APC is youth friendly party – Falana

• seen on: The Nation

Owolabi Jamiu Falana was a deputy director for youths in the Tinubu/Shettima and Sanwo-Olu Hamzat Independent Campaign Council, currently serving as a director, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education. He is the youngest-ever board member of the Lagos SUBEB when he joined September 2022. He spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI

The Appeal Court just affirmed the victory of Gov Sanwo-Olu. How will you react to this confirmation of his reelection?

Mr. Governor’s victory at the Appellate Court is a welcome development but it did not come as a surprise to me because he worked hard during the campaigns by involving all stakeholders, and I was actively involved so I watched him closely winning the minds of our people.

Furthermore, the Appeal Court verdict stands as a confirmation of the choice of Lagosians and will further strengthen the governor’s resolve to deliver valuable service to our people and achieve what we now term as THEMES+ Agenda.

 What’s your opinion about the governor’s programmes and policies for the education sector in Lagos?

The 3rd pillar of THEMES+ Agenda is Education and Technology. Infusing technology into the basic education sector has helped a great deal in aligning with global best practices. As the Permanent Board Member in charge of Basic Education Quality Assurance at Lagos SUBEB; I can tell you that monitoring of the teaching and learning process is now digitalized and all our officers have gadgets through which they use to track punctuality, delivery of teaching activities, attendance, etc. All our teachers are also connected to the same platform that enables us to track their activities real-time, from our Situation Room.

At the Tertiary Education level, in addition to the creation of 2 new specialized universities – Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH); our state-owned institutions did not join the recent ASUU Strike which lasted for 8 months that brought stability and systemic organization to our education system.

Do you think the ruling APC and President Tinubu have carried the youth along in this administration?

The President wrote in the Renewed Hope Manifesto that at least 20% of political appointments would be given to youths and he has in fact surpassed the target. This is the first time that we will be having two young people below the age of 40 heading the Ministry of Youth. He has not only appointed youths as Ministers, he also assigned them to key Ministries such as Digital Economy, Humanitarian, Arts and Culture, etc. The same is true for Agencies and Parastatals like the Nigerian Communications Commission, NASENI, NIPOST, etc which are headed by young people.

I can tell you that in spite of all I’ve said about my foray into politics and education administration in Lagos State, my success story today is made possible because our party, the ruling APC, gives room for the youth to thrive in public service.

But for the youth-centric nature of the party and our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu, the story would be different today.

That is why I can boldly tell you that APC is the most youth-friendly political party in the country today. President Tinubu has further affirmed that with the constitution of this cabinet.

Sanwo-Olu has given you the opportunity to serve in his government, what are you doing to lift youths?

One of the most exceptional aspects of my journey is my ability to inspire and empower today’s youth. Through engaging speeches, mentorship programmes, and active participation in youth-oriented initiatives.

Many of the youths see me as a beacon of hope.

I also feature regularly on various media platforms as a public affairs analyst, offering a unique insight into national and local issues bedeviling our dear country.

With all modesty, I would say with my good track record in public management, business development, project management, entrepreneurship, and innovation, I participated fully in culturing the next generation, having led various youth groups, and participated and still participating in numerous policy dialogues across Nigeria and Europe.

Recognising my leadership skills, passion for social development, youth empowerment, and nation-building, probably prompted the government’s recognition of my potential, which prompted the Lagos government to consider me for an appointment.

What are the things you’ll say contributed to your political growth as a young politician?

I will say preparation and readiness. As a thoroughbred Mushin indigene, I had both my primary and secondary education in Mushin and graduated top of my class, pursued higher education in Economics at Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics in Ukraine, graduating with first-class honours. I also hold an MA in Public Management from Babcock University Ilisan-Remo and I am an alumnus of the FATE Foundation Entrepreneurs Program AEP60. This explains my commitment to education at all levels.

Of course,  the journey has been marked by challenges given my modest background, but I  overcame it with unwavering determination and resilience to reach beyond the limitations.

However, being a youth alone is not enough to prepare you for public office. Before my appointment to LA-SUBEB, I held key positions in various organizations, such as Administrative Manager at Kenako Ukraine, European Regional Representative for STUNTS Group LLC, Marketing Manager at Wealthteam Properties Ltd, and in 2016, founded Ohjay Group, which is fast becoming a foremost construction and project management company in Nigeria. I prepared myself as a catalyst for change, encouraging young people to actively participate in politics and make a difference in their communities and I’m showing this by example.

 Would you say you are doing enough to make a mark as a young politician in the position given to you?

I began my political journey as the ACN Party Agent for Ward G1 in Mushin during Fashola’s gubernatorial election in 2007 and continued to rise through the ranks,

I was later nominated as the Youngest National Delegate from Lagos State at the APC National Convention in 2022.

I founded Jide Sanwo-Olu Youth Movement (JISYM) in 2018, and served as the Deputy Director for Youths in the Tinubu /Shettima and Sanwoolu Hamzat Independent Campaign Council.