By Prince Tunji Ogabi
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| Damilola Sonayon-James and Tunji Ogabi |
In every generation, certain journeys remind us that success is rarely the product of a single factor; rather, it is the convergence of time, opportunity, tenacity and positioning working in perfect harmony.
History teaches us this. Leaders emerge not merely by birth, but at the intersection of preparation and circumstance. Some arrive at the right time. Others recognise opportunities that most miss. Some refuse to quit, while others position themselves precisely where opportunity can find them.
The journey of Princess Damilola Sonayon James, DSJ, is one such story.
As the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations wound down and the world turned its attention to the UEFA Champions League final, a different kind of excitement stirred in Badagry. By Sunday morning, whispers had turned into widespread jubilation: the APC Lagos State chapter had named Princess Damilola Sonayon James as the running mate to Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
For many, it was a moment of pure celebration. For others, it was the definitive result of years of service, persistence and strategic engagement. Her emergence affirms a timeless truth: when preparation meets opportunity, extraordinary outcomes follow.
Time
'To everything there is a season.'
Timing is often the silent force behind significant political shifts. Leaders emerge when their unique qualifications align precisely with the demands of the moment.
The SMA GOLD phenomenon during the APC primaries achieved something rare: it placed Badagry’s aspirations squarely at the centre of Lagos politics. Though the ticket was not won, the movement made Badagry’s voice unavoidable. It created vital visibility and forced widespread attention. Since the era of HRM Aholu Claudius Dosa Akran, few developments have projected Badagry’s interests with such intensity.
Without that pivotal moment, would a Badagry deputy governorship have gained traction? Perhaps, but certainly not with the same momentum. As the local saying goes: 'Lori SMA GOLD; Baba gba ope wa.'
The current political climate demanded leadership that embodies competence, loyalty, youth, innovation and inclusiveness. It is hard to imagine a more fitting time for DSJ’s emergence. Time is not just about chronology; it is about readiness meeting a favourable season.
Opportunity
Opportunities rarely arrive with fanfare. More often than not, they come disguised as routine meetings, taxing assignments or casual conversations.
Exceptional individuals recognise and maximise these moments. Nelson Mandela turned a prison cell into a masterclass in preparation; similarly, DSJ treats every platform as a golden chance to demonstrate leadership.
While I do not know her extensively, one distinct trait stood out during our few encounters: she never misses an opportunity to make her presence felt.
At a state-wide seminar for supervisors drawing attendees from 57 LGAs and LCDAs, hundreds filled the hall. While many came merely to observe, she did not. She actively moved through the room, introducing herself, building networks, exchanging ideas and establishing rapport. When called upon to speak, she spoke eloquently. When discussions opened, she contributed meaningfully. Wherever a connection could be forged, she made it.
While many sit idly waiting for opportunity, DSJ positions herself where opportunity simply cannot ignore her.
Tenacity
Every profound success story contains an unseen chapter dominated by setbacks. Tenacity alone decides whether the story ends there or moves forward.
Abraham Lincoln lost numerous elections before securing the presidency; his global legacy was built entirely on a stubborn refusal to quit.
DSJ served as a supervisor in the Badagry West LCDA, quickly earning a reputation for absolute commitment. She later contested for the position of Executive Chairman against established political heavyweights. Though she did not secure the ticket at the time, that disappointment did not mark the end of her journey. For her, it was merely a plot twist.
She stayed deeply engaged, continuing to serve, aspire and contribute to the party framework. Consistent persistence inevitably attracts notice, and political leaders value reliability.
In due course, she emerged as a Supervisor-designate and the APC Deputy State Woman Leader for Lagos State. That steady progression was by no means accidental. It was the direct reward for staying visible and proactive long after disappointment might have justified a retreat. Success is a leased asset, and tenacity is the daily rent required to maintain it.
Positioning
If time creates the season, opportunity opens the door and tenacity keeps you moving, it is strategic positioning that ensures you are standing at the threshold when the door finally swings open.
True positioning is not political manipulation. It is the deliberate accumulation of preparation, credibility and genuine relationship-building. It ensures your name naturally enters the room when critical conversations occur.
Lee Kuan Yew successfully positioned Singapore, transforming it from a modest port city into a global powerhouse through sheer clarity of vision.
In her role as the APC Deputy State Woman Leader, DSJ occupied a strategic platform that extended far beyond her immediate constituency. She effectively represented youth, women, grassroots politicians and a rising generation of modern leaders. She remained active, visible, connected and engaged.
Concurrently, Badagry became central to the broader Lagos political discourse. The convergence was clear: a politically visible Badagry, a highly visible DSJ, a structural demand for inclusivity, an administrative search for balance, and a favourable political season.
Her emergence, therefore, is less of a surprise and more of an inevitability. Positioning means being fully prepared when favour arrives.
The Take-Home Message
DSJ’s story is larger than a single individual. It serves as an enduring lesson for young leaders, public servants and anyone seeking a path in public service: success is rarely down to luck alone.
Time: creates the season.
Opportunity: opens the door.
Tenacity: keeps you moving forward.
Positioning: ensures you are ready to step through.
Congratulations to Princess Damilola Sonayon James, DSJ. I wish you, our principal Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and all APC candidates wisdom, strength and outstanding success in the campaign ahead.
May your campaign be purposeful, your service deeply impactful, and your victory earned through the shared confidence of the people be truly resounding.
God bless the Badagry Federation.
God bless Lagos State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Prince Tunji Ogabi is a Public Servant, Community Development Advocate, and APC Stakeholder, Lagos State.