Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, a Nigerian politician, industrialist, and administrator, is best known as the first elected female deputy governor in Nigeria. She was born on October 23, 1945, in Isale Eko, Lagos Island, Lagos State. She received her education at Ereko Methodist School, Lagos, St. John’s School, Iyin-Ekiti, Our Lady of Apostles Girls Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesha, the University of Lagos, and Long Island University in New York, USA. She began her career as a Senior Library Clerk at the Lagos City Council Library and later served as a French Interpreter at the Nigerian High Commission in Britain in 1969. She also worked as an Accountant and Acting Manager at the National Bank of Nigeria, Lagos. Alhaja Ojikutu was the first woman appointed as an Executive Director at the Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry, and subsequently served as Secretary to the Lagos State Transport Corporation. She was chosen by Sir Michael Otedola as his running mate under the National Republican Convention banner. In 1992, Alhaja Ojikutu became the deputy governor of Lagos State alongside Governor Michael Otedola. Their tenure was cut short by a military takeover in 1993, which removed them from office. In this interview, she expresses dismay over the spate of corruption in the country, urging Nigerians to help in fighting the menace. Excerpts:
There have been complaints about the incessant national grid collapse in Nigeria. What would you say about this?
We shouldn’t call it the national grid; we should call it national greed. It all boils down to what is fundamentally wrong with the entire country and its system. People are not satisfied with their situations, and they see others getting away with terrible acts. Everyone is trying to exploit the country in any way they can.
Many of our national assets require continuous maintenance, but they are not properly maintained. In most cases, the very items needed for maintenance are stolen. That is the crux of the problem. The whole nation needs a complete overhaul in its thinking, feelings, and attitudes toward collective responsibility. It is deeply sad.
In the past, people took pride in their workplaces. They could confidently say, I work here, and I am proud of my expertise. Unfortunately, that sense of pride has disappeared. Now, we see engineers who are not truly qualified to be engineers and doctors who are not competent. Everything is chaotic, and it is heartbreaking.
We no longer have people who take pride in their expertise. How can someone work somewhere where there is always a fault, yet nothing improves? Maybe the right materials for maintenance are not purchased, the equipment is not properly serviced, or necessary changes are ignored. People are no longer ashamed of mediocrity. There is no more pride in performance.
Electricity, the lifeblood of any nation, is an essential resource. However, the way energy issues are being handled shows that the nation is very sick.
As a politician, any lesson for Nigerian politicians from the last elections in the United States?
I am not a politician in the typical sense of the word. I am someone who found myself in politics and tried to make the best of it. You could call me a technocrat in politics. However, observing what happened in the United States, it is interesting to see how, in some instances, they almost mimicked certain Nigerian tactics. When something is rotten, it tends to spread.
The determination of the people stood out. Whether for good or bad, they wanted change, and they pursued it. It’s not a perfect system, but at least their votes counted. Their institutions and systems upheld their roles. The electoral bodies functioned as they should, with no subjugation or manipulation.
One key factor in their success is that many citizens are armed. If someone attempts anything questionable, they are aware the other party might defend themselves. In contrast, here in Nigeria, armed security is often used to intimidate and suppress the people. Over there, even the security forces know that stepping out of line could lead to resistance from armed citizens. This dynamic creates a somewhat organized environment.
The institutions that monitored their elections performed their duties effectively. Their voting centres were well-organised, and the process was transparent. This kind of order and accountability is something we can learn from.
“Glaring malpractices remain unchecked, and many are simply waiting for their turn to participate in the cycle of corruption. Until we collectively decide to break this pattern and refuse to perpetuate it, Nigeria will not straighten out”
What’s your reaction to the treason charge slammed on #EndBadGovernance protesters?
Bad governance is bad governance, and people want it to end. However, the way certain organisations approach it reveals insincerity from some forces involved. If there were sincerity, as I mentioned earlier, the main issue would not be that people are happy with the state of things—it is the fear of being killed when they protest. Many are reluctant to march for change because some among the protesters are already compromised. This lack of trust hinders any meaningful citizen-driven movement for positive change.
That said, people are being pushed to the wall, and you never know what might happen. The general mismanagement of society and the economy is glaring. It is not a case of people faking dissatisfaction. Nobody is pretending about the widespread hunger, the exorbitant cost of goods, or the inaccessibility of basic commodities. These struggles are real and undeniable.
The resilience of Nigerians is remarkable, though puzzling. Where we find the elasticity to endure and adapt is astonishing. People often shake off their grievances, settle into the situation, and move on. Meanwhile, glaring malpractices remain unchecked, and many are simply waiting for their turn to participate in the cycle of corruption. Until we collectively decide to break this pattern and refuse to perpetuate it, Nigeria will not straighten out.
This is why Nigerians abroad are asking people on holidays why they want to ‘go back to that country.’ They call it that country. Do you think there is any hope for Nigeria with the way things are going?
This is a country with immense potential. I will never give up on Nigeria, not now or at any time. It is a blessed nation, rich in everything needed to make life comfortable. Even those who have left the country would return if given the chance. Do you know how cold it is where they are now? Many of them, while they were here in Nigeria, did nothing to improve the situation—they were just focused on leaving.
If each of us stands firm in our space and commits to doing things the right way, don’t you know that small drops of water make an ocean? If everyone leaves, the very people we are running to will eventually want to return and take over what we left behind. That, I believe, is the ultimate goal—to displace the original owners of this land. Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is the envy of many nations, but we fail to realize it.
I refuse to give up on Nigeria. At my age, where else would I go? I am committed to standing firm. Whenever I encounter something wrong, I correct it. People now see me as an “every-second lecturer” or a constant corrector, but that is fine by me. In your own space, if you choose to do the right thing, it will gradually spread and inspire change. Don’t follow the crowd just because “that’s how it’s done.” Wherever I am, I ensure things are done properly, even if it means being called names or insulted.
Some people avoid standing for what is right because they fear being criticized. I don’t mind being abused or labeled; I stand for what I believe in, which is ensuring things are done correctly. If every Nigerian, within their sphere of influence, stands for what is right, we will overcome our challenges. Each operator in their field must do the right thing, and this is where national reorientation comes into play.
Nobody is teaching people to do what is right anymore. The prevailing mindset is, “Once I get what I need, I’ll leave.” But where are you leaving to? Eventually, those places will reject you. I believe in this nation. I believe it will survive and thrive. All it takes is the determination of a few who mean well for Nigeria to stand their ground. Sooner or later, things will change.
What’s the source of your boldness? You speak your mind so confidently, without hesitation. Is it something that comes from the way you were raised?
It’s God-given. I cannot attribute it to anything else; I was simply born with it. During my school days, I championed the cause of anyone who was being marginalized. If someone wronged someone near me, I would step in to protect them. It’s innate, something God instilled in me.
At age eight, going on nine, I walked 11 miles in the middle of nowhere to escape child abuse. God was with me through it all. It’s just natural for me to want to do the right thing, avoid wrongdoing, and stand up for good. However, I have faced challenges, including people trying to tarnish my name and malign my character. They seem bent on finding something to hold against me, but I can confidently say that my record is clean. I have not done anything that I am ashamed of or that cannot withstand scrutiny.
Right now, I am battling false accusations. Often, when asked to specify what I have done, these individuals cannot provide any concrete evidence. This question is thought-provoking because it makes me reflect on myself. Occasionally, I may have spoken carelessly, but even then, I strive to align my actions with my beliefs. I trust in Christ, His commandments, and the values instilled in me from birth. These principles guide me to stand firm, do what is right, and remain fearless in the face of challenges.
I know life is fleeting, and people can die at any time. This awareness drives me to give my best in all I do, knowing each task could be my last. I strive never to do the wrong thing, even in a world where it has become difficult for some to distinguish right from wrong. Many now accept wrongdoing as normal, which is something I constantly pray against. My prayer is for God to help people discern what is right and to guide them in doing it.
In your years of existence, what lessons have you learnt about life?
What I have realised about life is to be true to yourself. I believe I genuinely love people, though I do not always know if they love me in return. Regardless, I have a heart that loves, and I do not live based on what people say about me. I exercise caution, which is something I am known for, but I do not judge situations or people superficially. Instead, I seek the truth and often ask questions like, “They said you did this; is it true? Can I get your side of the story?”
I have learned not to accept accusations blindly or judge anyone without evidence. In life, I call a spade a spade. People are often fearful, but if you know you have done nothing wrong, you can dispel any rumours or falsehoods thrown at you. I have also learned that all that glitters is not gold. You need to trust your instincts, be discerning, and, above all, believe in God. I firmly believe that nothing happens without God allowing it, and if He permits something, there must be a reason—something good will come out of it, especially if you have done nothing to justify the adversity.
I always say, “If the wall does not crack, a lizard cannot find a hiding place inside.” Good and bad may run parallel, but unless you have done something wrong, no evil will overcome you. Trials are part of life; no one is exempt from them. Even the scripture reminds us not to think we will avoid trials because we are good. Trials will come, but when you believe in God, follow His word, and live by His precepts, you will neither fall nor mourn.
This belief has sustained me throughout my life. I believe we only die once, so why not live well and die once if that time comes? It is better to do what is right and live a life of integrity. If you have to die, let it be with the assurance that you lived well and followed the right path, including the laws of the land.
