Gbeleyi Adebanji Atewogboye an Economics graduate from the University of Lagos is an emerging politician and a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Atewogboye also known as Skibanj contested for his party’s ticket in the 2019 general election to represent Oshodi/Isolo 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly but lost to another contestant. Atewogboye prides himself as a philanthropist. He speaks with ANTHONIA DURU on his foray into political, his brand of politics, among other issues.
What was your attraction to politics?
I believe in principles and I believe in values. Unfortunately, these are lacking in our political space. Governance is all about creating an enabling environment for people. Governance is all about making lives comfortable and it is about ensuring people adhere to certain norms of the society. So far so good, I am not convinced enough meaning I have not seen those values in our community that is why we the youths need to embrace politics, because I know there are other younger, brilliant people out there in our constituency Oshodi/Isolo who will serve the interest of the people.
What are those values?
You know values are basic and fundamental belief that guide or motivate attitudes or actions which helps us to determine what is important to us.
How did you get into partisan politics?
I am into partisan politics principally to represent our people in the political arena. We are in politics because we see it as an avenue to attract amenities to our people. We all pay taxes but it takes those in government to decide on where government resources will be channeled to. I basically want to be part of those who take that decision so that our communities and the good people of Oshodi/Isolo do not suffer due to poor representation. I believe that having more youths in our political space will affect the society positively because today’s youths are highly intelligent. If we take part in politics, we will enrich it with new ideas. I want to help my people through politics but growth is hampered in politics by growing corruption.
What was it like growing up in Oshodi especially with its peculiarities?
It is just like living anywhere. You have to be mentally and socially alert, you should be mindful of those you befriend and you just be yourself.
What has been your experience so far in politics? Is it really a dirty game as often said?
Well there are many experiences which is normal in politics. Contesting for any elective post will expose you to many things. While I was contesting for our party’s ticket towards the 2019 general elections, some political opponents tried to engage my supporters in violence but I waded in. I ran a very smooth campaign devoid of any violence nor crisis. Politics is a dirty game because I believe the youth of today don’t have the financial muscle to contest against our well established politicians. In other words, money plays a big role in politics. Yes, you are right but in my own little capacity as a youth and stakeholder in Lagos State, we will continue to contribute our quota and make sure we do our part to make our community a place to live for all and sundry because it’s very vital to contribute our quota in the development of our Father land.
Having contested once, what is your next line of action in partisan politics?
Right now, I just focus on my business and also to contribute to achieve Lagos theme agenda of our governor Babajide SanwoOlu which is to have a greater Lagos.
Can you highlight some of the projects you have embarked upon to alleviate the sufferings of people as a philanthropist and politician?
I have been contributing to the growth of our community and constituency through laudable programmes through the free healthcare service tagged, Lagos Health Marathon with over 50 medical doctors partnered with Medsynapse. We have had welfare programs for the needy and widows, I have gotten GCE and JAMB forms for students who can’t afford it. We have sponsored some youths to secure football contract within and outside the shores of Nigeria through our Skibanj Football Academy. We still intend to do more for our people anytime we have the means.
How far do you see yourself going in politics?
My purpose in life is to serve humanity. Lord, give me the strength, the wisdom and the ability to carry on with your direction. So it all depends on what God has in plan for me. Presently I am surrounding myself with good people because that is also a prerequisite for anyone who intends to lead.
