Hon. Bisola Saka-Adepena, the former councillors in Isolo LCDA and the current APC woman leader recalled how she and other aspirants for councillorship in Isolo were asked to write test to contest for the primaries that produced her as candidate.
In this interview with Damilola Kushimo, she shared her political experiences and family life as she clocks 40 years. Excerpts:
You clocked 40 years on Friday May 22, how can you describe the feeling?
First, I give all glory, honour and adoration to God Almighty for being with me and my family. Clocking 40 years makes me feel so great, as a matter of fact, the feeling is inexplicable.
What has been your personal achievements in life so far?
It is an achievement that God has been so faithful to me with His unending grace over my university years; being a graduate of Business Administration from the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU), marriage, motherhood and political career so far.
Additionally, putting smile on people’s face by getting them employed in private and public sectors is part of what i can call achievements as well as counseling people especially the youths because I find joy in imparting morals and virtues in people especially the youths.
Currently, you are the Woman Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Isolo LCDA. How did you get here? Can you discuss your journey in politics?
I have been in politics right from the time of AD, (Alliance for Democracy), remaining a staunch member of the party following series of transformation till we became APC. I was once a party member then, a loyalist of Taiwo Hassan Rahman who vied for council chairmanship back then. He was, however, given the Vice Chairmanship position, serving with Hon. Mrs. Module Oseghale- Fafowora.
After the political campaign, I was appreciated with a slot as officer of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) which I joined in 2001. Fast forward to 2008, I contested for councillorship position in my ward Ishaga/Ire Akari ward F4 and served as a two-term councillor between 2008 and 2014. Last year, I became the woman leader of the great party in Isolo.
How possible was it contesting in an election and winning while you were serving as a KAI officer?
It was God’s glory and with the great support of the former State Chairman of the party, Otunba Dele Ajomale. He contributed immensely to my political upliftment.
Also, I can’t forget the roles King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), and the former Member of Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji -Edet played in my political career. My heartfelt gratitude goes to them as well.
What are your achievements as the woman leader?
I have facilitated various political and non-political beneficial programmes for women in the party. Some of the political programmes are from Hon. Jude Idimogu and Hon. Ganiyu Johnson.
How do you cope with challenges in life as a politician and as a mother?
In the face of any challenge, I pray to God and face my fear and one thing is that I am always focused.It hasn’t been so easy attending to politics and family. I thank my husband, Alhaji Moshood Adekunle Adepena for standing by me always. I have been able to deliver the best for my kids. I help them with their assignments and I cook for the family. Despite having series of meetings to attend, I make sure I attend PTA, (Parents Teachers Association) meetings in their school.
Can you talk about one of your saddest day in politics?
Yes, that was the day some aggrieved members of the party came to the secretariat in Acme, Ogba to challenge my emergence as the woman leader. It was a serious protest and fracas, we tore one another’s clothes.
How was that resolved?
The aggrieved people later agreed and joined hands with me, we are all doing fine now.
What about your happiest day in politics so far?
That was in 2008 when I won the primary for the councillorship post of the party and the first election I won.During the primaries we did written test at the LGA chairman’s house in Ilasamaja. The test was conducted by late Olowojofe from Apena Ward. I came second in the written test but in the oral, I came first. The result was ultimately judged by the oral test.
What is your next political aspiration?
For now, I still focus on serving the interest of women in the party as the women leader. I will like to appreciate the council chairman, Hon. Shamsudeen Olaleye, he has been a leader for all in the party, we appreciate what he has been doing for women. Hon. Jude Idimogu and Hon. Ganiyu Johnson have been doing greatly for the women as well.At the due time, I will aspire for another political position.
What is your advice to youths in politics?
As the saying, the youths are the leaders of tomorrow but, we have to be part of government right from the grassroots, maybe through CDA or by volunteering to make an impact.The youths should not sit at home and complain that the politicians are not doing it right, let’s join them to help our country.