Women are multipliers, they make things happen —Alli-Macauley

With over 15 years experience as a media professional, Mojisola Alli-Macauley seeks to represent Amuwo Odofin Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview, she speaks on her mission and harps on the need for more women participation in politics.

What is your profession before venturing into politics?

I am a journalist by profession. I dabbled into politics in 2008. My last place of work was TV Continental (TVC) where I was a senior marketing executive. I became a councilor in 2010, contesting on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and I emerged as the elected councilor for Ward BI. I was also the deputy leader of Amuwo-Odofin Legislative Council.

Does your parental background influence your being in politics?

My late mother was very active in politics. She was a staunch supporter of women in politics. She was a very strong and she was a devout Muslim. All her life, she just believed in humanity and nation building. Anything that had to do with the goodwill of the people, she was always in support. I think I took a bit from her.

Buhari in Ondo, promises to secure Nigeria

Primary elections these days are mostly not free and fair, fueling insinuations that many of you were imposed…

No, I wouldn’t want to say that I was imposed. Everything I have today is based on merit; I worked hard for it. So, my emergence was no different. I worked hard for everything I am today and to God be the glory. That is not to say that some people would not feel cheated or aggrieved. But I wish to use this medium to appeal to all my brothers and sisters because in APC we are one big family. They should let us put the past behind us and work towards greater Lagos state envisioned by its founding fathers. I promise to heed their good advice that can make our constituency the best in Lagos State, our Centre of Excellence.

Would you be leveraging on your experience at the local legislative arm to bear on your activities in the Lagos State House of Assembly, if elected?

There is nothing comparable to being an experienced legislator at the grass roots. Only an experienced grass roots legislator would know where the shoe pinches at that level. I have been part of the business of making by-laws for the local government, at least, for a number of years. So, I was part of the enactment of all the by-laws which means I know most of the problems that affect the local government at that time and which is still pertinent up until this time. I am going to focus on the youths in my constituency. I see them as the most vulnerable elements of the society; women, children and the elderly. And, as you know, the business of legislation is making law but I will also go the extra mile to consolidate on what is on ground, in terms of lobbying dividends of democracy to the people of Amuwo-Odofin from top government establishments. I will try to see how we can make the best of all these opportunities to enrich and improve the lives of our people.

Lagos APC appears divided over the attempts at removing Governor Akinwumi Ambode. What did you think is going on?

Like I always say, APC is the most formidable political platform in Africa. So, if the leadership of APC has presented Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next governorship flag-bearer for the gubernatorial election, then they have done their permutations well. They have done their calculations and that means he (Sanwo-Olu) is the best man for the job.

What are your plans for Amuwo Odofin Constituency I?

I will say that this is a very calculated opportunity that I would not take for granted. I will try my possible best to ensure that I give my all to my constituency. I will try as much as possible to lobby. Women are very good at lobbying; we try to make things happen. We are natural multipliers. Women will nurture anything you put into their care with absolute dedication. You can trust me that the best is what I will give. I would ensure that whatever gains that the local government area or my constituency is enjoying at the moment, I will consolidate and improve on it. I will see ways by which we can bring in goodies to all and sundries. All the people in my constituency will benefit from my stewardship in the Lagos State House of Assembly. I make bold to say that no voter will regret casting their vote for me. I won’t discriminate against anyone no matter your religion, tribes or gender colouration. I wish to be the best lawmaker ever produced by Amuwo Odofin Constituency I.