Najeem Folasayo Salam
Najeem Folasayo Salam (born 8 August 1965), popularly called Iwaloye (meaning: proven character is royal), is a Nigerian politician and philanthropist.
He is a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and co-author of the best-selling textbook Rudiments of Government and Politics (2019), alongside Dr. Solomon Ayegba Usman.
Early Life
- Born 8 August 1965 in Ejigbo, Osun State to a relatively comfortable family.
- Lost his father at age 2 and his mother at age 10, after which he lived with his maternal aunt.
Education
- Ansar-U-Deen Primary School, Ejigbo (1975–1981)
- Baptist School, Ola (1981–1986)
- Baptist High School, Ejigbo (1986–1987)
- Oyo State College of Arts and Science – A-level studies (1987–1989)
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- B.Sc. Political Science (Second Class Upper, 1993)
- M.Sc. Political Science (2013)
- Ph.D. Political Science – specialization in Nigerian Federalism, Ethnic Relations, and Democratic Studies (2018)
Attended leadership and capacity-building courses in the UK, USA, UAE, Brazil, and more.
Career
Early Political Involvement
- Active in student rights movements during his undergraduate days.
- Served as President of Ejigbo Local Government Area Students Association (ELGASA), OAU Chapter.
- Entered pharmacy business post-graduation.
- Appointed Supervisory Councilor for Health in 1999.
Entry into State Politics
- Contested local government chairmanship in 2002 (unsuccessful).
- Elected to Osun State House of Assembly in 2007, but election nullified in 2009 due to ballot irregularities.
- Regained seat in 2011 elections.
Speakership
- Elected Speaker on 2 June 2011.
- Chaired the Caretaker Committee of the Conference of Speakers of States Legislature (2011–2012).
Legislative Achievements (2011–2015)
- 32 Bills passed.
- 42 Resolutions made.
- 4 Public Hearings held.
Focus areas included:
- HIV/AIDS legislation
- Signage and street advertising
- Security trust funds
- Urban renewal
Re-elected as Speaker and continued leadership in the Assembly.
- By 2017, Assembly had passed 7 bills, made 2 resolutions, and conducted 3 public hearings.
- Notable legislation: Establishment of a microcredit agency to stimulate economic activity.
Leadership Style
- Known for a harmonious relationship with the executive, which critics labeled as “rubber-stamp.”
- Supporters credit him with peaceful governance and fostering state development.
2018 Gubernatorial Speculation
- Rumored to be Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s preferred successor.
- Publicly denied gubernatorial ambition.
Recognition
- Honored by various student, professional, and faith-based organizations.
Awards from:
- Nigerian Medical Association (Osun State chapter)
- Federation of Muslim Women
- LAUTECH Medical Students Association
- Students’ Parliamentary Council, Tai Solarin University
- Nigerian Association of Agricultural Science Students, Osun State University
Patron, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter (Feb 2017).
- Holds the title Asiwaju Adinni of Ejigboland.