Today, we celebrate a man whose leadership, dedication, and passion for service have touched countless lives, Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq. As he marks another year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable impact he has made, not just in Share/Oke-Ode Constituency, but across Kwara State and beyond.
Born on March 27, 1977, in Babanloma, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Owolabi has always been deeply connected to his roots. His early education at Muslim Primary School, Share, and Oro Muslim High School, Oro, laid the foundation for his academic and professional pursuits. With a National Diploma in Town Planning from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, he developed a keen interest in urban development—an interest that would later shape his approach to governance and infrastructure projects.
His journey in public service began at the grassroots level, where he served as a two-time councilor for Share III (Adako Ward, Babanloma) in the Ifelodun Local Government Legislative Council. He quickly became a respected voice, chairing the House Committee on Youth and Sport and later rising to the position of Chief Whip. His dedication to the people and ability to drive meaningful change saw him transition to state-level leadership, securing a seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly in 2019 and earning re-election in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Throughout his time in the Assembly, Hon. Owolabi has distinguished himself as a leader who listens, acts, and delivers. As Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Environment, he has championed policies that improve healthcare delivery, environmental sustainability, and overall public well-being. His role in committees focused on Water Resources, Youth, Sports, and Information further highlights his commitment to issues that matter to the people.
Over the past year, he has intensified his efforts to directly impact lives. In June 2024, he launched a cash empowerment program, supporting over 300 individuals in Share/Oke-Ode constituency with financial aid ranging from N20,000 to N25,000. This initiative, held during the third Owoo annual Carnival in Babanloma, was aimed at helping small businesses and vulnerable families thrive. His promise of an even bigger empowerment scheme in the future underscores his commitment to economic growth at the grassroots level.
His passion for healthcare advocacy has also been evident, particularly in his push for increased cancer awareness. Recognizing the growing health crisis, he has been vocal about the need for better education on cancer prevention, symptoms, and treatment. His proactive stance on public health issues reflects his deep concern for the well-being of his constituents.
Hon. Owolabi has also been a strong advocate for political fairness within his party, recently challenging the APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ifelodun Local Government over zoning arrangements for local government elections. His stance reinforced the importance of equity, justice, and adherence to traditional agreements to maintain political stability and inclusivity in governance.
Beyond legislation, his hands-on approach to governance is evident in the numerous projects he has facilitated. His advocacy for quality education led to the establishment of a N1 billion bilingual secondary school in Share, a landmark initiative under the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). This project is set to transform learning opportunities for students in the region. He has also played a key role in infrastructure development, overseeing road construction, electrification projects, and community renovations that have significantly improved the standard of living for his constituents.
His passion for youth development remains one of his most defining attributes. From sponsoring skill acquisition programs to supporting sports initiatives, he continues to create opportunities for young people to thrive. His recognition of the importance of sports in community engagement and youth empowerment has made him an advocate for Kwara’s growing sports sector, where he has praised and encouraged leadership that elevates the state’s reputation in national and international sporting events.
Hon. Owolabi’s dedication to his people has not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with traditional titles such as Oluomo of Oke-Ode Land, Otun Mayegun of Idera Land, Fiwajoye of Labaka Land, and Jagunmolu of Babanloma Land, a testament to the deep respect and appreciation his community holds for him.
As he celebrates his birthday today, it is clear that his journey is far from over. His leadership continues to inspire, and his commitment to progress remains unwavering. The people of Share/Oke-Ode and beyond are fortunate to have such a passionate advocate, a man whose vision for a better future is backed by action.
From all of us at Papyrus Africa, we say Happy Birthday, Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq! May this new year bring even greater achievements, continued wisdom, and the strength to keep making a difference.
