THE OKUN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION GRANTED MR TOSIN ZACCHEAUS OLUYOKO AN INTERVIEW WHICH REVOLVES ROUND THE RELEVANCE OF NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN POLICY ON NIGERIA ELECTORAL SYSTEM. EXCERPTS:
Your background:
My name is Oluyoko Tosin Zacchaeus. I am a Sales Professional with vast experience in Banking, Marketing, Business Development, Financial and Business advisory, Strategic Planning and Execution. I hold a B.A degree in History from University of Ilorin, MBA- Finance from University of Calabar, MSc in Political Science (International Relationship and Strategic Studies) from University of Calabar and currently a PhD student of Political Economy from the same University.
Professionally, I am a member of National Institute of Marketing Nigeria, Associate member of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Member, Nigeria Institute of Management and several other professional bodies.
In the course of my career spanning over 14 years, I had at various times served as Branch Manager Profit Centre Manager and Relationship Officer with United Bank for Africa. I am currently leading the Public Sector business of UBA in Cross River State.
I am from Kabba and was a student activist having served meritoriously as National President of Kabba StudentsUnion in 2004.
My time as a union leader witnessed great renewal and high level of creativity and partnership with other neighbouring students groups. Some of my achievements as Students Union leader includes the followings; extending KSU annual summer School for sox weeks, bringing about a functional and well equipped National Secretariat Office for KSU, production of the Union Armity Magazine, organization of quiz/debate competition for secondary and primary schools ,oganization of a well attended symposia and lectures on critical burning issues such as effect of drug abuse on Kabba Youths and HIV prevention campaign ,sustained partnership with developmental clubs in Kabba such as the Rainbow Club, the Oluku Club, Ace Club and Millennium Clubs, oganization of a befitting Miss Kabba Beauty Contest in partnership with Ace Club , organization of KSU annual picnics at Old Amusement Park Opposite late Arc. Dr. Olorunfemi Steven’s House ,organization of a well attended KSU 50th year Golden Jubilee Celebration of Service Award of Excellence to the first three Presidents of the Union. It was indeed a great delight to seat the first three Presidents of the Union (Chief Oluyori. Pa Tolufashe and Arc. Dr.Olorunfemi) in a forum where they shared their experiences with the youths. My time witnessed a great renewal of the union with high dignitaries from the society such as Late Arc. Dr. Olorunfemi, Late ACG Olunmudi, Late Obaro Michael Olobayo, Late Sir Joe Mofolorunsho, Late Dr. Eyanro etc regularly attended KSU events. I am happily married to Iyanga Tosin Oluyoko and our union is blessed with three lovely daughters- Ayomide, Damilola and Eno-Abasi.
Why the need for society to entrust leadership positions to Nigeria youth?
Youths are popularly referred to as leaders of tomorrow. Entrusting leadership position to the youths is therefor allowing them to live in the reality of tomorrow. indeed tomorrow is now.
Considering the number of youths who have failed in political struggle, can we say they are not ripe for leadership positions and why their rejection at the polls ?
We also have a number of youths that have demonstrated good success in public and private space. Leadership question and success is not just an age thing. We have seen young people doing the unthinkable same way we have seen elderly people performing woefully.
What major challenges do you think are confronting the youths who are aspiring to occupy political positions and what are the panaceas?
I think we should look at the process that throw up the youths for elective positions. Are we putting our best out?
In 2017, the not too young to run bill gained support in the National Assembly. What positive effects did it have on the 2019 general elections at the federal and state levels?
Most of them are not genuine in their aspirations. We must define our driving force. Are they aspiring because politics is seen as a gate way to riches? It actually galvanised the youth and I think it will bring more result in 2023,I think we should understand the process of leadership.
Going down historical lane, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Herbert Macaulay, and so on, were youths when they fought successfully for Nigeria independence.
Do you think it is time for Nigerians to totally entrust the youths with leadership positions
by 2023 and beyond
Younger people aspiring for leadership positions must have critical sucess factors which includes Goal-setting, problem-solving and sound decision-making, Emotional intelligence, dynamic communications, increased productivity.
If you as a youth is called to take up political position will you be ready to serve your people productively?
I am an advocate of quality representation. Either young or what we call old. We should be interested in putting forward our best representatives. in 2023, I am expecting Okun to put forward sound, energetic, trusted and viable candidates. We have them across different age group. We should not hide under the need for generational shift to present anyhow candidates. We should go for the best. I will surely review and have a deep thought before contesting or accepting any political post. We must not all be politicians before contributing to our community development.
Please can you highlight some of your grassroots achievements as an emerging leader.
Hmmm…. I do rather want them to speak for themselves. But to answer your question. I have been and still involve in contributing my little quota to societal development. As KSU president, I did my best, as a private individual, I think I have consistently involved myself in human capital development. I just find myself involved in people. I think to the glory of God, I have about six proteges in higher institutions under my scholarship. I already have two graduate serving now. I have several students I helped in school fees payment. I have at least 12 people I have paid their WAEC fees this year. I have several people that, God has used me to get employed in reputable organisations. I am also a leading factor in Millennium Club. We are involved in community development and care for the aged.
Your take on being one of the nominees for 2021 OKUN YOUTH BANKING DOYEN AWARDS.
It is a welcome development and I think well deserved . It willbe my pleasure to receive you.