By Denrele Animashaun

“A leader . . . is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.” — Nelson Mandela

There are times when it seems pointless talking about the obvious and after awhile it does get to you and it  has  got to  me that I  refuse to slip into the doldrums of doom and negativity. I assure you it is very hard when you talk about the shenanigans of our government and lives of the masses.

As they say, misery likes company but I refuse to be drawn into its company and instead I go seeking for what is right with Nigeria. I have been for some time watching with interest the pragmatic and determined administration of the Osun State governor, Rauf

Aregbesola

We all bear witness to the transformation of Osun State and it is not the window dressing that is favoured by many of the governors.

No, this is the real thing and the man knows what the country needs; better leadership and dedication. As those who  are familiar with my column I  have  been a great supporter of  the  young people and  the  need for  our government to invest in them. Well, Aregbesola has, and with the second batch of the OYES! Osun State Youth Empowerment Scheme, he has been able to provide a positive direction and employment for the young people.

The members of the second batch of the OYES cadets were recruited from all the local government areas in the state and they are expected to serve across the state as traffic marshals, sanitation coordinators, Green Gang Paramedics and teaching service between year 2013 and 2015. This initiative was a long term investment; the state invested 2 years pay and pay a salary and on graduating they were provided with uniforms (police academy please take note), kits and equipment all was sourced from the markets spread round the local government councils of the state.

It makes sound economic sense because everybody benefits and the economy improves. The governor, according to him, the OYES programme was designed as a stop-gap scheme to train the youths and imbue them with positive work orientation and ethics such as self-sustenance, resourcefulness, character and competence, and to give them the self-confidence to forge ahead and overcome life’s numerous challenges. I must also let you know that OYES is not about youth employment alone. It is also about re-inflating the economy of the state.

You see, when you  enable people they will take pride and commitment  in their  work  and  their  personal lives and this  will  rub off on their families and  the  rest of  the people around.

On his trip  to the US, he showned that he is  forward thinking,the  state has provided the school children with hand computer tablets tagged “Opon Imo” to public institutions across the state.  Education is an investment for the future, he knows that and he is looking beyond his tenure. This makes a change from the usual unscrupulous politicians who use our youths as rent – a – mob and leaving them with no future prospects.

If I am gushing, excuse me  I have not had much to gush about in  months, well, actually  in  years. The governor of the State of Osun, is a fine example that there is hope in Nigeria and it is possible to re-energise our future  by  investing  in  the moment. The  young people  deserve a better  Nigeria and if  we are  not been given the  opportunity then  we should be using our democratic right to elect those who have shown their dedication and commitment for the interest of the people  and  the country. We should not vote on tribal, religious or any other divisive excuse the distractors may use. We can not afford to fail our children and we cannot afford to fail Nigeria. We deserve  better and  for those who are spiritual, for once pray and act with your  conscience.

Let us have more  good  governance and  less of the absurd and the ridiculous empty promises and grand standing.

I  know who I want  to emulate: the man who is active, focussed, driven, innovative and disciplined; the man who sees  solutions where others make  excuses. If most of these so called leaders could look beyond their self aggrandisements and self importance, they will do well to look across their state and  work for the people and not from their own pockets. They say the good that people do live long after them but what they do for themselves dies with them. This is sadly the case for many of these self serving so-call leaders.

Can we forget and forgive?

Truth will come to light … at the length, the truth will be out.-William Shakespeare

Pardon has gone to Sheu Yar’Adua, Oladipo Diya, Tajudeen Olarenwaju, Fadile and host of others

Even the deceased Abdulkareem Adisa benefited. Their pardon was belated but welcome all the same; they can now join others in the mainstream to make their contributions.

Now, the pardons threw up controversy on those who benefitted that should not have been considered, not to talk of been pardoned. One of them is former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreiye Alamieyeisegha.  His conviction was so recent and reminds us of what we wanted to forget. He was a convicted thief. He absconded to England and disguise as a woman to arrive in Nigeria. So what has he done to show us he has turned a new leaf?

The first set were strictly political offenders, according to Sani Abacha. Now we will have new economic saboteur- from the ranks of bankers, policemen who think nothing of impoverishing other policemen and some couldn’t care less politicians. These people should reckon with our sensitivities; we cannot forget and we will definitely may not forgive.

We do not forget Tafa and we are about to make a hero of Ibori. The next time around, he may gain a pardon. GEJ speaks highly of him. You know what they say: Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are

-Kola Animasaun