GOVERNOR AMOSUN'S REBUILDING MISSION
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way"-John C. Maxwell
Every
appointed or elected leader has their unique records. By inference, one
unique thing that leadership of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo
was widely known for was free and qualitative education for all as this
writer was a beneficiary of that largesse up to the school certificate
level. Millions of south-westerners did benefit from that vision. And up
till today, the impact of that positive vision is still with us
Yorubas.That is why every visionary leader critically looks at a sector
and develops it as his unique selling point. By so doing, such a leader
will remain indelible on the minds of the electorate-and on the walls of
history- even after they have long vacated political power.
This
is time to beam a searchlight on performances of our elected leaders
especially those seeking the second term in office. With the mission to
rebuild Ogun State,the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has
set another remarkable example with the new face of the state.(All areas
Amosun's score card cannot be accommodated in this piece).The four
cardinal points of the state roads have no doubt witnessed rapid
transformation in terms of total reconstruction. It is gratifying that
Ogun State has now left behind it the era of being refered to as 'The
Ancient City' in terms of its outlook.( For God's sake, this is 21st
century!). It is now indeed an ultra-modern city, given the aesthetic
new outlook.This is one important area, I think, Ogun State has a Unique
Selling Point. It should blow that trumpet well as people are now
blowing it in its favour.
The
critics contend if roads transform into meals on the table of an
average indigene. They also argue that the roads and flyovers now being
massively constructed are too expensive and so on and so forth.This is
typical of politics. Though criticisms bring about the best in
individual and government performance, what many inhabitants of the
state are now really interested in, based on my sampling is the
feasibility and high quality of these mega projects. We should realize
that irrespective of one's social status (traders, corporate workers,
industrialists, artisans, politicians, farmers, healthcare
practitioners, pensioners, parents, students, transporters and others
yet to be mentioned), we all need good transportation network to convey
us and our goods and services to our various destinations. Good
transportation network is germane to all and sundry. In Ogun State,road
journeys are now shorter and smoother because of the smoothflow of
traffic which is not unconnected with the ambience of the roads.
At
fora, Governor Amosun had declared severally that his government would
not discriminate in the reconstruction of 'federal roads' and 'state
roads', stressing that state governments are closer to people at the
grassroots to construct and maintain such facilities as roads. There are
now instances federal roads are being reconstructed by Amosun
government within the state.One good example is Lafenwa-Ayetoro Road
leading to Crescent University. In these roads, there is reflection of
'The Ogun Standard' propounded by the incumbent government for the
quality assurance of its programmes.State roads now have standard
medians ( with beautification flowers and street lights), walkways,
drainages,and parking lanes and lots. Also, recreation parks are now
springing up across the state. All this constitutes a good handwriting
that is most likely to stand the test of time in years ahead.It is hoped
that the state government will not relent until the best is achieved in
this area for prosperity.
One
noticeable character of Governor Ibikunle Amosun is that he believes in
the dictum "if you want a job done well, do it yourself". Because he
holds these projects close to his heart, he personally supervises them
without notice to contractors. And oftentimes, he walks hundreds of
meters to satisfy his conscience on quality and standard. At sites, he
interacts with the common people to get feedback. He listens to their
comments and even practically explains government views where necessary.
Many a time, he was seen in a peaceful dialogue with market women on
relocation and re-allocation of their shops, where the old stalls had
given way for the mega road projects.
With
the standard of drainage system now put in place across the state, the
incidence of flooding has been critically minimized as there is now
proper channelling of rain water into the Ogun River and other streams.
Inhabitants of areas where there used to be heavy flooding after rains
are now heaving a sigh of relief.We encourage the Amosun government to
work more assiduously in this area as a good complement of this laudable
job.
Obviously,
our roads in the state are now neater than ever, courtesy of the state
government's partnership with refuse collectors who rid the environment
of dirts. With the complement of the walkways, pedestrians' accidents
have now been minimised. Users now find the paths worthwhile for
exercising their legs without fear of running into any vehicle
especially okada.
However,
the Ogun State government should work hard, through monitoring of these
drainage, to dissuade people from dumping refuse, particularly sachets
of pure water and other items, in the water channels.Also, some of the
walkways are occupied by street traders who discourage other users.The
government should enlighten the public continuously and highlight
appropriate sanctions for the culprits.
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