I didn’t trek for financial gain — Ndabagi

The Punch - Nigeria

Twenty-eight-year-old Afolabi Ndabagi trekked from Abeokuta to Lagos to meet with a former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He tells SAMUEL AWOYINFA what motivated him to do so
What really motivated the trek from Abeokuta to Lagos?
As Nigerians were celebrating the victory of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28, 2015 election, someone trekked from Lagos to Abuja and another trekked from Maiduguri to Abuja, in order to honour him. Then, it occurred to me that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu also deserves to be honoured. I believe he engineered the current political revolution. If Tinubu was living in Kano, I would have trekked to meet him there.
How many days did you spend?
I trekked for five days. I took off on Monday May 11, from OPIC Roundabout, Abeokuta at exactly 6.40am but I didn’t trek at night.
I started trekking until I got to Ota in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area. Only two of the council’s officials escorted me to Ijaiye area after Meiran in Lagos, and they went back. I continued my journey and trekked back to the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. I moved towards Abule-Egba and got to Agege around 4pm. Since it was getting late, I lodged in a hotel. The next day, I trekked to the APC state secretariat on ACME road, Ikeja, where I met the state chairman of the party, and other party officials. I left there at 6pm, and later checked into a hotel. On Thursday morning, I hit the road again; I trekked to the Lagos State Secretariat at Alausa in Ikeja. I was at the Governor Babatunde Fashola’s office, but I was told he had a lot of engagements for the day and he would not be able to receive me. From there, I trekked to Ogudu and finally reached the Third Mainland bridge.
At this point, were you not tired?
I felt faint as I approached the Third Mainland bridge but I reminded myself that I was on a mission to Bourdillon in Ikoyi. I continued and when I got to Obalende, I asked for the direction to the Oba of Lagos’ palace. I was told the monarch had travelled out of the country. I passed the night at Obalende and on Friday morning, I continued my journey, asking for direction to Tinubu’s residence. At exactly, 10.40am, I got to Tinubu’s home, where I was told he was in Edo State to attend Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s wedding. I was downcast but I introduced myself and I was given an accommodation for the night. On Saturday, I did not see him but eventually saw him on Sunday at 2.30pm. I was waiting for him, when I saw Prof. Wole Soyinka coming into the house. However, it was when Asiwaju escorted Prof. Soyinka on his way out that he saw me and he asked, ‘Are you are the person who trekked from Abeokuta to Lagos? I said, ‘yes’ and he apologised for not attending to me on time. He appreciated my recognition of his contribution to democracy but we could not discuss at length. I could not even deliver my address because he was busy meeting with different people. He, however, promised to send for me soonest.
Did he give you some money?
Yes, he did.
What was the amount?
I won’t disclose the amount.
How much did you spend on the trip?
I spent N18,000 for feeding and accommodation.
It is generally believed you trekked for financial gain?
People can say what they like but money was not my motivation.
What will you do with the money he gave you?
The main concern is my education. I want to go back to school and become somebody in life.
What happened to your education?
I dropped out of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in 2006 due to financial constraints. Though I am a fashion designer, I wanted Asiwaju Tinubu to offer me scholarship.
Have your neighbours been coming to ask for their share of Asiwaju’s gift?
They have been coming and many thought I was given millions of naira. It is not true.