, from childhood, has possessed a passion for community and social change. Growing up in Mushin, he realized the challenges faced by his community, which triggered his determination to make a clear difference.

Falana began his education in the early 1990s; he attended New City Primary School in Mushin where he was awarded by Mushin Local Government Education Authority as the 1st Runner-up pupil in Social Studies and pursued his secondary education at Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo, Lagos. With a focus on Economics, he traveled on 29th September 2010 to commence his Bachelor’s Degree at Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, Ukraine. As a student, his colleagues admired him because of his impeccable intelligence and unmatched excellent virtues, he was the Class Governor (староста) of his cosmopolitan ECO-10-1 class and he was always consulted on various issues by the school management and his colleagues.

Falana recognized the power of education as a catalyst for societal transformation and remained rightly guided and focused. His academic journey, marked by his excellent result as a first-class (Red Diploma) graduate, provided the foundation for his future leadership role.

Falana's professional journey reflects a diverse and impactful career trajectory. He commenced his career at Wealthteam Properties Ltd. before pursuing higher education. During his university years, he contributed significantly to Kenako Ukraine International and STUNTS Group LLC in administrative and representative capacities. Upon returning to Nigeria, he took on roles at Wealthteam Properties Ltd. and later contributed to Pentagon Real Estate Investment Limited as a Sales Manager, demonstrating his strategic insight and managerial skills.

In 2017, he founded Ohjay Group, now a prominent name in the construction and project planning management space.

He was appointed in August 2022 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to serve as a Board Member in charge of Basic Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board.

Falana entered the political arena in 2007 before pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Ukraine, driven by a dedication to social change that transcended grassroots initiatives. He served as the ACN party agent forward G1 in Mushin.

During his university years, he actively participated in student movements, advocating for the rights of youth and marginalized communities. His vibrant approach garnered attention, and in 2011, he became the Director of Finance for the Nigeria Students’ Association in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Upon returning to Nigeria in 2014, he initiated grassroots projects addressing critical issues such as education, healthcare, security, and employment. He actively supported programs like Conversation for Change during the 2015 general elections, contributing to the victory of the Muhammadu Buhari Government.

In 2018, he founded the Jide Sanwoolu Youth Movement, mobilizing over 5000 PVC-holding youths to support the candidacy of Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu/Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (BOSKOH). In 2022, he became the youngest National Delegate from Lagos State at the APC National Convention and was subsequently appointed the Deputy Director of Youths for the Tinubu/Shettima and Sanwoolu/Hamzat Independent Campaign Council. His systematic approach and resourcefulness brought him recognition as a dynamic youth leader.

Falana’s leadership style goes beyond conventional norms. He believes in empowering the youth by providing them with opportunities for education, skill development, and active participation in civic processes. His motivational speeches and workshops have inspired a new generation of socio-political leaders who share his vision for a more inclusive and just society.

He contributed to the growth of the nation through his pen. His first work was “Analysis of Labour Market in Nigeria” in 2014. And in 2022, he wrote “Strategic Leadership and infrastructural development in Lagos State”. And in 2023, he co-authored Two outstanding Governors Sanwoolu and Zulum. Over the years, Falana’s contributions have earned numerous awards, including the Most Vibrant Student in Economics at KNURE, Ukraine, in 2013 and the Most Outstanding Youth in Education at the 2022 Lagos Youth Awards.

Driven by an abiding passion for community improvement and value addition to lives, Falana is committed to eradicating poverty in Africa. His commitment to societal growth extends beyond work, indulging in interests like football, documentaries, and global politics. His ultimate goal remains the eradication of poverty in Africa, envisioning the continent as a global growth generator.