Minister of Youth Development , 2007-2011

He wanted to further his ambition by returning to the Senate in 2007, with the acquired experience in his first term, but this was not to be. Despite having the momentum to win, the Party leadership in the state prevailed on him to yield the position to another candidate. This was a difficult request but being a disciplined party man, he agreed without triggering any crisis or division within the party. According to him” I saw this as my own sacrifice and contribution to the struggle for our Party to maintain the status quo in Osun state”.

This level-headedness and discipline did not go unnoticed by the leadership. He was nominated as one of the candidates for the Osun State ministerial slot for consideration by President Umar Yaradua in July 2007. As providence would have it, he was the chosen one. He held that position consistently throughout the lifetime of the Yardaua\Jonathan administration. He survived all cabinet reshuffles and ended his record of service as the longest serving minister from the South West in that administration.

A lover of challenges; he was assigned the portfolio of Ministry of Youth Development, which was barely six months old at that time. This was transformed under his helmsman ship into a full fledged ministry with cognate relevance and strategic importance in the Federal Executive Council; deploying his talents, innovative ideas, creativity and progressive initiatives built on best global practices.

Under his leadership at the ministry, he was able to forge a closer nexus between the youths and government. Through some of his ideas, the youth are able to make inputs into policy formulation and have a voice in governance.

Also, to give additional impetus to the work of the Ministry, a number of initiatives were introduced and indeed flourished under Senator Olasunkanmi’s stewardship. These include, the comprehensive review and the approval of the National Youth Policy by the Federal Executive Council; the rejuvenation of National Youth Council of Nigeria was which now lends its voice on major national issues.

The Nigerian Youth Parliament was introduced and inaugurated by Mr. President; and to enlarge the vocational and entrepreneurial spirit of the youth, National Youth Development Centres were built across the country.

At global level, Senator Olasunkanmi also made his marks on youth matters when he served at different times as member of a five-man Bureau of African Youth Ministers and member six-man Mid-Term Review Panel of Commonwealth Youth Ministers.

Ever thirsty for knowledge, as a Senator and later as Minister, he attended several local and international courses. He has been recognised and honoured with several awards by communities, professional bodies and groups.

A cheerful giver; who loves to give back to the society, Senator Olasunkanmi has a robust record of community service in different ways; physical development (structures) and individual development through an array of schemes such as scholarships, micro-credit and outright philanthropies.