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By Oluseye Ojo
Olamide Davies Talabi is a United States–based Nigerian administrator, humanitarian, and three-time Commissioner in the City of Newark.
Talabi (née Showunmi), is the founder of Women In Shelter and Environment (WISE) Foundation and a long-standing advocate for women, youth and small-scale entrepreneurs. In this interview, she speaks about her journey, her motivations, her political convictions, and why she believes Ogun Central is ready for leadership that blends global experience with grassroots commitment.
Your name might sound strange to some as far as Ogun politics is concerned, especially in Ogun Central…
I am a proud daughter of Ogun State, a seasoned administrator, humanitarian, and three-time Commissioner in the City of Newark in the United States with over two decades of governance experience.
I have dedicated my life to public service, building systems, creating opportunities, and protecting the vulnerable. My work spans governance, regulation, women empowerment, and community development. I believe leadership must produce results, not just promises.
What distinguishes you from other aspirants?
I believe that experience, compassion, and proven results are among the qualities that have distinguished me from other aspirants. I have built working systems, funded empowerment programmes, and established institutions that are transforming lives. I am prepared from day one.
Leadership is not something you improvise. It is something you prepare for over time.
My administrative record, humanitarian interventions, and policy experience provide a solid foundation to represent Ogun Central effectively.
How has your international exposure prepared you for the Senate?
Serving as Taxi Commissioner in the City of Newark gave me hands-on experience in structured governance, regulation, and accountability. I understand how systems function efficiently and how to implement policies responsibly.
In the United States, governance is structured around enforcement, transparency, and performance benchmarks. I learned how to build regulatory frameworks that protect citizens, while encouraging economic participation. These are lessons that are highly transferable to legislative responsibilities in Nigeria.
Why should Ogun Central elect a woman at this time?
It is because leadership today requires both strength and empathy. As a woman, I understand family struggles, economic realities, and community needs. I bring maternal compassion alongside executive firmness.
Women leaders are often more detailed and community-focused. Governance must not only be about numbers and policies; it must reflect lived realities. I believe Ogun Central is ready for balanced representation that listens, acts, and delivers.
What inspired your senate ambition?
Through my outreach teams, I constantly see people struggling with basic necessities that should not be difficult to access. That pushed me to step forward and provide structured solutions.
I have seen petty traders, who only need a small capital injection to expand their businesses. I have met women facing domestic violence with nowhere to turn. I have encountered young people full of talent but lacking opportunities.
These experiences convinced me that policy must meet people at their point of need.
Having spent many years abroad, some people claim that you are not deeply rooted in Nigeria, especially in the politics of Ogun State. What is your response?
That is untrue. My continuous humanitarian efforts and investments across Nigeria clearly demonstrate my deep connection and commitment to my people. I have never disconnected from my roots. My projects, outreach programmes, and institutional contributions across communities reflect consistent engagement.
Representation is not about geography alone; it is about commitment and impact.
What impact has your organisation made in Nigeria?
We assist petty traders and small-scale entrepreneurs every year by adding to their business capital to help them grow sustainably.
During Christmas and Ileya (Eid al-Adha) celebrations, we distribute bags of rice and other food items to families to ease economic hardship.
Through Miss Africa Tri State, we have mentored over 250 women and donated more than 35,000 sanitary products, clothing, and educational materials across Africa and to shelters in the United States.
These interventions are not symbolic gestures; they are structured programmes with continuity and follow-up.
Why did you also found a domestic violence shelter?
Through the Women In Shelter and Environment (WISE), I pioneered the first Domestic Violence Shelter in Nigeria in Oyo State, accommodating up to 55 women at a time. Protecting vulnerable women remains central to my mission.
Domestic violence is often hidden, yet it destroys families and futures. The shelter provides safety, counselling, legal support, and rehabilitation pathways.
This is a cause I am deeply committed to, and I intend to strengthen legal frameworks that protect women nationwide.
How does your track record compare with other aspirants?
While others may speak about intentions, I present visible and measurable impact, bordering on empowerment programmes, operational institutions, and administrative leadership experience.
Leadership should be assessed on evidence. I have built institutions. I have implemented policies. I have managed public systems. These are tangible credentials.
In respect of party loyalty and political structure, are you new in APC?
No. I am the current Secretary of APC in America and served as a member of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Committee.
My involvement in party affairs is longstanding and structured. I believe in party discipline, collective leadership, and democratic processes.
How would you assess the current administration in Ogun State?
Governor Dapo Abiodun has performed commendably, especially with projects like the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport at Ilisan-Iperu, Ikenne Local Governemnt, Ogun State, housing developments, and road construction.
It’s built as an aerotropolis with a four-kilometre runway, plus cargo and passenger facilities, and it is expected to run weekly cargo flights from London plus domestic routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt.
The state is positioning it as an alternative to Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport and a hub for the Special Agro-Processing Zone.
Infrastructure expansion and economic initiatives are important pillars of development. Sustaining and strengthening such efforts requires collaborative legislative support.
What is your view on President Bola Tinubu’s administration?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated bold and visionary leadership.
Can you mention key achievements of the President?
Yes. The removal of fuel subsidy was a courageous reform. His administration is implementing tax reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s economy. The Coastal Road project is a landmark infrastructure development that will enhance trade and connectivity.
Additionally, local government autonomy has been reinforced, empowering grassroots governance and ensuring communities benefit directly from allocated funds.
Nigerians are currently facing economic challenges. But what is your perspective?
Reforms often come with temporary difficulties, but they are necessary to build a stable and prosperous future. Structural change is rarely comfortable. However, long-term stability depends on disciplined fiscal and economic reforms.
The role of lawmakers is to ensure safety nets and support systems for citizens during transition periods.
What are your legislative priorities for Ogun Central?
I will prioritise youth employment, SME empowerment, women protection, healthcare improvement, educational advancement, and infrastructural development across Ogun Central.
I intend to pursue bills and motions that encourage entrepreneurship funding, strengthen domestic violence laws, improve access to primary healthcare, and support vocational education.
How will you empower small businesses?
I have facilitated structured grants, supported entrepreneurship policies, and expanded empowerment initiatives.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. When they thrive, communities thrive.
How does your gender strengthen your candidacy?
Women leaders are resilient, detailed, and community-focused. I bring emotional intelligence and decisive leadership, a balance needed in governance.
Diversity in leadership strengthens institutions. It introduces broader perspectives and more inclusive policies.
Do you have a political godfather?
I do not rely on a single godfather. I respect all APC leaders and believe in collective leadership. But representation should be accountable to the people, not controlled by private interests.
How will you ensure accountability?
Through transparency, measurable goals, and regular engagement with constituents.
Town halls, progress briefings, and digital reporting platforms will ensure that constituents are informed and involved.
What lessons from the US system will you apply locally?
Efficiency, structured oversight, enforcement of regulations, and performance-based governance are some of what I will bring on board. Systems must not only be created; they must be monitored and evaluated.
How has your origin recognised your service?
I was honoured with four chieftaincy titles from four different kingdoms in recognition of my humanitarian and grassroots contributions. Traditional institutions remain vital pillars of community identity and moral authority.
Why do you believe you are the strongest aspirant?
I combine global administrative experience, consistent grassroots empowerment, party loyalty, and compassionate leadership. I am tested and trusted.
What is your message to women, youth, and constituents in Ogun Central?
Women must rise confidently into leadership. Ogun Central is ready for capable female representation. Then, I am committed to creating opportunities, mentorship programmes, and policy frameworks that will unlock potentials.
In Ogun Central, I am your daughter and your servant. With tested experience, a solid track record, and a heart for service, I am ready to represent Ogun Central with excellence and integrity.
