Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has revealed that he spent his first-ever furniture allowance on empowering people in his constituency rather than on personal comfort.
Obasa made the disclosure on Thursday during the LG/LCDA Leadership Summit in Lagos, where he urged local government officials to place people’s welfare above personal gain.
His remarks drew attention because of their sincerity and unusual nature in today’s political climate.
“It is important for you to know that I used my first furniture allowance, received from the Lagos Assembly as a first-timer, for empowerment such as grinding machines, JAMB forms, etc.,” Obasa said.
The Speaker stressed that true leadership is about service, not tokenism.
He faulted the practice of distributing items like cartons of noodles or small cash sums as empowerment.
According to him, leaders must think long-term and ensure their actions have real impact.
“You want to empower our people and you are giving them two boxes of Indomie, ₦20,000, is that empowerment? Let us have the fear of God,” he said firmly.
Moreover, Obasa encouraged council representatives to maintain good intentions and to think of empowerment as a responsibility that can uplift lives.
He said leaders should look beyond short-term popularity and focus on leaving lasting legacies.
“The good intention is to think about the people. Let us have a good mindset from now,” he advised.
The Lagos Speaker also linked genuine empowerment to strengthening democratic participation.
He noted that dwindling voter turnout is partly due to a disconnect between leaders and the people they represent.
“We keep on complaining that our votes are dwindling, and you are the ones closer to the people,” he told the participants.
“We are not doing enough. But do not see it as if it is not my business. Before you know it, eight years is around the corner.”
In addition, Obasa stressed that true benefits of leadership come only when leaders prioritize service.
“It is not about benefits but about how we serve our people. It is only when you serve the people that you gain,” he added.
The Speaker’s disclosure about channeling his first furniture allowance into community empowerment stands as a rare example of selfless leadership in Nigerian politics.
