Why I want to serve my people —Shina Peller

Shina Abiola Peller, son of the late magician, Professor Abiola Peller, is well known as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. The native of Iseyin, Oyo State, speaks with SEYI SOKOYA and KAZEEM AZEEZ on his political ambition and desire to contest the House of Representatives in Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency.

YOU have declared the interest to run for the House of Representatives in your constituency in the next election; what prompted your political ambition?

As I have always said, I have been under intense pressure from my constituency to represent them in some way. Also, considering the present state of our great country, I believe it is time for me to contribute my quota to drive Nigeria forward. And representing my constituency at the federal house is the right direction for me to go.

But why politics? What influenced your interest in politics?

Someone once said, if you’re not interested in politics, politics is interested in you. Having a private life that is gradually being impacted by the decadence in the political sphere, it gets to a point whereby one must react to the stimuli in the environment. I have embarked on several social projects over the years as an individual and through my foundation, but it is now clear to me that the only way I can make  impact on the generality of people is if I am part of the policy making and implementation process.  It is no longer possible to sit back and bask in comfort with so many people getting poorer, becoming downtrodden and underprivileged. This is why I am venturing into politics

It was said that some group of friends and supporters encouraged you to run for the House of Representatives; how true is this?

There is tremendous pressure from my constituents, friends, supporters. It has been this way for quite a while.

On which platform party do you intend to contest?

I am a card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

You were spotted at the wedding of the son of the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi early this year, is it true that the governor is your political godfather?

His Excellency is someone I respect a lot for his accomplishments and his open-mindedness. He is also someone who came from the private sector background as an accomplished person before going into politics. I went to the event to show my support for him and the family. We have a good relationship.

 Some people are saying that you organised the Peller Unity Cup which commenced last year in Iseyin town as an awareness to promote your political career. How true is this insinuation?

I believe my track record as a social crusader and philanthropist over the last two decades are quite clear. Today, I am a patron of several NGOs and charity organisations locally or internationally. Why didn’t people speak of political ambition when I was giving educational tablets to secondary schools in my vicinity in Lagos State or when I sponsor the best graduating students from the school for the blind on full scholarships yearly or when I make yearly donations to the motherless babies home? It is sad that people would link the immortalisation of my father’s name and youth development to politics. But unfortunately that is where we are as a nation.

Then how often do you visit your people in Iseyin?

Iseyin is my home and, as they say, home is where the heart is. I am with my people in Iseyin, at least, every other week.

 What then should the people of your constituency expect from you if you are voted into office?

I believe the mistake we make in this country is that we focus on what a politician will do for his people in the short term rather than making sure the institutions that guarantee long term prosperity are functional. My legacy will be to make sure the institutions work. I will make sure policies are enacted and implemented that will ensure socio-economic development of my constituency. What is most important for me is sustainability.

You are known to be the owner of one of  the biggest night clubs in Nigeria. Don’t you think your venturing into politics would affect you and  how do you intend to combine your business and politics?

I operate in several key segments of the economy, not just the hospitality industry. But Quilox just happens to be the most popular brand. Already, all my businesses are well structured and can function independently if I’m home or abroad. So that is not something that bothers me.

How do you intend to support the youth, especially the people of Iseyin and other towns in your area?

I am a youth myself, but also a successful businessman and an employer of labour. What young people in Nigeria, including Iseyin and other areas, need is simply an enabling environment for them to thrive.

We need to look at the areas of competitive environment down to the local government level and support them with enabling laws, funding, training in investments, mentoring , among others.  I am sure the outcome will be surprising.

Do you agree with the statement by President Muhammadu Buhari that the youth of this country are lazy?

I don’t. agree. The average Nigerian youth is very enterprising and creative; just look at the entertainment industry for example. But then, again, it does not mean that there are no able-bodied people who just sit and wait for handouts. We need to tell ourselves the truth.

What is your advice for Nigerian youths?

They should follow their passion diligently and success or financial rewards will definitely come. But, of course, they should put God first in everything they do.