As his tenure draws to a close, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, the outgoing Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, sits down with Kosofe Post to reflect on a remarkable eight-year journey marked by infrastructural revival, inclusive governance, and people-centered innovation. In this exclusive interview, Oshinowo speaks candidly about his motivations, milestones, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Kosofe Post (KP): It’s been eight years of impactful governance in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. How would you describe the journey?
Mayor Dele Oshinowo (MDO): It was challenging, no doubt. But we pulled through, thanks to the unwavering support from the people of Agboyi-Ketu and my exceptional team.
KP: You must have had clear goals when you started in 2017. Did you achieve them?
MDO: Honestly, I never held on to a manifesto. Agendas can be hard to execute in real time. But I knew I wanted to renew infrastructure and uplift the youth. I didn’t need a document to guide me—my vision was clear. Today, the results speak for themselves.
KP: What inspired your initial decision to serve?
MDO: It began in 1999, working under the late Hon. Tunde Braimoh, who encouraged me to contest as a councillor. That conversation planted the seed. Fast forward, I’ve now completed this incredible journey. I’m grateful to God for the opportunity.
KP: Many consider your tenure transformational. What are your top three achievements?
MDO: First, housing—because it was the hardest to achieve. Second, road infrastructure—we touched all seven wards. Third, the WE LIFT empowerment initiative. That program really impacted lives.
KP: Let’s talk more about WE LIFT. Why is it so special to you?
MDO: WE LIFT gave our people hope. Many beneficiaries had never received ₦10,000, but we put ₦50,000 in their accounts to start businesses. That’s real empowerment. It put Agboyi-Ketu in the national spotlight.
MDO: All were treated equally. Take education—our new primary school has a crèche, ICT room, sick bay, tiled classrooms with POP ceilings, modern toilets, and even a football pitch nearby. Nothing was done halfway.
KP: Among infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which area got the most attention?
KP: How did you ensure balanced development across all wards?
MDO: From Ward A to G, there’s something to show. Ward A got eight roads; Ward E and F got sports and school projects; Ward B and C got schools and housing estates. Every ward felt our presence.
KP: What were the biggest challenges you faced?
MDO: The usual—funding, bureaucracy—but I stayed focused. I wanted Agboyi-Ketu to remember me for something meaningful, and that kept me going.
KP: How did you manage political expectations while staying connected to grassroots needs?
MDO: I balanced both. I ensured the party felt ownership in every project. That made it easy to promote the next candidate. I served the party without neglecting the people.
KP: How would you describe your relationship with the Lagos State Government?
MDO: It was excellent. With clear communication and justification, we got support from state agencies. That’s how to work within a system—collaboration, not confrontation.
KP: You’re receiving a lot of praise as you exit. How do you take it all in?
MDO: I appreciate it, but for me, it means “do more.” Leadership is service. They trusted me, and I’m glad I didn’t let them down.
KP: How do you want history to remember your administration?
MDO: As one that brought change. Real, measurable change to Agboyi-Ketu.
KP: What makes your leadership unique?
MDO: I won’t claim to be better than my predecessors. They laid the groundwork. But I built on it with focus, innovation, and execution.
KP: What’s your advice for your successor, Hon. Adetola Abubakar Oyedele?
MDO: Stay focused. Always listen to community feedback. She was part of this journey. She knows the vision. I believe she’ll do better than I did.
KP: Are there projects or policies you want her to sustain?
MDO: Absolutely. More empowerment, more schools, more housing. She knows the plans because we made many of them together.
KP: Do you plan to continue in public service?
MDO: Yes. Whether I contest again or not, I’ll always serve my people. That won’t change.
KP: How has this experience shaped you personally?
MDO: Tremendously. I’ve grown in communication, empathy, and leadership. I also learned how to balance public service with family life.
KP: What moments will you cherish most?
MDO: Every single day. My team, my wife, my children, my community—those bonds will remain special forever.
KP: What kept you motivated during hard times?
MDO: God. My family. And my brilliant team. They gave me strength on the rough days.
KP: If given another chance, would you do anything differently?
MDO: I’d continue to focus on wealth creation and empowerment. Especially for our youth and widows. That’s the heart of development.
“We didn’t just put Agboyi-Ketu on the map. We etched it into the conscience of Lagos State and beyond.” — Mayor Dele Oshinowo