Deacon Samson Segun Olalere: A Regal Journey of Education, Development and Politics

DEACON SAMSON SEGUN OLALERE: A REGAL JOURNEY OF EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT AND POLITICS

 

By Wole Adedoyin

Deacon Samson Segun Olalere, a distinguished individual was born into royalty in Ogbomoso, one of Oyo State's largest cities, on October 25th, 1952.

Education has played a crucial role in Deacon Olalere's life, and he has attended several prestigious institutions to enhance his knowledge. He began his academic journey at Baptist Day School in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. He then pursued his education further at Titcombe College in Egbe, which is now situated in Kogi State. Later, he attended Naraguta Grammar School in Jos, Plateau State. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, he joined Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, where he completed post-graduate studies in Economics, specializing in Development Economics. Additionally, he pursued further studies in the United States, undertaking post-graduate courses in New York and Chicago.

Deacon Olalere's career has been diverse and impactful. He started as a lecturer at the Defence Industries Corporation in Kaduna and later joined the Oyo State College of Education (formerly St. Andrews College, Oyo). Subsequently, he served as an Area Sales Manager at Vitalink Pharmaceutical Company in Ibadan, Oyo State. His passion for development and economics led him to work as a Consultant Economist for the UNDP's Oyo State Micro Credit Programme. Moreover, he founded a non-governmental organization, the Cooperative Development Research Action Centre, located in Ibadan, where he currently holds the position of Executive Director.

On the political front, Deacon Olalere's journey began during his time as a parliamentarian in the Students Union Government at ABU, Zaria, in 1977/78. He continued his political involvement by serving as the Secretary of the Northern Students Wing of UPN from 1977 to 1979. He became an active member of the UPN Youth Vanguard in the Southwest region of Nigeria. Additionally, he was a registered member of the defunct Advance for Democracy, a political party during Nigeria's third Republic. From 2002 till date, he has been a dedicated founding member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Deacon Olalere has been deeply committed to the growth and development of APGA as a political party. In 2002, he became the pioneer Oyo State Chairman of APGA, setting the stage for his continued involvement. Over the years, he has been involved in various committees, including the 2019 and 2023 Presidential Aspirants Screening Committee, the Chairman of the Anambra State 2022 Governorship Primary Election that brought in the current Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo. He also played a pivotal role as the Director General of the APGA Presidential Campaign Organization in 2019. Notably, he is a proud member of APGA's National Working Committee, working under the indefatigable national Chairman, Ozonkpu Dr. Victor Oye, who championed the establishment of the first-ever National Secretariat and regional office in Awka owned by a political party in Nigeria.

Deacon Samson Segun Olalere's remarkable academic achievements, illustrious career, and dedicated political involvement make him an exemplary individual in his community and beyond.