Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa’s political journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to youth development, grassroots mobilisation and public service, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential young political figures to emerge in Oyo State in recent years.
From his days as a student leader and youth advocate to his appointment as Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Youth and Sports Development during the first term of the administration, Bolarinwa has consistently projected himself as a politician who believes leadership is rooted in service, competence and value creation.
An indigene of Ibadan, Bolarinwa began his educational journey in Ibadan. He attended Morning Stars Comprehensive College and Unity School, Ejigbo, Osun State, before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated with a First Class degree in Business Administration.
He later obtained a Master’s degree in the same discipline, equipping himself with the academic foundation that would later shape his career in public service and political administration.
His passion for youth development became evident long before his appointment into government. As one of the vocal proponents of the Not Too Young To Run movement, Bolarinwa consistently advocated greater participation of young people in governance, insisting that leadership should be based on competence rather than age.
He once said during an interview that his philosophy has always been to “speak the truth to power,” a principle he believes has distinguished him in public life.
“I have always been confident enough to speak the truth to power. The truth will always prevail, and that has continued to give me an edge even outside politics,” he said.
His commitment to youth development attracted the attention of Governor Seyi Makinde, who appointed him Special Assistant on Youth and Sports Development during the Omituntun 1.0 administration.
The appointment marked a defining moment in his public service career.
Bolarinwa spearheaded several youth-focused initiatives, including sensitisation programmes for transport park managers on peaceful coexistence and civic responsibility, coordinated palliative distribution during the COVID-19 lockdown and led interventions aimed at curbing youth violence and cult-related clashes in Moniya and other parts of Ibadan.
He affirmed that the administration had remained committed to taking governance closer to young people and ensuring that they became active participants in the development of Oyo State from the time till date.
Reflecting on his time in government, Bolarinwa said his greatest satisfaction came from seeing Governor Makinde’s vision translate into practical programmes that positively affected young people across the state.
He maintained that youth empowerment goes beyond financial support, stressing that building capacity, promoting innovation and creating opportunities remain the most sustainable ways of transforming society.
“The worst asset you can possess as a youth is no value. Possess value, master it and project it to the world because any value you display only within the corner of your room will die there. Project your value to the world, and the person who needs it will look for you,” he advised.
In recognition of his dedication, loyalty and proven capacity, Governor Seyi Makinde has again entrusted him with two strategic responsibilities in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
The governor appointed Bolarinwa as Director of the Youth Wing of the Oyo State Governorship Campaign Council, a role that places him at the forefront of mobilising young people across the state for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) as well as the state coordinator Youth wing for the Presidential campaign of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The appointment forms part of the campaign structure to be inaugurated on Friday by Governor Makinde at the Conference Room of the Governor’s Office.
Political observers believe the appointment is a strong vote of confidence in Bolarinwa’s organisational ability and his enduring influence among young people across Oyo State.
For many within the state’s political landscape, the appointment also symbolises the return and rise of one of Governor Makinde’s trusted youth mobilisers to a frontline leadership role.
From advocating for youth inclusion in governance to shaping government policies that affected thousands of young people and now coordinating youth mobilisation for the APM, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa’s political journey reflects a steady rise built on competence, loyalty and an unwavering belief that leadership begins with service.
As Oyo State prepares for another electoral cycle, the appointment of the former Special Assistant on Youth and Sports Development as Director of the Youth Wing of the APM Campaign Council underscores Governor Makinde’s confidence in a man whose political career has remained firmly rooted in youth development, grassroots engagement and the pursuit of excellence.
