An exclusive interview with the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of LGNA, Mr. Tunde Jakande popularly known as TJAK ahead of the company’s 12th year anniversary holding Friday, 17th December, 2021 at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
TJAK shares with Bilesanmi Abayomi of Kosofe Post, the organization’s 12 years journey, the dream of having former President of United States of America, Barrack Obama, former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor of Lagos State, Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu on the platform to deliver speeches and lectures among host of other subjects.
KP:What is something that you think people may not know about you sir?
TJAK: Laughs! Well, I would say, take me as you see me and judge me the way I appear to you. It’s allowed.
KP: What inspired you to start LGNA 12 years ago?
TJAK: I had returned from England about that time and I was not sure what I wanted to do. Initially, I was traveling to Dubai to buy and sell laptops. At some point I also travelled to Turkey and Singapore to buy designer wears with the intention of reselling. I did a couple of independent TV Productions with LTV and I did all these within a year of my return to the country but I was not still having that feeling of satisfaction as desired. At that time, I had envisaged publishing a magazine with the mindset that it would be in the league of known magazines such as Ovation and City People.
LG News came to my mind and I wanted to do something unique because I have always been an advocate of good governance. We set up LG News to promote good governance and excellence in public administration. It was about the time for council polls and I decided to give it a trial. I approached and requested interviews from some of the aspirants vying for council positions and also encouraged them to advertise. I made about 1.5 million naira in two weeks and beyond the money I had realized, I felt really happy and satisfied. I never did anything else since then. I never chase contract nor had any side hustle. LG news evolved beyond publishing a newsletter into many other things. We thank God we stayed on that course.
KP: It is a known fact that start-ups in any part of the world do encounter challenges just as multinational organizations, what has been your major challenge so far?
TJAK: If I start talking about challenges my brother, we will continue chatting until tomorrow and we’ll still be talking about the numerous challenges I have encountered. One thing I have come to realize is that people will never give you respect until you have proven yourself consistently. You have to rise above the frustrations and discouragements. If you believe in what you are doing then, consistent action will eventually speak for you. People are watching our every move but we probably do not know. At the right time, over time, you will find it easier to get some things done. Certain people that either despised you or saw you as an opportunist will begin to respect you and what that means is that you are now been accepted for what you are doing.
KP: What is your proudest moment in the 12 years since LGNA has started?
TJAK: Sighs! I have done events and at the end could not even pay my ushers. There was a time we had an event and I couldn’t afford to pay those who worked, I got home, shed tears and was already contemplating travelling back to my family. I spoke with my wife, YJ who told me so many things, reiterated how proud she was and why I should hang on. In the morning my manager also spoke to me and those words made me highly proud. I rescinded my plans of leaving and chose to stay and continue on this path.
KP: Tell us about one of your favorite “firsts” at LGNA
TJAK: Hmmm! I have lost count really. One of them is our deal with Kia Motors which allowed us to present brand new cars to Local Government (LG) chairmen in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Among the recipients is the present deputy speaker, Honorable Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni (Lagos Island), the present CEO, LSDPC, Deji Joseph (Chairman Apapa), Barrister Ogidan (Ibeju Lekki), Bolaji Robert (Otto, Awori). Also, LGNA was the first to bring the NFIU to Lagos for a seminar on their newly released financial guidelines for LGs in Nigeria in 2019. No one thought it was possible at the time but we accomplished that feat.
KP: Where do you see LGNA in another 12 years?
TJAK: Sometimes, I feel like I am 18 years old with the crazy dreams and projects in my head. I dream of bringing Obama to deliver a lecture, Obasanjo, Asiwaju among others. I dream of a proper Academy for public administration offering diverse courses in public administration, I dream, dream and dream but I believe only God knows tomorrow and I am also a firm believer in the fact that everyone has the right to dream as well as being hopeful. I claim that right in Jesus name.
KP: What is something you have learnt over the past 12 years?
TJAK: Never count your chickens before they are hatched! Being 12 is no joke!