By Dapo Ipoola

Experience is being defined as the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation, a practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity. Experience refers to conscious events in general, more specifically to perceptions, or to the practical knowledge and familiarity that is produced by these processes. Understood as a conscious event in the widest sense, experience involves a subject to which various items are presented. As it has always been said, experience encapsulates the idea that learning is a continuous process that is best achieved through direct involvement and reflection on our actions. It emphasizes that firsthand experiences, even those that may be challenging, are valuable for growth and acquiring wisdom.

Not in politics alone is experience in high demand. In administration, business, management and other professional endeavors, experience has always been a benchmark. Without experience, one could hardly triumph. Therefore, it is a desideratum for a successful end. In the account of history, men of experience have always been demanded to effect change and right some leadership and administrative wrongs. And in the end, an accomplished success. Just as it was once said that an empty bag cannot stand, an inexperienced individual cannot effect the desired change, and if this must occur, experience is one of the paraphernalia and wherewithal. Often times, some supposed successful missions have ended in moribund as a result of lack of experience.

In leadership and politics, men of cognate experience are hot cakes because the paucity of it makes it so. For giant developmental stride to occur, men of cognate experience must be in the mantle of leadership. This we’ve always lampooned, not knowing that the change we crave will not just fall from the sky. Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Tafa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro, Azikwe, and other notable Nigerian leaders were experience packed, and little wonder the palpable change that they were able to effect. Till date, these apostles of change are still being celebrated for their inestimable wealth of experience which laid the foundation for the democracy, development and freedom that we enjoy today. Their sacrifices paved way and brought about the democratic heirloom that some of politicians brazenly abuse.

By next year, Osun State will be going to the poll to elect a leader who will lead them for another administrative four years. But before they embark on this political voyage, it’s advisable that they allow their experiences in the hands of the state past handlers to guide them. As it is often said, experience is the best teacher. With the vast enormity of both human and natural resources that the state is blessed with, Osun should be a model State in Nigeria- with the highest number of cities, the cradle of Yoruba race, the spring and natural endowments of tourist attractions. That the state is still lagging behind in terms development is attributable to inexperience on the path of its leaders. Now that another electioneering year is beckoning, should the people of the state allow affliction to repeat itself? Should administration and governance take the usual course? Would it not be tantamount to insanity if we crave change but keep parading tyrants and ineffectual individuals in the corridor of power? Would meaningful development not be stagnated if hedonistic and sybaritic individuals are the one calling the shots?

Despite all these administrative and political ineffectuality that have almost consumed the State of Osun, there is a way out- the need for an experienced person to preside over the affairs of the state. Retooling the administrative incongruity of Osun State requires the political and administrative wizardry of the like of Senator Iyiola Omisore. Politically, he has been around for a very long time with quantum of experience to change the ugly narratives of administrative fiasco. He was a former Deputy Governor, an experienced legislator who chaired one of the most sensitive committees- Appropriation.
Senator Iyiola Omisore is not one of the run-of-the-mill politicians who has little or nothing to offer. As a former scribe of APC, he created a formidable support for the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Even when he had the opportunity to sell or betray his brethren, he stood firmly for the agenda that’ll advance the Yoruba presidency. In the face of the seemingly overwhelming shenanigan that greeted the APC 2023 presidential election, Senator Iyiola Omisore remained undaunted and stood tall not in height but in integrity and character. During the 2018 re-run election of former governor Oyetola, Senator Iyiola Omisore was dominantly instrumental to the recorded success. As a result of his tenacious hold on the Ife political axis, he became the darling bride of APC who must be courted to win. And if APC wants to win the Osun 2026 governorship election, Senator Iyiola Omisore holds the ace in delivering the state to the progressive kit. He has what it takes to match the present occupant. As a master political strategist, he has every instrumentality and propensity of victory.

Dapo Ipoola, a media consultant wrote in from Abuja.