TOSIN ZACCHEAUS OLUYOKO, SENIOR BANKER AND YOUTH ENTHUSIAST APPEARED ON THE OKUN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION’S “OKUN TONI PROGRAM” ON MARCH 13, 2021. He was grilled on the topic “Youths and Leadership Challenges: of What Relevance is the Not Too Young to Run policy on Nigeria Electoral Systems and he gave eloquent answers that readers would find unputdownable in the interview.
OYDA:Good evening Mr. Tosin Oluyoko. You are welcome to OKUN TONI programme on OYDA’S platform. For the sake of the audience, can you give a thumbnail introduction of yourself? TOSIN OLUYOKO: Ok. 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 Student Union in 2004.
My time as a union leader witnessed great renewal and high level of creativity and partnership with other neighbouring Student Groups. Some of my achievements as Student Union leader includes the followings;
- Extending KSU annual summer School- 6 weeks Extra moral class to Ikowo opa
- 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 in they community
- Organization of a well attended symposiums 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 Club
- Organization 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.
- Service Award of Excellence to the first three Presidents of the Union. It was indeed a great delight to seat the first three President 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 attending KSU events.
My activities were also gave local media coverage by late Chief Kola Toluhi, publisher of Kogi Affiars.
I am happily married to Iyanga Tosin Oluyoko and our union is blessed with three lovely daughters- Ayomide, Damilola and Eno-Abasi.
OYDA:Why do you think society should start entrusting leadership positions into the hands of the youth? TOSIN OLUYOKO:The Youth is popularly refers to as the leaders of tomorrow. Entrusting leadership position to the youth is allowing the youth live in the reality of tomorrow. indeed tomorrow is now. OYDA:Considering good numbers of youths, who have failed in political struggle, can we say they are not ripe for leadership positions. Also, why do you think they are rejected at the polls by the electorates? TOSIN OLUYOKO:we also have a number of youth 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. OYDA:What major challenges, do you think are confronting the youths who are aspiring to occupy political positions. And what are the panaceas? TOSIN OLUYOKO:I think we should look at the process that throw up the youth for elective positions. Are we putting our best out? OYDA:In 2017, the not too young to Run bill gained prominence support in the national assembly. What positive effects did it has on the 2019 general elections at the federal and state levels? TOSIN OLUYOKO: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. OYDA: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 Okun society, should entrust her thumb rights to the youths by 2023 and beyond? TOSIN OLUYOKO: 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. OYDA:You are also, a youth with essential grassroots give back. For example, if you are called to take up political positions either as an elects or appointees, will you be ready to serve your people productively? TOSIN OLUYOKO: 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 a 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 candidate. 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. OYDA:Please can you highlights some of your grassroots achievements as an emerging leader. TOSIN OLUYOKO: 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 6 proteges in higher institutions under my scholarship. I already have two graduate serving now. I have several students I helped one off 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 so involve in community development, and cares for the aged. OYDA:Your name is in the list of nominees for 2021 OKUN YOUTH BANKING DOYEN AWARD,we shall be glad to meet you for official decoration if you emerge as the winner. TOSIN OLUYOKO: It will be my pleasure to receive you. OYDA:Thank you for your precious time, hope you will attend to us when next we call? TOSIN OLUYOKO:Thank you too for the opportunity. I am always available. OYDA:Thank you very much sir.