In the vibrant and complex political landscape of Lagos State, dating back to the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Local Government elections have been a defining feature of grassroots democracy. From the first set of elections held in December 1999 under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), through subsequent cycles in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2017, and most recently in July 2021 and July 2025, the democratic space has continued to evolve, shaping destinies, redefining expectations, and offering platforms of service.
However, for many aspiring leaders—particularly the youth—the path to political fulfilment has often been fraught with deep personal sacrifices, betrayals, disillusionments, and unreciprocated loyalty. I speak not from hearsay, but from lived experience.
I contested for the position of councilor in Mushin Local Government for four consecutive election cycles under the AD, the Action Congress (AC), and later the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite holding two Master’s degrees and being a committed party loyalist, the reality remained harsh. In one of those attempts, the party ticket was callously withdrawn from me on the very day we were meant to be presented with the LASIEC nomination forms. Devastated and frustrated, I turned to my political leader and mentor, Dr Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN, seeking solace and intervention. His response was brief yet profound: ‘Noted. But face your career.’
To the politically bruised, that response may have sounded insensitive. I had just resigned from my job as a Grade Level 12 teacher in anticipation of clinching the councillorship seat—only to be met with dashed hopes and zero compensation, except for a mere Senior Special Assistant (SSA) role that offered a paltry monthly remuneration of ₦25,000. It was humiliating. But today, standing hooded in the revered realm of academia, I realise the wisdom in those piercing words: Face your career.
Indeed, I dedicate this academic achievement first and foremost to God Almighty, the inexhaustible wellspring of knowledge and grace. I also honour Dr Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN, for not indulging our weaknesses but instead choosing the hard road of mentorship that leads to self-reliance and purpose. The pain of rejection became the seed of a higher calling.
I implore our teeming youths across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, to embrace the gospel of the ‘second address’—a concept powerfully advanced by Dr Banire. In politics, permanence is a mirage. Appointments end, power shifts, favour wanes, and interests change. But your second address—your skill, your career, your business, your education—remains your true identity. Politics must never be your sole strategy for survival.
We must stop seeing politics as a lifeline or a final destination. It is service, yes—but temporary service. While we engage politically, we must also be engineers, lawyers, teachers, IT experts, artisans, scholars, and entrepreneurs. We must be productive beyond party meetings, active beyond campaign trails, and relevant beyond election seasons.
To my loving wife and daughter, who stood by me through seasons of loss and seasons of learning, I say thank you. To my leader, Aremo Michael Kufisile, a true encourager and confidant, your support has been unwavering. To all my political and spiritual mentors, and to my friends who have journeyed with me thus far, your impact is deeply appreciated.
Let this be a clarion call to Nigerian youths: embrace productivity, invest in your growth, develop a career, and never place your destiny solely in the hands of political structures. Let politics be a platform—not a prison. May we all rise to become architects of our own future, built on the solid foundation of diligence, competence, and divine grace.
Dr. Aloba Adetunji Michael
Hooded into the Fellowship of Scholars, 24th July 2025.
