Today, Monday, April 17, 2023, the executive chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon. (Dr.) Ahmed Olanrewaju Apatira, is celebrating his birthday. In this interview with ECHONEWS Editor, ABOLAJI ADEBAYO, he expressed his joy over the political success of the new Nigerian President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his 2023 birthday will forever be remembered for Asiwaju’s success at poll. He also spoke on his family’s roles in his growing up, his political journey and his commitment to his people at the grassroots. Excerpts:
Birthday celebration is a reflection of the past, how has the journey been so far?
Thank you for asking that question. Indeed, birthdays are a time of reflection and gratitude for the journey we have taken thus far. As the Chairman of this lcda, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my constituents over the years.
The journey has been full of challenges but also rewarding experiences. We have been able to complete several projects that have improved the lives of our people. We have also implemented policies and initiatives to promote our constituents’ well-being.
For instance, we have prioritized the provision of basic amenities such as clean water and electricity to ensure that our people have access to the basic necessities of life. We have also invested in education and healthcare, which are essential for human development.
We have also made efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, which has led to increased economic activities in the lcda. This has provided job opportunities for our teeming youths and improved the standard of living for our people.
However, we are not resting on our laurels. We recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done, and we remain committed to improving the lives of our constituents. We have a vision of a more prosperous and developed lcda, and we work towards that goal daily.
In conclusion, I am grateful for the journey so far and committed to serving my constituents to the best of my ability. Thank you.
Can you tell us how you grew up and where?
I grew up in Lagos and of Yoruba/Muslim parentage. We are typical Lagosians, and I grew up in and around Ikate and Surulere. My siblings and I were raised to be God-fearing, and our parents took good care of our needs, especially in the area of education. We were made to respect elders and constituted authorities and be good citizens. My parents took good care of our needs, especially in the area of education. They emphasized the value of education and hard work as a means of personal development and success in life. As a result, my siblings and I were well equipped to pursue our dreams and contribute positively to society.
In our home, there was a culture of moral uprightness, and my parents modeled this in their actions and interactions with others. I never experienced any rancour or bitterness in our home, which is a testament to the harmonious relationships that existed within our family. Growing up in Lagos, I experienced the vibrant life of the city and the diverse cultures that make up its population. My Yoruba Muslim heritage and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping my worldview and character.
Overall, my upbringing was one that emphasized strong values and a commitment to personal and social growth. It has had a significant impact on my life and my ability to lead and serve others in my community.
Can you explain the roles of your family members in your upbringing?
Indeed, my family played a significant role in my upbringing, and I am grateful for their support and guidance. One of the notable things about my family is that there was no sibling rivalry among us. Instead, we grew up to support each other’s dreams materially, prayerfully, and emotionally. This support system provided a nurturing environment for us to pursue our goals and aspirations. My parents played a significant role in our upbringing, providing for our needs and emphasizing the importance of education and moral uprightness. They modelled the values they wanted us to embody and instilled in us a sense of respect for elders and constituted authorities.
As siblings, we also played an active role in each other’s lives. We supported each other in our academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, providing assistance and encouragement as needed. We also shared a strong bond of prayer, regularly praying for each other’s success and well-being. In addition to our immediate family, we were also supported by extended family members, who were an integral part of our upbringing. They provided guidance, advice, and mentorship, contributing to our personal and social growth.
Overall, the roles of my family members in my upbringing were centered around providing support, guidance, and encouragement. This support system helped to shape my character, and it has been a significant factor in my ability to lead and serve others in my community.
What will you remember this year’s birthday for?
Certainly, as for me, I will remember this year’s birthday as the year that ushered in my revered leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President-elect of Nigeria and his recognition by TIME magazine as one of the most influential leaders in the world. His success in grassroots politics has greatly inspired me, and his focus on helping fellow human beings is a lesson we can all learn from. In the Quran, I have found many verses that emphasize the importance of helping others, and one of them is Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:2. This verse encourages us to work together in righteousness and piety and avoid sin and aggression. It reminds us to fear Allah and cooperate in doing good, a value I hold dear in my personal and political life.
Overall, this year’s birthday has been significant for me because it has reinforced my belief in the importance of helping others, as exemplified by my role model Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the teachings of the Qur’an.
At what stage of your life did you venture into politics or were you born into it?
As the saying goes, “Man is a political animal.” This means that politics is a natural part of human life, and it is something that we are all born into. While some people may be more inclined to politics than others, everyone has the potential to be involved in politics in some way.
For me my interest in politics was nurtured from a young age by the values that were instilled in me by my parents and the community I grew up in. However, it was not until later in life that I actively ventured into politics. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by great mentors who eventually chaperoned and guided my journey into politics. Having mentors is essential for anyone who wants to develop their political potential. These mentors can help bring out the hidden tendencies we all have as political animals and guide us towards positively impacting our communities.
As for the specific stage of my life when I entered politics, I prefer not to mention a specific date. What is essential is that we are all born with the potential to be involved in politics and to lead, and it is up to us to nurture and develop that potential with the help of mentors and a supportive community, parents, siblings, friends and even the environment.
What motivated you to go into politics?
For me, the motivation to go into politics was borne out of an innate desire to help the less privileged in society and contribute to nation-building. Politics can be a powerful tool to effect positive change in our communities and make a difference in people’s lives. Through my involvement in politics, I have worked with others of similar minds to create policies that benefit those most in need and to advocate for the rights of the marginalized and underrepresented.
I am passionate about improving access to education, healthcare, and social services for all members of society, and politics provides a platform for me to make a meaningful contribution towards achieving these goals.
Ultimately, my motivation for going into politics is rooted in a desire to serve my community and positively impact the lives of those around me. By working together, we can harness the power of politics to create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
How would you describe grassroots politics in Lagos, citing your local council, Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area, as an example?
As its name implies, grassroots politics refers to the most basic level of politics. As politicians in the local council development areas, we are the closest to the people in rural areas. Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area, where I am the chairman, is a perfect example of ‘grassroots’ in Lagos. Here, we are fully aware of the needs of the people and work tirelessly to address them. Being close to the grassroots, I receive numerous visitors who throng my office daily for one thing or another. This means there is no hiding place for any grassroots politician, so we must perform if we want to walk on the street. It is not easy in my LCDA, which is classified as urban and has many learned people who have travelled far and wide.
However, we have been able to strike a balance between the needs of the people and the demands of modernity, and this is what gives Lagos state its cosmopolitan and metropolitan outlook.
In summary, grassroots politics is essential because it allows us to understand the needs of the people at the most basic level and work to address them. As a politician at the local government level, I am proud to be able to serve my community and make a difference in people’s lives.
What will you say caused the low vote count recorded by your party, APC, in the last presidential election?
The low vote count recorded by the APC in the last presidential election was a result of several factors, one of which was the low turnout of people. The lack of cash to board vehicles to polling booths and petrol scarcity were significant hindrances to the electorates, making it difficult for them to exercise their voting rights. Again, there was a sense of apathy among supporters of the APC who believed that their presidential candidate was unbeatable in Lagos due to his and his successors’ track record of performance. This belief led to some supporters staying at home instead of casting their ballots, forgetting that every ballot counts towards the total tally. The election was a watershed moment in the history of elections in Lagos and Nigeria, highlighting the need for improved voter turnout and education.
As a chairman of the Local Government, what do you expect from the residents as their contributions to the development of your local council area?
As the local council development area chairman, every resident has a role in developing the local council area. One significant contribution is the payment of taxes, which is a civic responsibility of every citizen. As the famous quote goes, “Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society,” and it is through taxes that we are able to provide basic amenities such as good roads, water supply, healthcare, education, and security. In addition to the payment of taxes, residents can contribute to the area’s development by volunteering their time and skills for community development projects.
This can include cleaning up the environment, participating in public health campaigns, supporting local businesses, and working with community groups to improve the overall quality of life in the area. Furthermore, residents can participate in town hall meetings and other community events to voice their concerns and suggestions on how to improve the local council area. This feedback can help guide the government’s decision-making process and ensure that policies and programs align with the community’s needs.
Overall, the development of a local council area is a collective responsibility that requires the participation of everyone. By paying taxes, volunteering time and skills, and actively engaging in community development activities, residents can contribute to the growth and progress of their local council area.
What can you be proud of as your achievements as a local council chairman so far?
As a local council chairman, one of my proudest achievements is the area’s infrastructure improvement. We have carried out several road construction and rehabilitation projects, which have considerably eased the movement of goods and people. We have also provided boreholes and water facilities in different parts of the community, ensuring people can access clean and safe drinking water.
Additionally, we have embarked on various healthcare initiatives, including constructing a health centre and providing medical equipment to existing healthcare facilities. We have also prioritized the welfare of our staff, providing training and development opportunities to improve their skills and ensure better service delivery.
Furthermore, we have engaged in various community development projects, such as providing scholarships to deserving students and empowering women through skills acquisition programs, and we also aim to provide support to farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
Finally, we have also greatly emphasised security, partnering with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in the area. All these efforts have been geared towards improving the living standards of the people in the local council development area and making it a better place to live and work.
What legacy do you plan to leave for your successor when you leave office?
A quote by former United States President Obama comes to mind: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
As a local council chairman, the legacy I leave for my successor should be one of progress, development, and continuity. It is important that I lay a solid foundation that my successor can build upon. This means ensuring that the local council is financially stable, creating policies and programs that benefit the community, improving infrastructure, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, it is essential to leave behind a legacy of good governance and ethical leadership. This means promoting integrity, honesty, and professionalism in local council operations.
Additionally, I would like to empower and train my staff to be competent and effective in their roles so that they can continue to provide quality service to the community even after my tenure ends. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of progress, development, and good governance that will benefit the people of the local council for years to come.
What are you putting in place to ensure your achievements will be maintained when you eventually leave office?
As the local council chairman, I understand the importance of continuity in governance and the need to ensure that my achievements are not only maintained but improved upon by my successor. To achieve this, I am putting in place a comprehensive handover process that will ensure a seamless transition of power. This includes documenting all ongoing projects, policies, and initiatives, providing regular briefings and updates to the incoming administration, and ensuring that all necessary resources are available to facilitate the continuation of existing projects. Furthermore, I am committed to building institutional capacity within the local council, including the development of standard operating procedures, the establishment of an effective monitoring and evaluation system, and the training and empowerment of staff to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain the progress made in the LCDA.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a sustainable legacy that will continue to benefit the residents of the LCDA even after my tenure as chairman.
What do you foresee about the incoming government under the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?
Thank you for the question. The incoming government under President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds great promise for Nigeria. With his vast experience in leadership, governance, finance, and activism, he has the capacity to provide visionary leadership and steer the country towards greater prosperity. His focus on running a government of ‘National Competence’, based on merit and the appointment of competent individuals irrespective of age, tribe, or political affiliation, is a welcome departure from the norm. This approach will enable the government to tap into the best talent available and drive development across all sectors of the economy. As he has stated, his administration will bring ‘Renewed Hope’ to Nigerians who have lost faith in leadership, and I am confident that his vision, leadership, and dedication will lead to a brighter future for our country.
What do you expect from the Federal government as local council chairman in Lagos State?
As a local council chairman in Lagos State, the Federal government should prioritize devolving more powers to the local government. This approach has proven effective in other countries, where local governments are empowered to implement policies and programs that meet the needs of their communities. Additionally, I expect the Federal government to disburse all revenues collected on behalf of councils in Lagos State promptly, including the VAT (Value Added Tax) mainly collected from Lagos. Furthermore, local governments should be given autonomy to carry out their functions effectively. This will ensure that decisions are made quickly and efficiently and that resources are allocated where they are most needed. This is a common expectation of local councils in other countries, where they are granted autonomy to govern themselves and take responsibility for the development of their areas.
In summary, I expect the Federal government to prioritize devolving more powers to the local government, disburse revenues promptly, and ensure local government autonomy becomes a reality. This will allow us as local council chairmen to effectively carry out our duties and contribute to the development of our communities.
What is your priority in the coming government?
As a local council chairman, my priority in the coming government is to fulfil all the campaign promises made to the people in the party’s manifesto. This includes prioritizing the provision of basic amenities such as good roads, water, health care, and educational facilities. Additionally, I will ensure a peaceful co-existence among the different tribes in the local council development area and a conducive atmosphere for commercial activities to thrive. Furthermore, I will work towards ensuring that the local council receives prompt disbursement of revenues collected on its behalf and that the autonomy of local government becomes a reality. These priorities are crucial for the development of the local council and the improvement of the lives of the people.
Finally, sir, what should the people in your LCDA expect from your government before your tenure expires in 2025 sir?
As the chairman of this local council development area, I want to assure my people that we will continue to work tirelessly to deliver on all our campaign promises. My priority will be to ensure that all our projects and initiatives are completed and that more developmental projects are executed before the expiration of my tenure in 2025. My people should expect more dividends of democracy, as we will work harder to improve their standard of living and provide basic amenities like good roads, healthcare, and educational facilities. We will also continue to promote peace, unity, and progress in our LCDA.
In similar positions all over the democratic world, electorate expect their elected leaders to be accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people. They expect their leaders to provide good governance, create jobs, promote economic growth and development, and improve the people’s standard of living. The people also expect their leaders to be honest, sincere, committed to serving their constituents, and accountable for their actions and decisions. Our people in this LCDA are not different in this regard, I want to assure my people that we will strive to meet these expectations and deliver on our mandate as their elected representative.