𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄, 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 & 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐃𝐒𝐉

By Tunji Ogabi  In every generation, certain journeys remind us that success is rarely the product of a single factor. It is the convergence...

By Tunji Ogabi 

In every generation, certain journeys remind us that success is rarely the product of a single factor. It is the convergence of time, opportunity, tenacity, and positioning working in harmony.

History teaches this. Leaders emerge not merely by birth, but at the intersection of preparation and circumstance. Some arrive at the right time. Others see opportunities most miss. Some refuse to quit. Others position themselves where opportunity can find them.

The story of Princess Damilola Sonayon James, DSJ, is one such story.

As Eid-el-Kabir celebrations wound down and the world turned to the UEFA Champions League final, a different excitement stirred in Badagry. By Sunday morning, whispers had become jubilation: the APC Lagos State Chapter had named Princess Damilola Sonayon James as running mate to Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

For many, it was celebration. For others, it was the result of years of service, persistence, and strategic engagement. Her emergence affirms a truth: when preparation meets opportunity, extraordinary outcomes follow.

𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄  

“To everything, there is a season.”

Timing is often the silent force behind political shifts. Leaders emerge when their qualifications align with the moment’s demand.

The SMA GOLD phenomenon during the APC primaries did something rare: it placed Badagry’s aspirations at the center of Lagos politics. Though the ticket wasn’t won, the movement made Badagry’s voice unavoidable. It created visibility. It forced attention. Since HRM Aholu Claudius Dosa Akran, few developments had projected Badagry’s interests with such intensity.

Without that moment, would a Badagry deputy governorship have gained traction? Perhaps, but not with the same force. As we say: _“Lori SMA GOLD; Baba gba ope wa.”_

The moment demanded leadership that embodied competence, loyalty, youth, innovation, and inclusiveness. It is hard to imagine a more fitting time for DSJ’s emergence. Time is not just chronology; it is readiness meeting a favorable season.

𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 

Opportunities rarely arrive with fanfare. They come disguised as meetings, assignments, conversations.

Exceptional people recognize and maximize them. Mandela turned prison into preparation. DSJ treats every platform as a chance to demonstrate leadership.

I do not know her extensively. But in our few encounters, one trait stood out: she never misses a chance to make her presence felt.

At a statewide seminar of supervisors from 57 LGAs/LCDAs, hundreds filled the hall. Many came to observe. She did not. She moved through the room, introduced herself, built relationships, exchanged ideas. When called to speak, she spoke. When discussions opened, she contributed. When connections could be made, she made them.

Many wait for opportunity. DSJ positions herself where opportunity cannot ignore her.

𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘

Every success story has an unseen chapter: setback.

Tenacity decides if the story ends there.

Lincoln lost elections before the Presidency. His legacy was built on refusing to quit.

DSJ served as Supervisor in Badagry West LCDA and earned a reputation for commitment. She then contested for Executive Chairman against established heavyweights. She did not secure the ticket.

For many, that would end the journey. For her, it was another chapter.

She stayed engaged. She kept serving, aspiring, contributing. Persistence attracts attention. Leaders notice consistency.

In time, she emerged as Supervisor-designate and APC Deputy Women Leader, Lagos State. That progression was not accidental. It was the reward of staying visible long after disappointment could have justified withdrawal. Success is rented. Tenacity is the daily payment.

𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆  

If time creates the season, opportunity opens the door, and tenacity keeps you moving, positioning puts you at the door when it opens.

Positioning is not manipulation. It is preparation, credibility, and relationship-building. It ensures your name enters the conversation when it matters.

Lee Kuan Yew positioned Singapore from port city to global force through vision.

As APC Deputy Women Leader, DSJ occupied a strategic platform beyond her constituency. She represented youth, women, grassroots politicians, and a new generation of leaders. She was active, visible, engaged, connected.

At the same time, Badagry became central to Lagos discourse.

The convergence was clear: a politically visible Badagry, a politically visible DSJ, a demand for inclusiveness, a search for balance, and a favorable season.

Her emergence, then, is less surprise than inevitability. Positioning is being prepared when favor arrives.

𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 

DSJ’s story is larger than one person. It is a lesson for young leaders, public servants, and all who seek to serve: success is seldom luck alone.

Time creates the season.  

Opportunity opens the door.  

Tenacity keeps you moving.  

Positioning ensures you are ready.

Congratulations, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, DSJ. I wish you, our principal Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and all APC candidates wisdom, strength, and success ahead.

May your campaign be purposeful.  

May your service be impactful.  

And may your victory, earned through the people’s confidence, be resounding.

God bless Badagry Federation.  

God bless Lagos State.  

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐣𝐢 𝐎𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢

Public Servant, Community Development Advocate, and APC Stakeholder, Lagos State.