Oyetola: The emblem of true democracy
By Saka folarin lawal
It is a truism, when appraising governance in the state of Osun, to claim that there are signs from which an opinion could be rightly formed that democracy is in full operation.This could be truly viewed from the attitudinal disposition of the incumbent, a governor of the people, and virtuous leader, that ranges from his knack for giving listening ears to the people of the state – which gives them a real sense of belonging – to his deliberate submission to the development yearnings of the state- that defines a true man of the people, and the systematic yet simple approach to good governance modelled to reposition the state development- wise.
Governance is interesting if the principles of Democracy are duly adopted and embraced through people-oriented approach as prescribed by the father of Democracy, Abraham Lincoln, who in his attempt to point out the importance of people’s participation proclaims ‘Democracy’ as a government for all the people. Of course, putting people first in every dealing of government is the definition of true democracy.
Going by the happenings in the state, the people of Osun could all agree to have been treated to the overall feeling of the beauty of Democracy through a government that puts people at the centre, in the scheme of things; and at the same time through delivery of the dividends of democracy to their satisfactions. Having promised to be above board in catering for the welfare of the state’s inhabitants, as enshrined in section 14 of the 1999 constitution of the republic of Nigeria as amended, that “security and welfare of the people shall be the primary responsibility of the government,” Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola is barefacedly living up to the task, and no matter the prevalent political condition, he’s being a good respecter of that provision of the constitution. Here is a man who always wears a gentle look, adorns a gentle demeanour, because he sees himself as the representative of the people of the state. His hands of friendship are quite obvious in stretching to the people of Osun through a government that is all-inclusive in his leadership style, his relationship with the civil servants, the pensioners, the political functionaries, and ultimately the populace.
There is no doubting the fact that the beauty of Democracy is being demonstrated in all forms through Governor Oyetola’s myriad of developmental projects in the state. With a lot of elbows greased, the provisions of infrastructural facilities across the state are always on the rise. In his efforts to attract foreign investments that will translate to economy booster, Governor Oyetola has invested heavily on roads construction and rehabilitation across the state. The just completed and commissioned Olaiya flyover is another achievement of the administration of Governor Oyetola. It is expected to ease the war-like experience of those who ply the popular State government Secretariat road.
The impact made on the health sector cannot also be overlooked. In the space of three years, Oyetola-led administration has successfully renovated about 332 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the state. And to ensure that the outlay of people of the state on their health is greatly reduced, the incumbent introduced free Osun Health Insurance Scheme (O’ HIS). Other initiatives like Osun Food support scheme — to bring succour to the people with low income people in the state.
The Governor in his efforts to improve the standard of education in the state, fitting approach are devised to resolve series of lingering crises in the education sector, while also ensuring that the recruitment of new teachers was prioritized. In the economy sector, for a robust and sturdy economy, Governor Oyetola has invested heavily in mining, agriculture, tourism, and other economic mechanisms with a view to augment the internal generated revenue (IGR) of the state.
All that being said, the character of a man speaks volume of his inner makeup while in a position of power. That explains the government-people relationship in the state under Governor Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola. The reigning peace in the state can attributed to his simple and exemplary lifestyle as a man of peace, a perfect gentleman so to say. Because of this, we can be forgiven to claim that the governor understands that peace is the ultimate price to be paid if a nation or state is to thrive, and know ideal development.
As a financial expert and a boardroom guru, Governor Oyetola has beyond doubt proven himself to be up-to-the-task by his administration’s financial prudence and frugality. He has really showcased his expertise in financial management through prudence, resourcefulness and strategic planning and approach in running the state’s affairs despite hydra-headed challenges facing the state, and the country as a whole. The same sterling character and other transparent governance mechanisms have been employed to stabilise the epileptic salary scale and further execute infrastructural projects that had hitherto stunted the growth of the state in all areas.
Interestingly, during the press interaction to mark three years in office, Governor Oyetola broke the happiest of the news that despite giant strides recorded in all areas of governance, his administration has not borrowed a dime since assumption of office in 2018. What a prudent approach!
In the political circles, Governor Oyetola has become a cynosure to all eyes for his good sense of humour, while he has endeared himself to the people, which is a result of running an all-inclusive government. A deliberate attempt at exhibiting the beauty of Democracy. He assumed office as a perfect gentleman with content and sound analytical power, and he has been performing exceptionally, which brings to bear his readiness to put in place an economy viable state. He is taking the state into ‘Eldorado’ of sort through the ongoing series of developmental projects various parts of the state, and he is palpably striving to continue same gestures when if given the opportunity to continue.
The Governor has deservedly received encomiums and several Awards for the recognition of his modest achievements and meritorious service to humanity in his capacity as governor.. As if the encomiums is not enough, the royal blessings and prayers are lavished on him for the smooth running of the affairs of the state, while they also pray he is victorious in his reelection bid so that he can continue his good work. Among the Awards received are the Vanguard newspaper’s Best Governor of the year 2021 and the “Best Governor” and the “Best man” of the year 2021 Awards by the Nigerian NewsDirect newspaper.
In the meantime, permit me to quickly say this with respect to the internal crisis rocking the ruling party in the state of Osun, Primary election has come and gone, and the winner has eventually emerged. The best course of action is cessation of hostilities among the party members to pave the way for an overwhelming victory of Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola in the coming governoship election. The writer is therefore calling for unity of purpose because “in unity lies inexhaustible strength.”
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