On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, the governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola marked his 66th birthday.
Discreet investigations into the life and times of Oyetola have shown that the governor is not only a driven goal-getter and consummate achiever, he’s also a silent worker whose sense of patriotism and compelling ability have gone a long way in liberating the state from all forces of negativism. Within a very short time of assumption of office, he has touched everywhere, without making noise. He has demonstrated that governance is not about pumping but having the wisdom of spending money.
Without doubt, the lacuna between the time of election and the confirmation of Gboyega Oyetola as governor by the Supreme Court gave the people no peace. But, right now, within the lean space of about two years, the insurance guru and astute administrator has brought a definite turnaround to the state. Now, it will be difficult to discuss the development Osun has had in the last two years without giving it a pass mark. Even, the opposition is beginning to see and embrace both the reality and the benefits of good governance. Yet, the man on the saddle in Osun is looking forward, robustly planning with imagination and wisdom, and graciously taking responsibility. One can only wish he’d not lose focus in taking the state to a higher level and building on the achievements of all his predecessors in office.
Evidently, it is only stuffs like this that can help in the development of the entire country. Why? If, by now, Oyetola’s development plans still revolve around excuses, especially, as to why salaries are not paid promptly, why street lights are in shambles, with impassable roads littering our towns and villages, the story would have been greatly unpalatable. All the more reason the Federal Government should take a leaf from Oyetola’s book. If Nigeria’s leaders can emulate this man, who, despite the paucity of funds, has positively affected the fortunes of Osun, the attack being hurled at them as a result of lackluster performance will become a thing of the past. It is as simple as that.
At 66, let yours sincerely join other well-meaning Nigerians in giving ‘66 gbosas’ to our governor.
May principalities and powers, assigned to rubbish our leaders’ efforts, backfire!
abiodun KOMOLAFE
Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State
(ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 07087941459 – SMS only)
