Hon. Prince Daniel Olusegun Oduse is a man of dynamic qualities when it comes to relationships, politics, sports, and business. His overriding luminescence in completely every professional field he dabbles in never ceases to confound all pretensions.
He is one of those political stars who is imbued with a heart of kindness, compassion, love, and a non-discriminatory sense of judgment at the same time. Little wonder, his long years of recorded generosity have always aided his political trajectory in the hope of a better Nigeria.
As contributing qualities to his elegant stature in both personal and professional fashions, Hon. Daniel has been not just a lover of men but has also proven through the years that he is an adroit lover of sport and its related activities.
His globetrotting experience has not been for any other reason other than his dreams to be known for his political leadership, his impact on his people, and also in the soccer world.
Weighing through the landscape, Hon. Daniel had an exclusive interview with Okoh Ifeoma on Golden Page Magazine exclusives, which will take you through the depths of this exemplary man’s wealth of experience in sport and politics, his magnanimous contributions to his immediate communities and beyond, his political relationships and ideologies, his golden achievements, and, of course, his political aspirations.
As a young sports enthusiast transitioning into politics, Hon. Prince Daniel Oduse brings a fresh perspective to the table. He understands the importance of embracing new ideas and technologies to drive progress and create a better future for all. With his forward-thinking mindset, he is poised to tackle the complex challenges of our time head-on, bringing about tangible and lasting change.
Prince Daniel Oduse has already made significant contributions to his community through his involvement in various youth empowerment programs and initiatives. Now, he is ready to take his commitment to the next level and serve as a voice for the voiceless on a larger scale.
1. How long have you been involved in sports, particularly football?
As far as sport is concerned, it has been a long time coming.
The love I have for football has grown since I was in Model Primary School in Ejigbo, Lagos State.
From the early days of my youth, I would say it was at first like an infatuation with the game, but it began, as at that early age, I further became energized when I started running and playing football for my secondary school, Matori Grammar School, Okota, Isolo, in Lagos.
I also participated in the Lagos State League and the Agege League with Owo-Iya FC, Bariga, Lagos, before I later moved to Europe to further concentrate on the same football.
I have always been a firm believer in the power of sports to bring communities together. That is why I started to study professional football management because I knew that football can inspire and uplift individuals from all walks of life. Through various initiatives and programs.
So, when it comes to the question of how long I have been involved in sports or football, the answer is simple: a lifetime.
2. How has your sports/football management career been?
Allow me to paint a vivid picture of my journey thus far.
From the very beginning, I have been armed with a burning desire to make a difference in the world of sports for my country.
I develop a determination to excel in every aspect of sport/football management.
I navigated through the intricate web of strategies, tactics, and team dynamics, effortlessly blending with my innate leadership skills.
My ability to inspire and motivate any team i am involved with also became the cornerstone of my success, because my desire is to transformed mere individuals into a cohesive force, ready to conquer any challenge that came their way in the game of footbsll.
Very good and great! This is because I didn’t just center on playing football alone. I did pay due attention to extending my sport career too.
While playing football in England, I was also a student, studying Sport Science. It was after then that I had the opportunity to run a coaching course which eventually made me a qualified football coach with UEFA Licence B coaching certificate.
In addition to that, I also moved to study Football Management in the Faculty of Commerce & Sports Management in Switzerland. However, it was the FIFA Executive Program in Sports Management that has enabled the dream of joining the board of management of either Fifa, CAF, or the NFF.
3. Given your background in sports, what triggers your interest in politics, and why the transition?
Great question.
Imagine a mind that has been shaped by the intensity and passion of sports, where every move is calculated, every decision is strategic, and every victory is celebrated. Imagine that same mind channeling its energy and drive into politics, where the stakes are just as high as the competition and the impact on society is immeasurable.
In 2011, I met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Omolodo Ide, in Paris. He has been a very admirable role model to me, considering the many significant socioeconomic changes he brought to Lagos State back then. So, I discussed my interest in politics with him. To this, he responded positively and satisfactorily.
Besides, I am a philanthropist. I have done a lot of charity assistance. So, in the process of doing this, people also have been calling out for me in the community, telling me how much they want me to take up political leadership positions. And, personally, I believe I can do better.
4. How active have you been in politics?
I must say that, to the very best of my knowledge, I have been very active in the politics of my state. Some of this evidence is my constant attendance at local city council or town board meetings. Among others are my decisions to join a local political party, volunteer for a local campaign, run for local office, join a neighborhood association or block club, and get appointed to a Municipal Board Commission.
5. What have you done in the past for your community to show your dedication towards improving the community?
I am not sure whether that is a question I should answer myself. Instead, it is a question I should just leave to the people who have benefited from the ‘little’ I have done through the grace of God. But with the look of things, I don’t think there is a place to hide from this (laughs). In that case, I am going to only share the few I can remember from my recent engagements.
Foremost, I make yearly donations of food stuffs to the less-privileged in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area. In my effort to see to the fact that education is accessible to the youth, l did purchase the 2023 JAMB forms for young secondary school leavers in the same area. Consistently, l have never stopped to encouraging young and old within my reach. The last event saw Mrs. Josephine Titilayo won a Memorial Annual Award for the Best Graduating Pupil Team-Mates Children School, at Power-line Rd, Orilowo, Ejigbo.
During the festive period, I made numerous donations to many, including the donations I made to a number of football clubs in the community. There is no secret that I sponsor school inter house sport as an evidence of my love for…you know what I mean. (Smiles).
Politically, I have also rendered individual assistance to party members in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area. I do this paramountly because I feel empowering political leaders and party excos in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area is part of building the community and facilitating effective leadership.
6. Is it true that you will be contesting for the office of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area chairmanship?
Yes. This is because I understand that true leadership lies in listening to the needs and aspirations of the people, where every voice is heard, and ensuring that the concerns and suggestions of the community are given the utmost importance.
7. When you eventually emerge winner and finally assume office what different venture are you going to do to positively affect your community?
By the little I have mentioned, there is no gainsaying the great impacts I can make because, what I understand is that, once a man’s passion is in something and it has, by course of interest, become part and parcel of him, there is no going back to doubting his excellence nor the substance of what he can achieve.
Another very powerful motivation for me is coming to the realisation that, as humans, we all have common and basic needs that, if met as and when due, will not only give us peace of mind, but that it will also help us establish consistent progress in every other area of our lives. So as someone who is conscious of the need, the provision of this should not be hard nut to crack, nor should it considered pocket-tearing when one is fully in the position of the real power.
For instance, the area of security which involves ensuring the safety of the community, or education where many students will be placed on scholarships annually without discrimination, or infrastructure that will include different constructions of amenities, to name a few – all are social necessities. They must be touched.
In addition to creating empowerment within the community, I will make sure I build libraries and take steps to improve the educational facilities within the locality, provide accommodation or housing facilities to homeless individuals or people who need help, invest in projects that will solve health issues and I will no doubt set priorities to help with the buildings of hospitals and ensuring adequate supplies, sponsor the arts and programme that help instill moral values, increase the community engagements on internal revenue, clean up trash around the neighborhood, and many more.Others are goal planning, implementation and finally, the intermittent evaluation of my leadership character.
I will prioritize the development and improvement of our local schools, ensuring that they are equipped with modern facilities, resources, and highly qualified teachers. By investing in education, we can empower our youth with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
Recognizing the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, I will create a supportive ecosystem for young entrepreneurs.
8. What are your plans for the youth of Ejigbo if you get elected as the local government chairman?
By offering mentorship programs, access to funding, and business development resources, we can inspire and empower our youths to become the next generation of successful business leaders. Through these initiatives, we will nurture an entrepreneurial spirit that will contribute to the overall prosperity of Ejigbo.
So, as you can see, my plans are simple, and as such, they are embedded in the three pillars of action documented in the project called “Youth Action Plan”.
These pillars are to:
- Create sports opportunities for youths in order for them to meaningfully advocate for change in my town and other communities;
- Empower the youth by addressing inequalities and providing young people with the skills and resources they need to flourish and achieve their potential; and lastly,
- Engage them by also increasing the voice of young people in policy and decision-making at all levels.
- I will establish vocational training centers and skill development programs, offering a diverse range of courses that align with the needs of our local job market.
- Equipping our young people with practical skills, we can enhance their employability and set them on a path towards self-sufficiency and prosperity.
Furthermore, I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for our youth. I will collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to implement community policing initiatives, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain secure and free from crime. Additionally, I will establish recreational centers and sports facilities, encouraging our young residents to engage in healthy activities, build friendships, and develop their talents.
In addition to education, I recognize the importance of providing our youth with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Lastly, I am committed to amplifying the voices of our youth. I will establish a dedicated platform for young people to express their ideas, concerns, and aspirations, ensuring that their opinions are heard and valued. By involving our youth in decision-making processes, we can create a community that truly represents the needs and aspirations of all its members.
9. As a diaspora-based political assistant, how are you preparing for the election?
Clearly enough, as plans and projects are being put into place ahead of the outcome of the upcoming political events, there is no question about that, I am seriously preparing for both the primary election and the general election coming soon. With my team of loyalists working seriously for my success, I am very confident that when the time comes, I will not only be present, but I will also emerge as the winner that day.
10. What is your appreciation message to your political mentors?
Wow. Thank you very much for this very ingenious question. My sincere appreciation will deeply go to Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Lagos State former commissioner for information and strategy – my mentor – for being such a great leader. Indeed, I will say thank you for your leadership and for making me feel like a valued employee.
Beyond every shadow of the doubt, you have been a remarkable leader who would always make my work appear integral to the team’s success and also make me proud to come to work each day to do my best. Your leadership and vision are incredibly appreciated. Thank you sir.
11. What is your political ideology or statement?
We, as a people, are currently going through a political revolution where no elected public officeholder is accountable to the people. As a man born with a culture of leadership, I envision a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.
It is on this premise that I will confess that, a long time ago, I bought into the ideologies of the political gladiators of the All Progressive Party (APC), in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), my political role model, and of Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Lagos State former commissioner for information and strategy, who has also been my long-standing mentor.
These two giants have made sure to build a platform where the lifelong dreams and aspirations of people are achieved. Hence, I wish to state that when called to serve the public in any capacity, it will be my utmost joy to ungrudgingly do it to the best of my abilities. Also, with the right team around me, I know I will always deliver what the people are yearning for, even more than I had ever done before.
I therefore stay true to sustaining my ability to identify with people’s problems and solve them instantly and eternally.
