Youths should always be patient - Rt. Hon. Olawale Taofiq

Rt. Hon. Olawale Taofiq Abdusalam, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ondo State.

 "Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years", these were some of the words as our team paid a courtesy birthday visit to Rt. Hon. Olawale Taofiq Abdusalam, Ondo state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure earlirer today.                                

Can we meet you sir?

I am Abdulsalam Taofiq Olawale, from Ikare Akoko Ondo State. A lawyer, a father, a husband and a politician.

How was Growing up as a child sir and your education background?

It was beautiful and peaceful. There was love then, we have people we were looking up to as Role models and mentors. I Attended Moslem primary school and Ahmadiyya grammar school Ogbagi Akoko in 1984 and Lennon Jubilee high school Ikare Akoko in 1985. I continued my education at Oyemekun grammar school for A level and was admitted into then Ondo State University Ado Ekiti, OSUA, where I read Law. In pursuit of my Law profession, I Went to Law school in 1998 and was Call to Bar in 1999. I Served with corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, worked with Babatunde Adeoye and Co. in Lagos, Kazeem Adedeji and Associates, Abuja, Wale Alada and Associates, Abuja. E.

 Looking back, you've been at the helms of power in the state politics, When did you become interested in politics?
I contested and was elected member Ondo State House of Assembly, Akoko North East Constituency from 2003 to 2011, and as Allah will have it, i was elected Speaker ODHA from 2008 to 2010. Also, i was the State coordinator Jonathan/Sambo presidential campaign organizations in 2015, Member National conference Abuja, CONFAB,  2014. Senior Special Assistant on legislative matters to Governor Akeredolu from March 2017 to August 2017, the office i held before being appointed as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructures September Till date.

  

Looking at the state of infrastructure in the country and other country, what can you say sir as principal officer in that ministry?

To be sincere with you, things were not that good when this admission came on board. Thanks to our Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi. Moreover, we lack maintenance culture in this country and that has affected a lot of Infrastructures.

Rt. Hon. Olawale Taofiq during a project inspection

You've not been involved in scandal(s) and It's pretty hard for great politicians of your caliber not have scandal(s) one way or the other. What is the secret sir?
Because I am always myself and I mind my business. I believe in God and whatever He has in stock for me. Believe me, without Him you can never be anything.

As a former lawmaker and principal lawmaker, Speaker, will you say legislative-Executive relationship is still cohesive as it used to be?

Yes, in Ondo state.

As a vibrant lawyer, as a youth and a politician, what's your view on YOUTHS coming into the affairs of power?

They should always be patient and have a mentor who will be the guide for them. Most importantly always be yourself.

Hon. Commissioner Addressing the media

Rt. Hon. Olawale Taofiq on a normal state outing

How do you feel Celebrating your birthday today?

I am happy, my Kid brother's birthday was on Friday and here am i today. I am happy for my Family, Alhamdullilah.

What's your philosophy about life and religion sir?

Life is give and take and always do good you will see good.

Are you married sir?

Of course, with kids

How do you spend your leisure times?

Watching Tv, sports and football. 

Which club?
Sunshine stars FC of Akure and Arsenal FC

workout routine during the Cabinet retreat recently held at Best western Plus Hotels, Owo

What is your advice for the people of Ondo state, especially your grassroot, IKARE?

Everybody should rally round our Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN and pray for him to succeed. He has started very well and performed beyond expectations in d last one year despite paucity of fun. Thank you