By Adeyinka Adeniran
A banking and finance professional, Temitope Olawoyin had publicly declared interest to represent Egbeda state constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), come 2027.
This is as she unveiled a four-point mission anchored on Women and Youth Empowerment, Quality Education and Capacity Building, Community Infrastructure and Development, and Transparent, Accountable Governance.
The management consulting, project management and construction expert is one of the new faces of change who said the time has come for women to take the lead, amid growing calls for gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
Speaking during her official declaration event in Ibadan, Olawoyin said her decision to contest was inspired by a deep commitment to service, inclusion, and the desire to rebuild a more responsive representation for her people.
She said her candidacy was not about ambition but about a mission to bring integrity, empathy, and innovation into governance.
Olawoyin said, “We don’t have enough women in politics, and that must change. This is why I’m stepping forward, to show that women can lead, deliver results, and inspire transformation. Egbeda deserves better, and I’m ready to serve.
“Leadership is not domination; it is sacrifice. Leadership is not a throne but a burden carried with humility. When you empower a woman, you empower a generation.”
According to her, the four point agenda plan aims to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people, improve educational quality, enhance local infrastructure, and promote people-driven governance in Egbeda.
“I have gone round Egbeda, I’ve met our traders, artisans, and youth. I know their challenges and their dreams. My mission is to help them realize those dreams and ensure no one is left behind,” she said.
Reacting to her declaration, Convener of the Oyo State Women and Youth in Politics Sensitization Movement, Farmer Omolara Svensson-Busari, said Olawoyin’s ambition reflects the progress of years of advocacy for women’s inclusion.
“We’ve held six major sensitization programmes across Oyo, and seeing Temitope come out to lead is proof that our message is working.
“Women are awakening politically, and we are taking the right steps forward”, she said.
Busari, who also serves as Olawoyin’s campaign chairperson, urged political parties to support women with equal opportunities and platforms to contest and lead.
Also in his reaction, Bashorun Biliaminu Ogundele, a chieftain of the APC in Egbeda, hailed Olawoyin’s courage, saying her declaration would strengthen the party’s appeal and inspire confidence among women and youth.
“It’s good to see women like Temitope coming out boldly to lead. She represents a new kind of politics, responsible, visionary, and people-centred,” Ogundele noted.
