Former chairmanship aspirant of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Engr. Ola Kasali, has dismissed allegations that his political ambition was influenced by powerful figures, insisting that his decision to contest was self-motivated and driven by a desire to serve his people.
Kasali, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated this while reflecting on his political journey and vision for the Local Council Development Area in an exclusive interview with Lagos Focus News recently.
“I was born and bred in Ifelodun. I am a true Lagosian and entitled to leadership in my community,” he said. “It is an erroneous impression to think that I was brought in by anyone. My aspiration was purely self-driven, aimed at bringing development to the grassroots.”
The engineer, who contested in the recent Lagos State local government elections, emphasized that his campaign which was anchored on the theme “Bridge of Hope”, aimed at introducing a new model of governance and community development in the LCDA.
Background and Career
Engr. Kasali, an engineer by profession, previously worked with the Lagos State Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning under the Building Control Agency before relocating abroad. He currently serves as a senior development engineer in Queensland, Australia, and holds advanced degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Information Systems.
“I have worked on projects that transformed rural areas into cities abroad,” he said. “If I can do that in Australia, I can replicate similar development here in Ifelodun.”
Political Experience
Kasali’s political journey began in 2011 under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he played a key role as a member of the media team for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organization. Under the leadership and mentorship of Otunba Segun Showunmi, Kasali contributed to a historic electoral outcome that saw the PDP secure two major wins in Ajeromi-Ifelodun—producing both a House of Assembly member and a House of Representatives member for the first time in the constituency.
In 2015, Kasali transitioned to the All Progressives Congress (APC), driven by his support for Akinwunmi Ambode’s gubernatorial ambition. He became actively involved in the Asiwaju Diaspora Media Team and was also part of Team Lagos, leveraging his media expertise to promote the party’s vision and candidates.
Through these roles, Kasali has built a reputation as a dedicated grassroots mobilizer and media strategist, contributing meaningfully to political development both locally and across broader platforms.
Development Vision
Outlining his plans for Ifelodun, Kasali said his focus would be on infrastructure renewal, flood management, tourism development, and youth empowerment.
He proposed the construction of a Council Leadership Residence Centre to accommodate elected officials within the LCDA and the establishment of modern recreational and sporting facilities across all seven wards to engage youths and boost local revenue.
“Ifelodun receives over ₦789 million in monthly funding. With effective planning and private partnerships, that money can be channelled into waste management, flood control, and tourism,” he said. “We must make our environment livable and attractive for residents and investors.”
Kasali also revealed plans to partner with a community in Ogun State for an agricultural empowerment initiative that would train 100 young farmers annually, providing them with funding, accommodation, and access to local markets.
“Each group can earn about ₦2.4 million within four months through fish farming and crop production,” he explained. “This will reduce unemployment and promote food security.”
Health, Welfare, and Security
As part of a strategic move to drive sustainable development and improve healthcare accessibility in Ifelodun, I am committing to the establishment of a high-value infrastructure project—an orthopaedic clinic that will serve the entire Badagry region.
This facility is designed to reduce the long-standing over-reliance on the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, by providing specialized and accessible orthopaedic care closer to home. Beyond meeting a critical healthcare need, this investment will serve as a long-term revenue-generating asset, while also delivering immense social value.
The clinic will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, foster local medical expertise, and empower surrounding communities, particularly in hubs like Alaba Suru Market, by stimulating related commercial activities.
This project is not just an investment in healthcare infrastructure—it is a catalyst for regional growth, community empowerment, and economic resilience.
Youth Engagement and Rehabilitation
Kasali advocated for the rehabilitation and reintegration of street youths and substance abusers, saying they could be transformed into productive citizens through structured rehabilitation programmes.
“No youth is a waste product. We can train and empower them instead of abandoning or punishing them,” he said.
Looking Ahead to 2027
While Kasali maintains that he has no immediate political ambition, he pledged loyalty to his party and expressed readiness to contribute to its success in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
“Our party works by instruction. If I’m called upon, I will answer,” he said. “For now, my role is to help the APC develop winning strategies and continue serving my community.”
He also reaffirmed his commitment to local engagement, citing recent community donations, including school uniforms and youth skill-support programmes.
“Development is my focus, but only God gives power,” Kasali concluded. “My goal is to make Ifelodun a model of community-led transformation where everyone benefits from good governance.”
