Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Gubernatorial Candidate

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu (SYD) is a distinguished politician, engineer, legislator, and public servant whose leadership journey reflects dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria.

Born on May 31, 1985, in Gwanara, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, he is the son of the late Alhaji Salihu Aliyu, popularly known as the Tafarkin Borgu. From an early age, Yakubu Danladi exhibited exceptional intelligence, curiosity, and a passion for learning.

He began his educational journey at Baruten Local Government Education Authority Primary School, Gwanara, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He subsequently attended Baptist Grammar School, Okuta, and later St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin, where he completed his secondary education with outstanding results in 2001.

Driven by a passion for engineering, he proceeded to Kaduna Polytechnic, where he studied Electrical Engineering. He earned his National Diploma (ND) with Upper Credit in 2006 and, due to his excellent academic performance, gained automatic admission into the highly competitive Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in Electrical/Electronics Engineering. He graduated with another Upper Credit in 2008, further demonstrating his academic excellence.

Following his studies, he participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme and served at the National Water Resources Institute, Mando Road, Kaduna, between 2009 and 2010.

Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, Engr. Danladi worked at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, where he served between 2010 and 2018. While working, he furthered his education and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering with Second Class Upper Division honours in 2016.

In pursuit of advanced knowledge and leadership skills, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Revenue Management from the Business School of Kwara State University, Malete, in 2023. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Peace and Security Studies at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, while also advancing plans toward a doctoral degree.

Professionally, Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu is a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and is certified by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), affirming his competence and standing within the engineering profession.

Political Journey

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu’s rise in politics is a testament to years of grassroots engagement, youth leadership, and public service.

His leadership journey began during his student days. Between 2005 and 2006, he served as Secretary of the National Union of Baruten Students, Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter. In 2007/2008, he was elected Vice President of the Union and also served as Secretary of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter.

His passion for youth development and community mobilization earned him several leadership responsibilities. In 2011, he coordinated the Youth Wing of the Buhari Campaign Organisation under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kwara North Senatorial District. He later served as Youth Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara North under the Engr. Yinusa Yahaya Campaign Organisation.

During his National Youth Service year, he was also elected Secretary of the Kaduna Tourism Club, further demonstrating his capacity for leadership and service.

Inspired by the desire of his people to have quality representation, Engr. Danladi ventured fully into active politics. In 2018, he resigned from his position at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, to contest for elective office. His decision was driven by a strong conviction to serve his constituents and contribute directly to governance.

As one of the youngest aspirants to contest for a seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he enjoyed overwhelming support from youths and stakeholders across his constituency. His popularity and grassroots appeal culminated in his victory at both the party primaries and the 2019 general elections.

Upon inauguration into the 9th Kwara State House of Assembly, his colleagues unanimously elected him Speaker, making him one of the youngest Speakers in the history of the state.

Legislative Leadership and Achievements

As Speaker and representative of his constituency, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu distinguished himself through impactful leadership and people-oriented projects.

Under his stewardship, numerous developmental projects were facilitated across communities, including:

Rehabilitation and construction of roads.
Provision of potable water through the sinking of over 200 boreholes.
Installation of solar-powered streetlights.
Construction and renovation of classroom blocks.
Distribution of educational materials to schools.
Empowerment programmes for youths and women.
Facilitation of the establishment of the Federal Government Science and Technical College, Gwanara.

His tenure as Speaker of the 9th Assembly was widely acknowledged for promoting legislative harmony, effective oversight, and constructive collaboration with other arms of government.

The confidence reposed in him by his constituents and colleagues led to his re-election and subsequent emergence as Speaker of the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly.

In 2024, his growing influence within legislative circles earned him election as Chairman of the APC Conference of Speakers in Nigeria, a position that further cemented his reputation as a respected young political leader with national relevance.

Personal Life

Despite his demanding public responsibilities, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu enjoys reading, travelling, browsing, and watching football. He remains passionate about youth development, education, and community advancement.

A devoted family man, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu is happily married and blessed with children.

Today, he stands as one of the most influential young political leaders in Nigeria, embodying a blend of professional excellence, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service.