In a political landscape often defined by age and hierarchy, Honourable Shittu Rukayat Motunrayo stands out as a symbol of change. At just 27, she has moved from telling the stories of others to shaping the laws that impact her community, a journey marked by courage, intellect, and an unshakable sense of purpose. Her rise signals a new era in Nigerian politics, where youth, vision, and dedication are reshaping traditional corridors of power, and inspiring a generation to believe in the possibilities of leadership.
Born on 6 June 1996 in Manyan, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Shittu’s early life was rooted in the values of education, discipline, and community. She began her formal education at Baptist LGEA Primary School, Surulere, before attending Government Girls’ Day Secondary School, Oko‑Erin Ilorin. Determined to combine academic excellence with practical skills, she earned a Diploma in Mass Communication and Islamic Studies from the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, and later a B.Sc. in Mass Communication (Second Class Upper) from the National Open University of Nigeria in 2022. These academic achievements laid a solid foundation for her dual passions, effective communication and meaningful public service.
Before stepping into the political arena, Shittu built a strong reputation in journalism. Rising through the ranks to become Head of the News Department at Just Event Online Publication, she gained firsthand experience in reporting, investigation, and storytelling. She learned the importance of asking the right questions, verifying facts, and understanding the real-life implications of decisions, skills that later became invaluable in her work as a legislator and advocate. Her journalism career also provided her a platform to highlight youth and women’s issues, building networks that would prove critical when she transitioned into formal politics.
Shittu’s political journey began during her university years, where she actively participated in student governance. She contested for several leadership positions and made history as the first female Senate President of the Congress of NOUN Students at the Ilorin Study Centre. In this role, she gained practical experience in advocacy, leadership, and representation, developing the decisiveness, integrity, and collaborative skills that helped her succeed in the legislature. Her formal entry into party politics came in 2022 when she obtained nomination forms from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for the Owode/Onire Constituency seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly, marking her official transition from advocacy and media into formal political leadership.
In 2023, Shittu won the Owode/Onire Constituency seat, becoming one of the youngest legislators in Nigeria. Her victory was notable not only for her youth but for the message it sent, that Nigerian politics can thrive on fresh voices, innovation, and dedication. As a vocal advocate for youth and women’s participation, she challenges traditional assumptions about leadership, demonstrating that age is no barrier to influence, and that commitment and vision can drive meaningful change.
Within the House, Hon. Shittu has quickly made an impact. She serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports, and Information, and as Deputy Chairman of the House Services Committee, shaping policies that empower young people and strengthen state governance. She recently sponsored the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2025, a landmark initiative aimed at improving energy access across the state. This effort underscores her ability to translate ideas into actionable policies that directly benefit citizens, reflecting both practicality and foresight.
Shittu’s journey from the newsroom to the legislature is more than a personal success story; it is a beacon of possibility for young Nigerians. Her life demonstrates that bold ideas, dedication, and a commitment to service can reshape political narratives, and that the skills gained in one field, like journalism, can be effectively applied to governance. For Hon. Shittu Rukayat Motunrayo, breaking news was only the beginning. Today, she is making laws and inspiring a generation to believe that leadership is attainable, purposeful, and transformative.
