By Tobi Adetunji
One of the frontline aspirants of Surulere Local Government Chairman, Modupeola Braithwaithe has heralded a new dawn in the local politics by advocating for an all inclusive government that promises better life for all.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nigerian NewsDirect, the seasoned humanitarian, noted that been brought up in Surulere and having related perfectly with all and sundry through her Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is an additional advantage to assist those in needs through empowerment, among others.
According to her, “I believe it is time for the Surulere that all can be proud of and not an exclusive preserve of some class. I believe it’s time for the supposed nonentities to become somebody.
“I was brought up in Surulere. My primary school was school was in Surulere. I have been involved in NGO works which basically focus on children, widow and old. I have done quite a lot on that.
“Furthermore, I have been a member of number of organizations cutting across religious, non-governmental organizations and others various engagements.
“I have been dealing with children, from the onset and I believe that there is still more that I can do.
“Surulere is my dream, and the dream I have for Surulere is to see those who have been neglected and relegated, who have been made to be nonentities but have in them a lot of things to offer beyond limitations.
“Most especially the youths, I don’t believe there are outcasts in the real sense. If children are given proper nurturing and upbringing the society would have been better than what we have now.
“So, I have nurtured the ambition for this leadership position for quite a long time. But one must take a step at a time. Now, I believe the time is right.”
“Because from the onset, aside from the zero party election there have not been a woman that has contested. We have had an executive secretary, Chief Mrs Aduke Hussain. But she was just a nominee”
“But now vying for the post of the chairmanship, I think is something I will do with passion.”
The grassroots mobilizer, also hinted that since indicating interest in contesting for the number one position of Surulere Local government, she has had course to struggle.
She said, “Sterotypes and intimidation that majorly comes from the male, thinking that the women are meant for the kitchen.”
She rebuffed such gestures and said she holds a strong opinion that “what a man, can do a woman do it better.”
The only Women aspirant for Chairman of Surulere LG, also charged the youth, women to dream big and not jettison the polity until the Surulere of their dream becomes a reality.
She added that, “My general advice is this, you have lots of ‘Surulerians’ that are from very respectable families. I’m asking them to please come out. We don’t want to look at some people and say they are hoodlums so we don’t want to get into politics.”