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This Civil Engineering graduate of University of Lagos, left the shores of Nigeria after his degree for Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London where he bagged M. Sc and DIC in public health Engineering. He was also a research student assistant at the same Imperial College, where he furthered his knowledge in urban drainage. In this interview with Bunmi Mustapha, MT opens up on life as Cash Madam’s son, his growing up years and why he contested for the President of Abeokuta Sport Club amongst other things.
How long have you been a member of Abeokuta Sports Club?
I joined the club in 1988, then there were few places to visit and relax, and I was coming from lagos to work in Ogun, and what really attracted me to the club was the foundation the white people laid on ground back in the days and it’s still here for everyone to see, it was all about sporting by the side and socials and relaxation on the other side. The club also cut across tribal boundaries, there are all sorts of people, so I decided to join, so I can have somewhere to relax and exercise myself.
What actually prompted you to contest for the president of Abeokuta Sports Club?
Pressure from members of the club made me contest for Presidency, at the last election people came to me to contest, which I declined, so I actually thought they have put their wish to rest. Though some members were not comfortable with my decision, and when it was time to contest again, some members were not comfortable with the people who showed interest to contest, so the pressure started again and this time they were more persistent and they told me if people like me is running away from politics and allow less capable people to take over, definitely they will make rules and regulations for me and I have to obey whether I like it or not. So I told myself if they are not happy with the people coming out to contest and they believe in me, I cant turn them down again, I didn’t want to make it a smooth ride for people who they didn’t feel worthy to lead the club, so I had no choice than to dance to their tune as long as it makes my people happy, although I started my campaign late but it all still ended up in victory.
Your mother Bisi Edionsere, Cash Madam is a popular and prominent socialite in Nigeria how does being the first son of this powerful woman makes you feel?
I must say I am the luckiest and blessed man on earth to be Cash Madam’s son, she is the best thing in the world, my mother is one in a million and a strong woman who never relents in anything she is set out to do. While growing up she raised seven of us well and we all had a funfilled childhood, we had everything, none of the seven children studied alone in Nigeria, they went abroad to futher their education. Back then I had everything as a child, I remember well when I was young, I used to fly first class, even at age tweleve, anytime we were leaving the country we all flew first class. I got so used to it that when I started working, I could not afford to travel in first class in my early days. It has always been a good life with my mother, even when I was in England, I lived in Bays Water, which is central London, it was few minutes drive from my school, Imperial College, I was one of the students in my school with two cars parked in front of my hostel.
Seeing your mother celebrating 80th in good and sound health, how do you feel?
My mother doesn’t even look 80, she still looks like she is 60, she has always been strong and energetic which runs in the family, her mother was ninety six when she died and her father lived for 139 years before he died. In her thirties she could go up and down the defence building which was like a thirty floors without using a lift. My mother still parties, she still comes to the club and stay late too, because she is one of the oldest members of Abeokuta Sports Club.
You own one of the biggest construction companies in Nigeria, after spending some years abroad, what is the experience like?
I must say it is very challenging, because we are competing with other multi nationals and foreign firms, but we are very fortunate, sometimes we even work and don’t get paid. It’s expected that indigenous engineers and contractors will be awarded contracts, but it’s not like that, we still have hope that things will be better for us.
Now that you are the president of the club, how do you intend to cope, with your company and the fact that you are a socialite?
I imbibed juggling a lot of this together from my parents, and I have been into politics, while in school, I am presently the President of the old students association of Abeokuta Church Grammer School, I have also been in and out of one office or the other since 1990. My mother is a socialite and she is still keeping things together in right places, been the president can not affect my job or home, I have a responsibility that takes more of my time than before, but am sure my wife understands that.
What are the laid down plans you have for the club for its development and progress?
I don’t want to promise what is impossible to give, we have seen politicians and public office holders who promised one thing or the other and for decades it never came to pass, what we say is what we believe we can do. Before the elections, I have worked on power supply within the club, we now have inverters in some sections of the club, now we enjoy electricity even in theday time. We have also extended the lawn tennis with flood light. We promised that as soon as I’m elected, we will embark on the roads leading to chalets, which was completed two weeks after election. We have pulled down the children park which has not been functional for years now in order to create more packing space, we are still going to do more. My predecessors have done well but there is still room for improvement and development.
Are you planning to enhance development in the club with your personal money?
Abeokuta Sports Club is bigger than one individual, if I say I am going to run the club with my money, then am looking down on the club, the asset of the club is in billion range, the real funding of this club will be by corporate and social supports, when I need to put my personal money, I will, so as to set down examples.
What does it take to be a member of Abeokuta Sports Club?
Integrity is the most important thing, we want responsible people who have a good source of livelihood, and can be verified, either a Nigerian or foreigners.
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