EVERY POLITICS IS LOCAL, says Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, As she Adds a New National Feather to Her Cap
by Oki Samson
Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, National Deputy Chairman, Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria.
Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba is a rising figure in the Nigerian political space, and a worthy representation for the women population. Over the years, she has proven that the female gender can be successful in leadership and politics, as they have always been in other spheres of life. She is a grassroot mobiliser and believes she is a ‘product of grace’.
The Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government just added a new feather to her cap as she was appointed as the National Deputy Chairman, Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria.
In this exclusive interview, the grassroots mobiliser spoke with Oki Samson of Trek Africa newspaper about the new role and sundry national issues. Read on!
Trek Africa: How did you come about this elevation in the political scene?
Olabanji-Oba: It is God, grace, hard work, commitment, and giving my all at every point in time. It is the people’s mandate in the long run, so it is all about the people, when you make promise you stand by it. Any promotion you get is really a call for more work and true representation of your people, knowing that you must be the best ambassador that they can truly be proud of. I say a big thank you to my leaders and colleagues that have entrusted me with the opportunity. Mine is to pray for God’s grace and wisdom to meet their expectations which is a lot. With all sense of humility, I can only say God should lead me in all step of the way because I am still learning every day to be better than me of yesterday, and myself of tomorrow should be better than that of today.
Trek Africa: What are you bringing to the fore in this new role?
Olabanji-Oba: It is about the welfare of the people and being the best support system for our Chairmen. We are there to stay at the grassroots. Everywhere we represent we must truly be present. It is a win-win situation for our people. It is a new ground as this is the first time we will be having such an organization, so it is for maximum impact for the country at large. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. We are united knowing we are brothers and sisters and celebrating the good cause of the nation.
Trek Africa: How will this association impact the common man?
Olabanji-Oba: We are here to help one another grow. You cannot give what you don’t have. We talk about education and sensitization. We will be having seminars and trainings to build capacity so that any Vice-Chairman you meet will be a person you can count on in responsibility, accountability, and loyalty to authority. Every politics is local, so needs in different communities are not the same, so we will customise our activities to meet different challenges of different parts of the country. The important thing is that we are there to hold each other up, hold fort, and know that together we can change the narratives.
Trek Africa: What is your take on the low number of women candidates in 2019 elections?
Olabanji-Oba: My leader says power is not served a la carte, you have to take your place. Sometimes the terrain can be toxic where people can be scared but the task is herculean and labourers are few, so I want to encourage more women to come on board, participate and give in their best wherever they find themselves. As women, we are nation builders and natural nurturers. When you give a job to a woman, you can relax and believe the job will be well done. Politics is about relevance, volunteer in your community, be available and be the change you want to see.
Trek Africa: Advice to electorates as we inch toward the 2019 elections on security?
Olabanji-Oba: I want to plead with everyone to ensure that we sustain the peace. This election will not be the last, do not allow yourself to be used for violence. Let’s make the elections peaceful, credible and fair.
Please vote according to your conscience and know that when there is no peace nothing meaningful can be achieved.
