What informed your decision to contest for chairmanship this time?
Honourable Rahman Mogbolahan Dawodu, is a local government chairmanship aspirant for Itire-Ikate LCDA on the platform of Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming council poll in the state. The former councilor in Odoluwo ward, speaks on his dream for the people of the area if elected. BOLA BADMUS brings excerpts:
I am known to my locality and it is even my people that came out and said I should contest for the chairmanship seat as they know I am capable of being their leader, having been contributing to the development of the community as a whole. They actually said I am accessible and can tackle their problems.
What kind of assistance have you rendered to them to warrant such gesture from your constituency?
I have done quite a lot. I sponsor people in the community to higher institutions. I have sponsored them on computer and vocational training, and I do solve some problems in the community through which I have been able to touch the lives of people in Itire-Ikate. Last year, I did a programme, which was beneficial to everybody in the community- offering free medical check-up. We gave out free eye glasses to people; we distributed more than 500 glasses, and the initiative was well supported by all APC members in the community. I equally offered free medical check- up on prostrate cancer and diabetes. We also organised lectures on family planning. The same programme was done in all the communities that make up Itire-Ikate LCDA, including Ijesha, Itire and Ikate. We also gave out GCE form free to more than 50 students and I empowered widows and market women in Itire-Ikate area.
What are the challenges confronting the people of Itire-Ikate LCDA that you hope to address if elected chairman?
The most paramount one is the twin problem of poor drainage system and bad roads. The community suffers from flooding during the raining season.
How do you want to source for funds to tackle the problems?
Thank God for my ability and exposure. I have been able to work with international NGOs, which include the famous Oprah Winfrey and John Legend Foundations in America and I believe with these people beside me, I can bring necessary development to Itire-Ikate. As you know, Oprah Winfrey has been doing a lot for African countries. So, working with her is going to be a plus for the country. I have even discussed about the community with them and they are ready to assist in their little ways, as there is provision for underdeveloped countries and with the right channel, this thing could be done.
What do you think will give you an edge over other contestants in the race?
I have been a party member for the past 15 years and the people contesting with me actually haven’t really contributed meaningful to the development of the community. I don’t think someone who is not aware of what is on ground; how people are, how they are feeling or what their problem is should be contesting the coming election. If they want to contest, they should first contribute to the party and the community, even without holding a political office in the community. So for me, I have the support of my people; the youth and the elders of the community are behind me. They are actually the ones who have asked me to contest.
How close are you to the leadership of the APC?
I actually don’t have a godfather. The Almighty God is my godfather and any other human being, I give respect to them. All the leaders in my community are my fathers and everywhere I go, I do give them due respect (as they are the leaders of the party).
How much consultations have you done within and outside the APC in order to realise your ambition?
I have done that; from grassroots up to the state and to the centre. I have been attending ward and LGA meetings in my constituency.
What do you think can constitute a barrier to your ambition?
I don’t see any barrier because I have never stepped on toes, and I know people have done research about me and couldn’t find anything against me.
Honourable Rahman Mogbolahan Dawodu, is a local government chairmanship aspirant for Itire-Ikate LCDA on the platform of Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming council poll in the state. The former councilor in Odoluwo ward, speaks on his dream for the people of the area if elected. BOLA BADMUS brings excerpts:
I am known to my locality and it is even my people that came out and said I should contest for the chairmanship seat as they know I am capable of being their leader, having been contributing to the development of the community as a whole. They actually said I am accessible and can tackle their problems.
What kind of assistance have you rendered to them to warrant such gesture from your constituency?
I have done quite a lot. I sponsor people in the community to higher institutions. I have sponsored them on computer and vocational training, and I do solve some problems in the community through which I have been able to touch the lives of people in Itire-Ikate. Last year, I did a programme, which was beneficial to everybody in the community- offering free medical check-up. We gave out free eye glasses to people; we distributed more than 500 glasses, and the initiative was well supported by all APC members in the community. I equally offered free medical check- up on prostrate cancer and diabetes. We also organised lectures on family planning. The same programme was done in all the communities that make up Itire-Ikate LCDA, including Ijesha, Itire and Ikate. We also gave out GCE form free to more than 50 students and I empowered widows and market women in Itire-Ikate area.
What are the challenges confronting the people of Itire-Ikate LCDA that you hope to address if elected chairman?
The most paramount one is the twin problem of poor drainage system and bad roads. The community suffers from flooding during the raining season.
How do you want to source for funds to tackle the problems?
Thank God for my ability and exposure. I have been able to work with international NGOs, which include the famous Oprah Winfrey and John Legend Foundations in America and I believe with these people beside me, I can bring necessary development to Itire-Ikate. As you know, Oprah Winfrey has been doing a lot for African countries. So, working with her is going to be a plus for the country. I have even discussed about the community with them and they are ready to assist in their little ways, as there is provision for underdeveloped countries and with the right channel, this thing could be done.
What do you think will give you an edge over other contestants in the race?
I have been a party member for the past 15 years and the people contesting with me actually haven’t really contributed meaningful to the development of the community. I don’t think someone who is not aware of what is on ground; how people are, how they are feeling or what their problem is should be contesting the coming election. If they want to contest, they should first contribute to the party and the community, even without holding a political office in the community. So for me, I have the support of my people; the youth and the elders of the community are behind me. They are actually the ones who have asked me to contest.
How close are you to the leadership of the APC?
I actually don’t have a godfather. The Almighty God is my godfather and any other human being, I give respect to them. All the leaders in my community are my fathers and everywhere I go, I do give them due respect (as they are the leaders of the party).
How much consultations have you done within and outside the APC in order to realise your ambition?
I have done that; from grassroots up to the state and to the centre. I have been attending ward and LGA meetings in my constituency.
What do you think can constitute a barrier to your ambition?
I don’t see any barrier because I have never stepped on toes, and I know people have done research about me and couldn’t find anything against me.
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