At AcrossNigerianews.com, our weekly segment, PERSONALITY FOCUS, shines a spotlight on notable figures whose achievements inspire and encourage others. This week, we celebrate the life, accomplishments, and growing calls for the senatorial candidacy of Hon. Julius Oyekola Olabiyi, an accomplished financial expert, former legislator, and committed public servant.
Introduction to Personality Focus:
Our PERSONALITY FOCUS segment is dedicated to profiling individuals whose lives embody excellence and service. Through extensive and professional evaluations, we present their journeys, achievements, and contributions while inspiring others to pursue greatness.
Meet Hon. Julius Oyekola Olabiyi:
Hon. Kola Olabiyi is a seasoned Chartered Accountant, a public servant, and a political figure with a remarkable track record. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of FGN Power Company Limited, Olabiyi’s academic and professional credentials are as impressive as his political accomplishments.
He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics, two Master’s degrees (in Accounting and Oil & Gas Economics), and an MBA. Olabiyi is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), the Chartered Institute of Taxation (FCTI), and an Associate Member of both the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (ACIB) and the Nigeria Institute of Management (AMNIM).
With over 25 years of experience in financial services, internal audit, business development, and government roles, he has established himself as a formidable force in both the corporate and political spheres.
Professional Journey:
Olabiyi began his career as an accountant at Giwa-Osagie & Co., rising to Senior Manager in Audit and Tax Services between 1997 and 2001. He later joined Associated Discount House Limited (now Coronation Merchant Bank), where he held leadership roles as Deputy Financial Controller and Head of Operations from 2001 to 2011.
In 2015, he founded Kobitel Nigeria Limited, an oil and gas company, serving as its Managing Director/CEO until March 2024.
Political Career:
Contributes to Oyo State and Nigeria
Olabiyi entered politics in 2011, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). During his tenure (2011–2015), he contributed to national development through impactful projects and legislative activities:
Key Contributions:
Agriculture
Trained and empowered over 150 individuals in poultry, fishery, and snail farming, providing them with resources like feeds and medications.
Water Projects
Facilitated the construction of 42 boreholes across the 42 wards in his constituency to address water scarcity.
Boreholes were installed in areas such as Okeho, Ilero, Ado-Awaye, and other locations across the four local government areas.
Empowerment
Distributed over 500 items, including sewing machines, barbing equipment, freezers, and motorbikes, to artisans, youths, and women in his constituency.
Employment Generation
Facilitated employment opportunities for constituents in agencies like NTA, INEC, FIRS, Nigeria Police Academy, and more.
Rural Electrification
Installed six 300KVA transformers across communities in Itesiwaju, Kajola, Iwajowa, and Iseyin Local Government Areas to improve access to electricity.
Education
Donated computers, generators, air conditioners, and printers to ICT centers in schools like Iseyin District Grammar School and Okaka Community Grammar School.
Established a Youth Development Centre in Isalu, Iseyin, to provide ICT and vocational training for youths, retirees, and women.
Legislative Achievements
As a member of committees on Finance, Agriculture, Solid Minerals, and more, Olabiyi’s contributions were far-reaching. He sponsored motions and bills, such as the proposal to split the Office of the Accountant General into two distinct roles—one for the Federal Government and another for the Federation. His motion for the urgent completion of the Ikere Gorge Dam was adopted by the House.
Current Role:
CFO of FGN Power Company Limited
In March 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Olabiyi as CFO of FGN Power Company Limited, the Special Purpose Vehicle responsible for implementing the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) with Siemens Energy. His leadership involves securing financing and addressing infrastructure gaps to ensure reliable energy delivery across Nigeria.
Personal Life
Olabiyi is married to Mrs. Abisola Olabiyi, and their union is blessed with children.
Calls for 2027 Senatorial Candidacy
As the 2027 elections approach, admirers and political associates of Olabiyi are urging him to contest for the Oyo North Senatorial District seat. Many believe his extensive experience in governance and his contributions to Oyo State make him an ideal candidate to represent the district at the Red Chamber.
A close associate, speaking anonymously, described Olabiyi as a resourceful leader with a deep understanding of the National Assembly’s workings. While Olabiyi has yet to declare his intentions, his admirers remain optimistic about his potential candidacy.
Conclusion
As Hon. Kola Olabiyi celebrates his 59th birthday, his legacy of service continues to inspire hope and admiration.
As the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of FGN Power Company Limited, his dedication to the agency and the Ministry of Power, under the leadership of Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, remains steadfast and commendable.
Olabiyi continues to be a strong supporter of Adelabu’s gubernatorial ambition and is committed to the unity and progress of APC in Oyo State. While he may be cautious about making premature moves regarding his senatorial ambitions, the unfolding events leading to the 2027 elections will ultimately determine his next course of action.
Whether he decides to pursue the senatorial seat, his commitment to progress and development is unwavering. The coming months will reveal his next steps, but his supporters are confident that he remains a pillar of leadership for Oyo North and beyond.
