Ibrahim Ajani Owolabi, a member of the All Progress Congress (APC), is the lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland Constituency 1 in the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly.
He was first elected as a member of the House in 2019.
He is one of the youngest, elected officials in Nigeria after becoming a legislator at the age of 33.
Before becoming a lawmaker, he worked as a financial analyst.
Early life and education
Mr. Owolabi was born on August 11, 1985. He is from a family with a political background.His grandfather was a politician. His father, Mosuru Alao Owolabi, represented Lagos Island and Lagos Mainland as a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Mr. Owolabi completed his primary education at Lebanese Community Primary School and his secondary education at Grace Children School, both located in Lagos.
In 2005, he earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Hertfordshire
In 2009, he earned a master’s degree in marketing management from Middlesex University.
Political career
After completing his master’s degree in the United Kingdom, Mr. Owolabi returned to Nigeria and worked closely with his father as a personal assistant. In 2015, he contested the House seat for Lagos Mainland Constituency 1 under the aegis of the APC. Although he lost, Mr. Owolabi tried again in 2019 and won the election.
Mr. Owolabi polled 17,239 to defeat his closest opponent from the PDP, Mr Shakiru Agunbiade who scored 3,568 votes in the 2019 general elections.
During his first term in office, Mr. Owolabi was appointed as the chairman of the House committee on tertiary education. He raised a motion for the state government to increase its support for teachers, recognizing their vital role in shaping and strengthening our society.
He also proposed bills for an amendment to LASCO Health Law to ensure that the institution is improved and the transformation of two higher institutions, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, formerly known as LASPOTECH and the Lagos State University of Education, which was formerly MOCOPEK. They became universities in the state after the bills were passed and sent.
In 2021, Mr. Owolabi was the acting chairman of the House committee on youth, sport and social development.
He held a public hearing on “A bill for a law to amend the Lagos state sports commission law 2017 and to promote youths and sports development in Lagos state and for connected purposes”. The bill sought to promote grassroots sports at the divisional level and organize state competitions, further contributing to the development of sports in the State.
In 2023, Mr. Owolabi won his re-election bid. He assured residents of his community of continuing the great work he has started during his first term in office.
In an interview, the lawmaker noted that as an elected politician, the campaigning never stops.
“From the start of your four-year term, you’re already laying the groundwork for the next election,” he said. “In reality, you have only two or three years to focus on legislative work; the rest of your term is spent campaigning to secure your return.”
Legislative work
In an interview with City People, Mr. Owolabi said he has implemented a free medical program, offering free medications and more. He has also facilitated free JAMB preparation classes, including registration and distribution of forms to prospective candidates.
He also claimed to have created empowerment for artisans such as carpenters, tailors, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and others.
“We have also just completed a training programme in real estate management and real estate sales,” he said.“The two best candidates are going to win plots of land worth 2 million each.It is a project that we are very proud of.”
The lawmaker has also organised computer literacy program for primary and secondary school students in conjunction with the Team Members of the Nigerians for Prosperity.
In March 2021, Mr. Owolabi participated in a virtual town hall meeting organised by EngageGov to bridge the gap between youths and the government. It was an opportunity for the lawmaker to interact with the youths and answer their questions.