A Journey of Grace: Ogun State Deputy Governor Reflects on Six Decades of Life and Service
At 60, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, embodies a spirit of resilience and dedication. Her journey, marked by academic pursuits, entrepreneurial ventures, and a deep-seated passion for public service, offers a compelling narrative of grace, destiny, and unwavering commitment. Reflecting on her six decades, she shares insights into governance, the evolving role of women in politics, and the personal sacrifices and profound rewards of public life.
A Foundation of Academia and Early Aspirations
Born on January 8, 1966, in Ibadan, Nigeria, to Dr. Lateef Salako and Mrs. Rahmat Salako, Noimot Salako-Oyedele’s upbringing was steeped in intellectualism and a close-knit family environment. Her father, a medical doctor, fostered an environment where learning was paramount. Her early education took her through distinguished institutions like the University of Ibadan Staff School, Queen’s School, Ibadan, and the International School, Ibadan.
Initially, her academic trajectory pointed towards architecture. “I recall that after completing Form 5 in secondary school, as it was called then, I wanted to study Architecture,” she shares. She even applied to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), which admitted students under the age of 16. However, parental concerns about her young age led her to pursue a two-year A-levels program before enrolling at the University of Lagos in 1983 to study Civil Engineering. This decision, while a departure from her initial aspiration, laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually intersect with public service.
Her academic pursuits extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. After completing her youth service with the Lagos State Water Corporation, she pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health Engineering at the prestigious Imperial College of Science and Technology in the United Kingdom. She spent several years working in the UK before returning to Nigeria, where she engaged in independent engineering consultancy and construction, further honing her entrepreneurial skills.
The Unforeseen Path to Politics
Despite a lifelong fascination with current affairs and a consistent engagement with politics, particularly during her time in the UK, the prospect of holding elected office in Nigeria was not something she actively pursued. “I have always loved politics,” she admits. “Growing up, one of my favourite activities was listening to the news and reading Time Magazine. I have always been deeply concerned about happenings in Nigeria and around the world.”
Her entry into mainstream Nigerian politics was, by her own admission, a matter of “pure grace and destiny.” In 2018, when Governor Dapo Abiodun emerged as the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2019 gubernatorial election, he sought a running mate. Although a committed party member, Salako-Oyedele had never sought elective office, nor had she ever contested for any position, not even as a class captain. Yet, she fit the profile the party was seeking. After a competitive screening process involving several other interested individuals, she emerged as the chosen candidate, a moment she attributes to divine providence.
Championing Women in Politics: Beyond Tokenism
As a woman in a prominent political role, Salako-Oyedele is a vocal advocate for increased female participation in governance. Her message to aspiring women in politics is one of preparedness and competence. “It is important for people to first excel in whatever they are doing,” she advises. “Elective positions are incidental; one should not just finish schooling and immediately decide that the next step is to go to the House of Assembly or the House of Representatives.” She stresses the need for women to understand the competitive nature of politics and be ready to operate as part of a team.
While acknowledging the importance of affirmative action, she firmly rejects “tokenism”—placing women in positions without regard to competence. “Tokenism is simply placing women in positions without regard to competence, and that is something I do not support because it is counterproductive to the women’s cause,” she explains. She believes that affirmative action should open doors, but competence must determine who walks through them. Her own selection as Deputy Governor, she notes, was a result of affirmative action that still involved a competitive screening process alongside male candidates, a balance she deems crucial.
Six Years in Public Service: A Transformative Experience
The experience of serving as Deputy Governor for over six years has been nothing short of transformative. “It has been quite interesting,” she reflects. “I remember someone telling me when I first assumed office that my life would never remain the same, and that has proved true.” The shift from a private, family-oriented life to one constantly in the public eye has meant a significant loss of personal privacy. However, she expresses no regrets, viewing the opportunity as a rare privilege. She is deeply grateful to God and to Governor Abiodun for the opportunity to serve in both her first and second terms.
A notable aspect of her tenure has been the reportedly harmonious relationship with Governor Abiodun, a rarity in Nigerian politics. This, she attributes to a shared vision: “We came together with a common goal: to serve the people of Ogun State. It has never been about competition or conflict.” Their focus, she emphasizes, remains steadfastly on service.
Balancing Act: Work, Family, and Public Scrutiny
The demanding nature of her role inevitably impacts her personal life, particularly her family. Maintaining work-life balance is a significant challenge, but one she navigates with the “immense support from my husband, children, and family.” She acknowledges that her presence may not be as frequent as she would like, but her family understands and supports her commitment. “They are part of the deputy governor’s team, and they too live in the public eye,” she notes, highlighting the shared nature of their public service.
Ogun West’s Aspiration and the Call for Unity
As Ogun State approaches its 50th anniversary, the long-standing aspiration of the Ogun West senatorial district to produce a governor remains unfulfilled. With the 2027 general election on the horizon, Salako-Oyedele expresses hope and outlines a strategy centered on unity. “Fifty years after the creation of Ogun State, Ogun West is still awaiting its turn, but we remain hopeful,” she states. She advocates for a united front, where if the ruling APC nominates a candidate from Ogun West, there will be widespread support, coupled with efforts to garner backing from other regions of the state. While acknowledging that the constitution does not mandate zoning, she appeals to the ruling party for fairness, urging that the governorship ticket be extended to Ogun West.
A Glimpse into a Typical Day and Navigating Criticism
A typical day for the Deputy Governor begins early, around 5:30 am, with prayers, reviewing messages, and staying abreast of local, national, and global events. This is followed by official duties, whether at the office or attending scheduled programs, with a gradual winding down in the evening.
Public office, she understands, comes with inherent scrutiny. She views constructive criticism as a vital tool for improving governance and takes it seriously. However, she draws a firm line against abuse, threats, or incitement to violence, deeming them unacceptable.
Nurturing Intellectual Curiosity and Personal Well-being
Salako-Oyedele attributes her “cerebral and knowledgeable” qualities to her upbringing in a highly academic environment. The lack of widespread internet access in her formative years meant relying on encyclopedias and a strong encouragement from her father to cultivate a robust reading culture and intellectual curiosity.
Her radiant appearance at 60, she attributes solely to “the grace of God.” While her face may not betray her age, her knees, she humorously admits, are a constant reminder. Maintaining her well-being involves regular exercise, including using the treadmill, and a commitment to healthy living.
The Enduring Importance of Family and Girl-Child Development
Family, for Salako-Oyedele, is paramount. “Family is everything to me. I do not sacrifice them for anything,” she asserts. While adjustments are made, her family remains her priority. Her favourite meal is a simple yet hearty eba and okro soup with beef.
Her thoughts on the girl-child are equally passionate. While acknowledging progress, she stresses that “much more needs to be done.” She firmly believes that supporting the education of the girl-child is essential, as education empowers them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Looking Ahead: Service and Legacy
As she celebrates her 60th birthday, her reflections are filled with gratitude for life, family, and health. She prays for continued health, happiness, and prosperity, and for her children to achieve even greater success. Her commitment to public service extends beyond her current tenure. “After completing my second term, I remain open to serving the people in any capacity that contributes to the progress of Ogun State and Nigeria,” she concludes, her gaze fixed firmly on the future and the continued betterment of her state and nation.
