IFEOLUWA OYEDELE A Man from Two Sides of Power

Rooted in engineering and acquainted with politics, Mr. Ifeoluwa Olusola Oyedele, an All Progressives Party (APC) chieftain and the Executive Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, has been acting behind the scene within his party. His creativity and loyalty as a party faithful paid off when he successfully delivered the mandate to design the APC logo in 2015. Funke Olaode reveals in this interview the persona of a man who has tasted two sides of power - the electrical and the political - as well as his patriotism and desire for a better Nigeria keeps him on his toes.

The ambience of the Ikeja, GRA Lagos home speaks volumes of its occupants. The well-arranged flower beds in the expansive compound swayed slightly welcoming this early morning visitor. And stepping into his cozy living room, one is confronted with sophistication and class. The infectious smile and jovial nature of the occupant could be felt from the various family photographs hung on the wall as they gazed at visitors. Walking down its artistic staircase, his designer fragrance announced his arrival. Looking boyish in his navy blue native attire, he has the swag of a youth which he combines with intellect associated with old. Welcome to the world of 63-year old Ondo State-born Engr. Ifeoluwa Olusola Oyedele, a chieftain of the All Progressives Party (APC) and Executive Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited.

On October 8, 1958 in Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa in Ondo State, he let out his first baby cry as he made an entry into this world.

Before his foray into ‘politics’, Oyedele has distinguished himself as an outstanding electrical engineer. His objectives for venturing into politics are clear: to work with like minds in deepening and broadening democracy in Nigeria by ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic governments meet the yearnings of the populace while progressively improving the quality of life.

Oyedele was a product of Government College Ibadan (GCI) where he finished his WASC with Grade 1 (Aggregate 16). He later trained as an electrical engineer graduating with a Bsc, honours from the University of Lagos in 1982. He has extensive experience both as a field engineer and manager of engineering processes and company. He has also been actively involved as a political organiser and canvasser, exclusively for parties and candidates that he deems to share his objectives and visions for Nigeria.

Oyedele did his youth service in Ibadan between 1982-83 at DAFEC Consultants in Bodija, Ibadan where he served as a Pupil Engineer. His hard work and patriotism would later place his feet on the pedestal of success and 40 years after, he has not looked back.

He began his career at Oyo State Ministry of Works and Transport as a Staff Engineer between 1983-1985. In 1985-1987, he worked as Project Engineer, under the Directorate of Rural Development, Office of the Military Governor, Ibadan, Oyo State Rural Electrification Unit. That Oyedele is consistent, stable and focused is an understatement. He previously held sway as helmsman in various organisations, managing strategic portfolios within these organisations including Matcom Limited Lagos where he served as managing director piloting the affairs of the company to an enviable position from 1992 to 2016. As a young engineer, he was only content with the requirements of the profession by adhering to its ethics. However, his patriotism and desire for a better Nigeria keeps him on his toes, as he is determined to make a difference.

From a very young age, Oyedele had chosen to toe the path of success having grown up under the tutelage of parents - one a teacher and another education inspector.

“I grew up in a household of disciplined parents. My father was already an accomplished educator, who in 1956 under the colonial regime, received the Member of the British Empire (MBE). He was very well known in my area and the entire Western region at the time. My mom has always been a school teacher. She is retired now; still alive. She lives with me. She is about 90 years old now.”

Without doubt, Oyedele’s parental influence is instrumental to his successes in every step of the way. “My father was a very