In every season of his life, from the corporate boardroom to public office, the moments that have defined Hon. Lukmon Atobatele have never been about personal achievement alone. Rather, they have been milestones where purpose met opportunity, lives were transformed, and service became its own reward, he tells Adedayo Adejobi
The day I rebuilt a collapsing classroom instead of walking away
That was the moment politics became real for me. I attended my first ward meeting and discovered that party members were meeting inside a classroom that was almost falling apart. I could have complained like everyone else. Instead, I decided to rebuild it with my own money. Seeing that building transformed and watching people gather there with dignity gave me a feeling that no business success had ever given me. That was when I truly fell in love with grassroots politics. Why is it exciting? It was the turning point that transformed me from a successful businessman into a servant leader.
2. Winning my election after initially being denied a ticket
Many people would have walked away after failing to secure a party ticket. I did not. I kept serving quietly. Then came what I still call divine timing. The PDP approached me during the substitution window in 2022. I accepted the challenge, contested, and won. That victory was bigger than politics. It reminded me that patience often prepares you for something better than what you originally wanted. It was a classic story of perseverance, resilience, and eventual triumph.
