NCB:. I go by the name Oyewoade Isaac, I'll be your interviewer today, can you kindly introduce yourself?
Don: Good to know, Isaac, I am Ojokolo Peter Oluwadamilare, commonly referred to as Hon. Don. I am the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the NASELS STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL.
NCB: Wow, Hon. Don, how did you come up with the name "Hon. Don"?
Don: Well, I really cannot recollect when people started calling me that. However, I did my findings and discovered that it refers to a university professor. So, I loved it and took it to heart.
NCB: Tell us about your educational background.
Don: Most of childhood education was at Wonderful College, Ibadan. From there, I moved to Ogungbade Community Secondary School II, Ibadan, where I obtained my WASSCE certificate before moving here for my Bachelor of Arts Degree.
NCB: You've participated actively in politics, Don, what motivated you?
Don: While it is true that politics intrigues me, more importantly, it is also true that I have always wanted to actively represent my immediate community. This, to a great extent, is what inspires me.
NCB: How has your political journey been?
Don: Though it has been really interesting, it has not without its own challenges. These challenges have helped me widen my worldview with respect to handling humans.
NCB: What are the challenges you faced?
Don: First is the issue of communication. It really can be difficult to get a message across to people on say for instance why certain rules are being implemented. Most times, they just do not want to hear you out. Secondly, in politics, you often get into conflict as a result of interests. This leads you to getting to negotiate, not necessarily a round table negotiation. During such negotiations, one often discovers that a party, as the case may be, already has a fixed mindset. Then, you begin to wonder why you need such "negotiations" in the first place. Usually it can be very funny.
NCB: How have you been able to merge your political lifestyle with academics?
Don: Well, discipline and priority is important. I must say that combining academics with politics can be quite tasking. But as a student politician, it is necessary that my studentship comes before politics. This notion has guided me in situations where politics clashes with my academics.
NCB: Hmmm! Apart from politics, what other things are you into?
Don: Asides politics, I am a tutor and also a poet.
NCB: Awesome! Speaking about your tutoring lifestyle, what drove you into it?
Don: Politics. I was driven into tutoring due to my willingness to contribute to the growth of my community. Ever since, I have had opportunities to teach both in the department, faculty and the Students Union as well. I also do teach at private-owned tutorials too.
NCB: Back to your political lifestyle, Are your parent in support of it?
Don: To a far extent, yes. Dad himself was a politician while alive.
NCB: Wow! Do you believe that politics is a do or die affair?
Don: Depends on what you mean. If you mean that is winning in politics a do or die affair, it is a NO. But if it is about participating in politics, then I'll say YES. Partisanship or Non-partisanship is individual choice. But yes, we must lend our opinions in politics.
NCB: I am so sorry about that. May his soul continue rest in perfect peace.
Don: Amen, thank you Isaac.
NCB: What can you tell your junior colleagues who might be interested in politics?
Don: Well, I'll tell them not to be into politics because of the power it offers. Also they should not be scared to contest for any position of their choice. They should also flee from power toxic individuals, people who claim to be influential but are not. Lastly, they should make sure to have a good reputation, that is the strongest asset of any politician.
NCB: Your worst experience in politics? Do you have one?
Don: My worst experience was when I had to stay away from academic area because I almost got beaten up by a group of people from the opposing side, during last year electioneering processes.
NCB: Wow, how were you able to handle that? The people didn't come back to threaten or harm you?
Don: I was not sure they didn't. Well, it was a spur of the moment event. Eventually, everyone got back together when our interests aligned. It's politics, no eternal enemies or friends.
NCB: Hmmm, no eternal enemy or friend. Do you have the intention to participate in politics after your university days?
Don: I definitely will.
NCB: Nice. What do you intend to become? And how do you plan to go about it?
Don: I aim to become a Creative writer and a professional sales strategist, although I'd prefer not to go into how I plan to do that.
NCB: No problem, Hon. Don. We've come to the end of the interview session, Hon. Don, thanks for your time. Make a shout-out.
Don: Thank you for having me. I appreciate all Honourables of the NSRC, you guys have been nothing but wonderful.
NCB: Alright, thanks for your time.
Don: You are welcome.
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