PROFILE: Ogunbode Samson Olusola, Deputy Director-general Of Campaign Organization For Oyo APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli
Ogunbode Samson Olusola is a seasoned administrator, accomplished businessman, insurance professional and political strategist with decades of experience spanning the public and private sectors in both Nigeria and the United States of America. His career reflects a blend of expertise in insurance, oil and gas marketing, automobile sales, public administration, and political leadership.
He currently serves as the Deputy Director-General of the Campaign Organization for the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, where he brings to bear his extensive administrative, managerial and political experience.
PERSONAL DATA
Ogunbode Samson Olusola was born on March 21, 1950s, in Okeho, Oyo State, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian by nationality and is happily married.
EDUCATION
Driven by a commitment to academic excellence and professional development, Ogunbode pursued studies in Nigeria and the United States.
Having cautiously listened to elders that teaching remains the best profession, he attended Òkehò-Iganna Grammar School, Òkehò between 1971 and 1974.
In 1978, he obtained the Grade II Teachers’ Certificate from the Divisional Teacher Training College, Ayetoro, Ogun State, after attending the institution between 1975 and 1978.
He later proceeded to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he studied Insurance and earned the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) between 1980 and 1982.
Seeking further academic advancement, he travelled to the United States and enrolled at Howard University, Washington, DC, where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Insurance after completing his studies between 1984 and 1987.
To strengthen his knowledge of information technology, he attended the Computer Learning Center, Virginia, USA, where he earned a Diploma in Computer Programming during the 1989/1990 academic session.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Ogunbode has built an impressive professional career that cuts across education, insurance, oil and gas, automobile marketing and public service.
He began his working career as a Class Teacher at Ilora Community Grammar School, Ilora, Oyo State, where he served between 1979 and 1980.
He was also a Class Teacher at Ojongbodu Grammar School, Oyo between 1982 and 1983.
In furtherance of his teaching career, he equally taught students at Ekunle High School, Iseyin.
From 1982 to 1984, he worked as a Re-Insurance Officer with Trans-Nigeria Assurance Company, Ibadan, contributing to the company’s insurance operations.
Following his relocation to the United States, he joined State Farm Insurance, one of America’s leading insurance companies, where he served as a Claims Investigator in the Washington area office between 1987 and 1990.
Between 1990 and 1992, he worked with Nationwide Insurance, Washington, DC, as a Loss Appraisal/Adjuster, handling insurance claims assessment and adjustment.
His entrepreneurial drive led him into the petroleum marketing business as an Independent Oil Marketer with Shell Oil Company, Reston, Virginia, where he operated successfully from 1992 to 1997.
During the same period, he established Affordable Motors in Washington, DC, serving as the Owner and Car Dealer between 1994 and 1999, specializing in automobile sales.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Ogunbode ventured into public service and governance. Between 1999 and 2000, he served as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Water Corporation of Oyo State, contributing to policy formulation and strategic decision-making.
From 2001 to 2003, he served as Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Inter-Governmental Relations, where he coordinated relations between the state government and other tiers of government, while fostering institutional collaboration.
As an entrepreneur, he has remained active in the downstream petroleum sector. Since 2003, he has been the proprietor of Solabode Oil Limited, an Independent Oil Marketing company based in Ibadan.
In 2008, he further expanded his business interests by establishing SKF Multipurpose Invest Limited, Ibadan, where he oversees the sales of fuel dispensing pumps and pre-owned automobiles, a position he continues to hold.
PRO-DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
Beyond his professional achievements, Ogunbode Samson Olusola has maintained a longstanding commitment to democratic ideals, Yoruba socio-cultural development and political participation.
Since 1993, he has been a Founding Member of Egbe Isokan Yoruba, Washington, DC, promoting the unity and welfare of the Yoruba people in the diaspora.
Between 1995 and 1997, he served as the National Secretary of Egbe Omo-Yoruba, USA, providing administrative leadership and coordinating the activities of the organization.
From 1995 to 1999, he was the Vice-President of the Nigeria Democratic Movement, Washington, DC, where he actively participated in the pro-democracy struggle that contributed to Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.
Today, Ogunbode remains an influential political figure and stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC) whose wealth of experience in governance, business and public administration continues to shape political discourse and leadership development in Oyo State. His appointment as the Deputy Director-General of the Campaign Organization for Senator Sharafadeen Alli underscores the confidence reposed in his leadership, strategic planning abilities and dedication to the ideals of progressive governance.
