…Celebrates 66 Years
The Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. WASIU ADESINA turned 66 on Friday, April 22, 2023. In this interview with ECHONEWS Editor, ABOLAJI ADEBAYO, the sixth and last born of his mother disclosed the mystery behind his name – Ayodeji. He also talked about his growing up, education and political career. Excerpts:
As a birthday boy at 66, how do you feel?
We thank God that I am witnessing another day of my birth. When I was five years,I started my elementary school at Musliudeen Primary School, Ikorodu now Ijogun Primary School. Later I moved to Oriwu College, Ikorodu where I did my West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). When I passed out, I joined the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs then in 1984.
After serving about a year or two there, I proceeded to University of Ibadan to do my Diploma in Adult Education and Community Development. Immediately after that, I contested for councillorship in Ikorodu in Ward A2 now Ward C which I won in 1991 and also appointed immediately to serve as Supervisor for Education. The Military administration that came in 1993 topple that government and sent us packing and I decided to join the service again which I was employed again as Community Development Assistant in the Local Government Service Commission.
I later proceeded to Lagos State University for my First Degree where I obtained a BSc in Political Science. Thereafter I did my Masters in Public Administration and graduated in 2001 at the same institution. I did Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) to be a member and also Regional Institute of Management II.
I retired from the Lagos State Service as the Head of Human Resources under the Local Government in Victoria Island in Iru LCDA when I wanted to contest for the chairmanship position. But before then, when I was in service in 2015, I was appointed as the Executive Secretary for Ikorodu Local Government. After that I contested as the Executive Chairman and I won and this is my second term running as the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government.
At this point of your life, can you say you’re fulfilled with your aspiration in life to some extent?
Well, I thank God but I’m still looking up to some leaders who have achieved more than what I have. But with that, I thank God because I was given this opportunity to serve my people and I want to commend our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving all of us that opportunity to serve. Then my appreciation also goes to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu whom we enjoy from.
Probably when you were born, you would have been told something surrounding your birth. Do you remember any mystery surrounding your birth?
What I was told was that I was named Ayodeji because the day I was born was the day my daddy bought his first car. As they were bringing the car, I was coming out so I became Ayodimeji.
Do you remember your growing up, your peers, your mates from childhood?
Yes, I remember when we were in primary school, there was usual End of the Year programme that we used to do where we would buy broom, basket and everything to the school so that the headmaster will announce the best student in this, the best student in that. So, I know that I used to collect best student in Physics related subjects where you tell the environment and surroundings and I was always very happy when they announced my name as the best student. It was always interesting and that’s one of the good things that I remember. I was made one of the leaders of the class. Then, when we entered Secondary School, I remembered that I was made the class captain of our class, Form 1C. Thereafter, some of my friends too were leading in that category. We were also nicknamed but I don’t want to mention my nickname because it’s always very funny.
Are you still relating with some of primary and secondary school mates?
Yes we used to see but not all of them, just about two. One is Adeolu Aladagbe, he called me sometimes and then we chatted together. Then the other one is Mulika. Most of them that I know have travelled out, like one Saliu Adebayo.
Okay, so your parents, what are their impacts in your life, in your growing up, and your siblings too?
Yes I’m full of happiness about my parents for what they have done in my life especially my mum. Though both of them are late, I remember them always for what they did. If not for their efforts, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want God to help me bless the place they are, that’s my prayer.
Alright sir, your siblings what do you say about them?
We are still very close and cordial.
How do you compare parental care during your childhood and now?
There is no more parental care nowadays. During our own time when we were growing up, our parents would keep checking on us to know what we were doing at all times. I remember that my mum would come to our school in the morning and afternoon even if the gateman would not allow her in, she would stay at the gate and waited for us. And when we returned from school, our food would be ready. Nowadays, most parents do not have time for their children may be due to their nature of jobs. Mother and father would have gone since morning and cone back at night.
My advice to the mother parents is that they have to be more caring and be vigilante on their children.
As a local government chairman, what will you want to be remembered for when you leave office?
I will be remembered for the renovation and beautification of the local council secretariat.
The Secretariat has been there over 50 years without roofing. It was when I came as executive chairman that I decided to do the roofing and change the louvers window to the modern sliding one, painting, redesigning of the offices with POP and illumination of the Secretariat. The work still continues as the Secretariat is very big.
We are doing all these with other projects with the meagre we have, we didn’t take loan from anywhere. I have embarked on empowerment programme, buying mini buses for youths in the community and I have constructed more than 20 roads and still counting. When I came back for second term, I embarked on more than nine projects and looking forward to more to come.
What is your advice to the youths especially as 2023 general election is approaching?
Well, my advice to them is that they should shun all forms of hooliganism, vandalism and other vices. They should joing hands to vite for APC and especially our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become the president of Nigeria.
Alright, during your birthday, what should your people expect from you as birthday gift?
Prayer, I will continue to pray for them. Then they should expect more projects from me as I have some in my plan to execute soon.