November 03, (THEWILL) – Damilola Marshal, daughter of popular Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, speaks with IVORY UKONU about her appointment as Senior Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and sundry issues. Excerpts:
What are some of your duties as the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu on tourism and culture?
I assist the governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the promotion of tourism, arts and culture in the state and to bring up new ideas that can help push the state’s economic viability.
It’s been about five months since your appointment, and you have obviously hit the ground running. What is the top priority in the ministry that you are currently tackling?
I am trying as much as possible to take tourism to vulnerable areas that have been devoid of any form of tourism because the promotion of tourism in these communities will help curb unemployment and social vices. Also, tourism does not need rigorous education before one can be employed within the value chain.
Besides your outlined duties as SSA, what are your own personal plans which you are cultivating to complement what is expected of you?
Humanitarian activities are a passion for me, and I will not relent in my efforts to bring out the best in my immediate environs through it.
Did you see the appointment coming or did it take you by surprise?
To be honest with you, I wanted it, I wanted to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state. Also, coming from a family with an entertainment background, I guess it was my only sure way of achieving it.
Why do you think you merit the appointment, what are some of your antecedents?
As a legal practitioner, it is safe to say I have been in the entertainment scene for a long time as an entertainment lawyer and in that scene, I have been able to identify the lacunas and loopholes in the Nigerian entertainment industry. So basically, I am here to contribute my quota. My appointment underscores the governor’s commitment to promoting and developing the tourism sector in Lagos State. Like I said earlier, with my background in law and my familial ties to the entertainment industry, I am poised to contribute significantly to the state’s efforts to enhance its tourism offerings and attract visitors from around the world.
Is this a steppingstone to you building a political career?
I can only say that I just want to contribute to the socio-economic development of Lagos State for now. I am open to any position that will help me develop our nation
What was your dad’s reaction to your political appointment?
My dad prefers I end up as a judge and not a politician. But he was nonetheless happy about the appointment.
With your new appointment, do you still have time to practice law?
Of course, 100 per cent. I still practice. Once a lawyer, forever a lawyer
Do you own a law firm?
Prior to my appointment, I was the principal partner at Damilola Ayinde Marshal and Co where I brought my wealth of experience and expertise in legal matters. The law firm serviced both international and local clients on a broad spectrum of practice areas ranging from property law, criminal defense, and corporate law practice to family and estates law.
What aspect of law do you practice?
I am a property and criminal lawyer. Both aspects of the law practice are quite lucrative.
Was law your choice or were you compelled to study it?
Studying law was my choice because I have a very high passion to see that people get justice and not be oppressed.
Are you the only lawyer in the family?
No, I am not but I am the only one practising. One of my sisters, Monsurat was the first to be called to the bar.
Where did you get your law degree?
I graduated in 2013 from the North America University Houdegbe, Cotonou, Benin Republic. I attended Nigeria Law School, Abuja and I was called to the Nigerian Bar immediately afterward in 2015. In 2022, I got a master’s in law degree from the University of Lagos.
What are some of the things that must have shaped you to become who you are today?
Having a very strict father who does not give room for failure of any kind.
What is the most difficult challenge you have ever had to face in your life?
Being the daughter of a famous father, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal. It is a huge challenge that I face regularly.
What would you consider as your greatest achievement in life so far?
Living my dreams which is being a lawyer.
What motivates you?
The resilient spirit of a common Nigerian keeps me going.
How do you unwind when you aren’t busy chasing the ‘paper’?
The gym is my best friend. It really helps to keep me mentally and physically fit and balanced.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
