Having followed several political screening exercises in Lagos, I can share that such events are crucial in shaping grassroots leadership. Aspirants like Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare bring valuable professional experience to politics, which often translates into more effective and purposeful representation. From personal observation, the success of a House of Assembly member greatly depends on their connection to their constituency and commitment to local development projects. For Surulere Constituency I, this means addressing urgent community needs such as infrastructural upgrades, education, and healthcare improvements. I appreciate that Barr. Barakat highlights the importance of ensuring the dividends of democracy reach her people. This focus on tangible benefits is vital for rebuilding public trust and stimulating active participation at the constituency level. Moreover, competition in the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the screening phase often brings out candidates' dedication to transparent governance. Based on past Lagos state assembly experiences, candidates who emphasize inclusiveness and consistent community engagement tend to have stronger followings. For voters in Ikeja and surrounding areas, staying informed about such aspirants and their platforms allows for making empowered electoral choices. Following #lagosgistevents and #lagosgist social media tags can provide real-time updates and coverage of these events. In conclusion, the aspiration of Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare reflects a growing trend of professionals stepping into politics to foster sustainable community development. It will be interesting to see how her campaign unfolds and how effectively she can champion the needs of Surulere Constituency I.