Olumide Kola-Lawal is a seasoned public policy and development expert with over 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning multilateral institutions, government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and policy think tanks. He is currently an aspirant for the Lagos Central Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing to the race a compelling blend of technocratic expertise and grassroots engagement.
A proud alumnus of University of Lagos, Olumide furthered his academic pursuits in the United States, earning a Master’s degree in International Policy and Practice from George Washington University. He also obtained a Public Management Certificate from Virginia Commonwealth University, strengthening his foundation in governance, public administration, and institutional leadership.
Olumide’s public service journey includes serving as a Legislative Aide during Nigeria’s 7th National Assembly, where he gained hands-on experience in legislative drafting, policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and oversight functions. In 2015, he contested for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Surulere I Constituency, underscoring his longstanding commitment to grassroots representation and participatory governance.
Beyond elective aspirations, Olumide has demonstrated sustained commitment to social impact and community development. He established a five-year endowment at the University of Lagos to support academic excellence, awarded scholarships to deserving students, and provided monthly stipends to elderly citizens to promote dignity and welfare. His empowerment initiatives have extended to small business owners through financial support schemes, laptop distribution programmes to enhance digital literacy, and facilitation of employment opportunities for young professionals.
As the pioneer Lagos State Coordinator of the Not Too Young To Run movement, Olumide played a key role in youth political inclusion efforts that culminated in the signing of the Age Reduction Bill into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Guided by his firm belief that leadership is fundamentally about service, trust, and human dignity, Olumide Kola-Lawal represents a forward-thinking, policy-driven, and people-centered vision for Lagos Central.
His candidacy embodies a rare combination of intellectual depth, administrative competence, and genuine community connection, positioning him as a progressive voice for inclusive growth and responsive governance.
