The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Housing and Urban Development, Akinsete Olakunle, has said that his decision to contest for the Ibadan South-West Constituency II seat in the forthcoming general election is hinged on the fact that the legislative arm of government plays a critical role in shaping policies that directly affect citizens.

According to him, effective representation requires a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of constituents. He noted that serving as a lawmaker would provide an opportunity to advocate for policies that address real community concerns and ensure their proper implementation.

Olakunle said that if elected, his focus will be on delivering quality representation and promoting inclusive development. He identified his key priorities as youth and women empowerment, strong community engagement, support for small and local businesses, and responsive and people-focused governance.

He assured residents of the constituency that they should expect a representative committed to service, accountability, and practical solutions.

The Special Adviser, who was a comedian before he was called to serve, maintained that his combined experience in entertainment, entrepreneurship and public administration has prepared him to serve effectively, promising a style of representation focused on impact, empowerment and sustainable development.

He stated that his journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create impact rather than simply generate income. According to him, entrepreneurship is about empowering young people and equipping them with skills to succeed independently.

He noted that even during his years in entertainment as a comedian, he was committed to doing things differently and making a meaningful contribution to society. He also emphasised that the discipline required in comedy, including timing, audience engagement, and personal branding, provided a strong foundation for his transition into business and public administration.

Speaking on his appointment as Special Adviser on Housing and Urban Development to Governor Seyi Makinde, Olakunle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. He described the role as a significant responsibility and an avenue to contribute to the state’s development.

He highlighted the organisation of the first Oyo State Real Estate Conference, which brought together policymakers, industry professionals and stakeholders to discuss best practices and future directions for the sector as one of the initiatives of his office. He added that the conference has since become a yearly platform for dialogue and collaboration within the real estate industry in the state.

Olakunle credited Governor Makinde’s governance style for shaping his approach to leadership and decision-making. He noted that the governor’s reliance on data, logic, and evidence-based planning has influenced his own work in public administration. He added that adopting a data-driven approach has improved his ability to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions that benefit citizens.

On efforts to improve access to housing, the Special Adviser revealed that the Oyo State Housing Corporation has secured approval to develop approximately 2,500 housing units across the state through public-private partnerships.

He said the project is already underway and progressing steadily. He added that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Mortgage Bank to make the housing units more accessible to residents, particularly low and middle-income earners.

Olakunle said his empowerment initiatives are designed to create sustainable opportunities rather than short-term assistance. He stressed the importance of providing resources that align with individuals’ skills and economic realities.

He cited the distribution of free examination forms for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as one of the most impactful interventions he has undertaken.