Biography of Olowo, Babatope Sunday (OBS)
Background
The associated joy that usually accompanies the birth of a baby boy in Yoruba-land is always unspeakable. One can then imagine the excitement and celebrations that enveloped the family of High Chief S.S. Olowo, the Elejofi of Awo Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area of Ekiti State and his wife Aminatu, on Sunday 5th of May in 1982, when the good Lord blessed the family with a baby boy in Ado-Ekiti. The joy knew no bounds considering the fact the baby boy came ! As fate would have it, the birth was miraculous. Right from his birth, he came as a unique child with prospects and a promising future. Christened Babatope on the eight day, the adventure and exposure of the young boy began early as he started his life and grew up in Lagos where he had his primary and post-primary educations at Estate Baptist Primary School and Gbaja Boys High School, respectively, both in Surulere area of the cosmopolitan city. As a fast growing young man who was developing in intellect and knowledge of life, Babatope, like the proverbial river, thought it wise not to forget his source and decided, out of the myriads of options available to him, to pursue his higher education in no other state than his home state, Ekiti. Thus, he gained admission to the then University of Ado Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in the year 2003 for a degree programme.
Like a destined golden fish with no hiding place, the young man’s charisma and leadership qualities were brought to the fore in his days in the University where he actively participated in Campus politics, held some leadership positions and once got the “Award of Best Politician”. His political activism did not deter him from facing his primary assignment on campus as he successfully graduated with his mates with a B.Sc. Degree in Banking and Finance in the year 2007. Upon his graduation, he did his National Youth Service (Batch A) with Sterling Bank PLC in Ibadan, Oyo State, between 2008 and 2009. At the end of his NYSC, the adventurous Babatope left the shore of Nigeria, in his quest for a brighter future, self-development, education and exposure. He obtained a Certificate in Security and Safety from Edith Coman University, Australia. In addition to this is a certificate from the National Security Institute, Abu Dhabi in the year 2012. He also got an International General Certificate (IGC) in Occupational Health & Safety which he obtained in 2014 from Nebosh, United Kingdom. All of these, amongst others, distinguished him as a well- trained security and safety consultant of many years, with which he has worked in different countries, such as United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Nigeria; where he has acquired strong strategic management and leadership skills. Very focused, godly and purposeful; Babatope is married and blessed with children. A lover of youths, Babatope is hardworking, gentle, soft spoken, reticent, humble and loving. But with a passion and determination for the cause of ameliorating the sufferings of the helpless masses, a cause he has been pursuing since his undergraduate days. There can be no dull-moment with Babatope, not with his good sense of humour; one of the qualities that endears him to all, such that makes him a pleasant personality to be with always.
OLOWO, Babatope Sunday