In a political landscape often marked by disillusionment, Oluwatosin Eniola stands out with his passionate commitment to bridging the divide between governance and the community. An accomplished businessman and philanthropist from Idanre, Eniola’s multifaceted background equips him with a unique perspective on leadership and public service. As he embarks on his political journey, Eniola emphasizes the importance of education and integrity in shaping a more equitable future for the people. Here, he shares insights from his journey and his vision for change.
Your background
Thanks for this opportunity. Thanks for taking the time to speak to me. My name is Oluwatosin Eniola, I am from Idanre. I am married and I have a son. For education, I had my first degree in Business Administration and my first master’s degree from Vistula University, Poland, in Business Management. I graduated in 2022. I had my Postgraduate Diploma at Fleming College, Toronto, Canada, where I live. I graduated in 2024. I have an MBA in Artificial Intelligence from Nexford University, United States. Recently, I started my PhD program in Business Administration at Adeleke University, Osun State, Nigeria. That’s all about my education so far.
In terms of work, I have always been a businessman. As you can see, I have studied business. I decided to put what I learned in school to practice by venturing into business. I own auto outlets with branches in Lagos, Abuja, and Canada. I do real estates in Abuja and Canada. I also co-own a restaurant. Basically, that’s all about me. In terms of passion, I do charity. I don’t like to call myself a philanthropist, but my passion is charity, and I have been doing it for the past seven years.
I like to know how you were able to rise this fast and early. What were your inspirations?
Well, I am not from a poor background, nor am I from a rich one. My parents are okay. My mum is a businesswoman, and she still majors in that to this day, even at her old age. I was born and raised in Kaduna. My parents relocated us back home and enrolled me at Mandate College, Idanre, but I couldn’t pass my WAEC in that school. I had to go back to the school I had always attended while in Abuja. I eventually passed there and proceeded to Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State for my first degree in Business Administration. My early rise in life is connected to the efforts of my mum and elder brothers. I am the last child of the family. I grew up in the church. My dad is a pastor; so is my mum. A very quick story: I was always quick to read the Bible, and there was a bishop who came to our church one day. As a very young and smart person, I attracted his attention, and this translated to a scholarship award from him. The scholarship supported me throughout my secondary education. Apart from that, my parents were my biggest inspirations. They trained me in a Christian background, practiced business, and were quite selfless—they were willing to give you their last card. That has inspired my passion for charity so far. There is this maxim for me: “It doesn’t cost much to do good.” If you have a good heart, I don’t think it costs much to do good. Whatever you have, you can make a difference. You can have an impact in your immediate society. My inspirations are my dad, mum, brothers, and most importantly, my wife. I don’t get discouraged from doing most of the things I do from home. She encourages me to do more.
Having been following your campaigns, I discovered that you have consistently highlighted your educational qualifications. What do you intend to achieve with that?
It is not me trying to inspire people; it is me inspiring people. I think I have been able to inspire a lot of them, like my friends. I have friends who do not believe in education; they take one degree today and drop out the next day. I have been able to be a driving force; I have pushed a lot of people to achieve good things in life. Right now, education is literally the bedrock. It doesn’t guarantee success, though. But it helps you to be successful in whatever you find yourself doing. Education promotes better opportunities and could be very important. That’s why I decided that whatever I am doing in life for charity, education is my topmost priority.
But how do you feel about your many academic attainments, particularly as you are venturing into politics?
It makes me feel good. It is an added advantage to me apart from other things. Idanre has gone global, and I know the people wouldn’t want a situation where individuals without track records or education lead. My education is an added advantage, whether you like it or not. Yes! The fact that I am educated does not mean I will be a good leader, but it is an added advantage that can’t be overlooked. Definitely, when we start campaigns, I will emphasize that.
If you are to mention what education has done for you, will you be able to mention three?
For example, I am highly placed. I am connected to an extent. When you look at the reasons, you will see education. I don’t need to blow my trumpet, but there are opportunities I have been able to get through education. Right now, I am a Special Assistant to a Rep member, and I also have connections with other highly placed politicians. The reason is not far-fetched; it’s my personal value. And what is this value? My education. I have traveled far and wide to get one degree or another, and I try my best to make things happen. So education has been so great in my life.
Coming to Nigeria, if you are going to be objective, what would you say is lacking since the citizens are always complaining?
We are lacking leadership. I enjoy engaging people who say Nigerians are not good people. Yes! Our leaders are bad, but the citizens themselves are not helping the situation. It is true that everything falls to the table of the leaders, since the citizens don’t owe the country the perfect behavior that is not expected anywhere in the world. People cut corners and get caught everywhere in the world. The best countries and democracies still have people in jail. People will break laws if the government is not up to the task. That’s why the government has the priority to do things right through its agencies and task forces. What we have been experiencing in Nigeria is a lack of proper leadership. For example, former President Donald Trump, there was a time he was battling court cases about tax, and even footballers, despite earning so much, still try to evade taxes. You can’t stop people from defaulting on tax payments, but you can reduce the rate. The major problem we have is the absence of consequences. It is not like that where I live in Canada. We live in a lawless country, and the government doesn’t obey laws. That’s why you can see that people are prosecuted for criminal or corruption cases for ten, twenty, or thirty years. Some even die during the course of their prosecution. We live in a lawless society; if we have working laws, corruption will reduce. With laid down rules, regulations, and consequences, corruption will diminish in Nigeria. Apart from everything, what we are experiencing in Nigeria is government failure.
Coming to Idanre, it is clear that the people have always had reasons to complain about politicians, particularly those in positions, believing they should do better. These complaints have become so consistent. As a fresh candidate, what will make you different?
To start with, I do not want to be a deceitful politician. I believe the electorate are not educated enough; hence, there is a need to explain some duties to them. I am aspiring for the State Assembly. I think the pressure on lawmakers everywhere in the country is too much. I used to think that way until I got closer to a Rep member, and we literally see how things are done. The main duty of that office is to propose bills or motions, and if the bills are passed, they stop on the desk of the governor or president. These laws should positively impact the people. We have a community where your constituents are not interested in your bills, motions, or laws; they are more interested in material things distributed in empowerment programs and cash donations. There is a gap in education that makes people vote for you without knowing what they are voting for. Now, I can only serve as an intermediary between the people and the government. For example, this year, I heard the constituency project intervention fund for Ondo lawmakers is 20 million Naira per person. That’s what the government gave them. I can tell you for a fact that such money will only put streetlights in about two streets, and people will expect an Assembly member to build schools, hospitals, and provide empowerment.
Is this a kind of excuse for the current occupant of the office?
I have never met her, and she is not a member of my party. Like I said, I am a very sincere person. When we start campaigning, I will not be going around telling people she didn’t work, build schools, or provide empowerment. I will speak based on facts and issues, including the bills she has sponsored, as well as her lawmaking records. I will speak based on those when the time comes. But I am not one of those who will castigate the current Assembly member for not sharing bikes, Keke Napeps, and the like. I put it to you, most of the lawmakers doing those things in this country are doing it from their personal funds.
But don’t you think this boils down to politicians who make so many promises during elections?
Yes, it is true. I intend to be a very sincere politician. I won’t go out there saying things I cannot do. I was in a meeting and I was confronted with some demands. A typical politician in my shoes at that particular moment would lie to deceive people, but I told them that wasn’t what I was capable of doing right now. They had to clap for me, saying I am different. I am not going to lie to attain political office. If I do, and when I get there, I find it extremely difficult to fulfill those promises, I will be voted out. I intend to be a good, successful politician and not a one-term politician.
Politics in Nigeria is about how you are able to lie your way through?
That’s why we are where we are today, and the reason why young people like me, who have done well for themselves, are trying to come up. Everybody knows the House of Assembly isn’t a simple thing, but you need power sometimes to be able to do certain things. I intend to take my legislative duties seriously, proposing bills that will positively impact my people. I want to be a link between my people and the government. I don’t want to be a promise-and-fail type of politician. I won’t even promise what I cannot do.
What do young people stand to benefit from your leadership should you be given the mantle?
I don’t speak based on my capacity as an MHA, if elected; I want to talk about my personal self. I have done well; I have tried. I have sent young people to school and empowered people personally. I can count many businesses that are doing well now, which I actually supported with capital. I am very focused on business and have never worked for anyone. I am a strong advocate of self-employment. If given the opportunity to represent, I will personally help many young people to stand alone. If I get to access more resources based on my office, by the grace of God, if I win—I am in the contest to win. If I can harness more wealth and resources, I will empower the youth. We will have discussions and town hall meetings on what we should do. I am a big advocate of self-employment. Whatever you are doing—photography, barbering, etc.—if you are educated, you know how to prosper more by branding yourself and your business. This makes you more appealing to people. Empowerment will be top on my list. When I mean empowerment, I don’t mean buying machines, generators, or freezers. If you are a mechanic, we can buy you modern equipment, help you rent a place, and you can start your own business. That’s what I am saying.
Thank you for your time
You are welcome
