Nigeria has had its share of bad leadership from independence till date, from the looting of public funds to the massacre of citizens, the country has lacked one thing in excess, good leaders.
Most people would argue that voters’ decisions do not count during electoral processes but then the Independent National Electoral Commission would have a counter-argument.
The stealing of ballot boxes, buying of votes and the regular nuisance during the election has become such a norm that the people suddenly look forward to it.
Despite the ills that come with election period some Nigerians still go out of their way to vote for who they want to be their leader. It would not be surprising to realize that some go out for the benefits attached to it.
Benefits which include cash rewards or other materials which mostly include food just to sell their votes. This can be caused by the prevalence of poverty in the land as most people are looking for ways just to get by.
According to a UN report 86.9 million people are living in extreme poverty.
Despite all these on 29 May 2019, Oluseyi Makinde of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was sworn in as the 28th executive governor of Oyo state after he defeated his closest rival, Mr Adebayo Adelabu of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
He replaced the governor who had been there for eight years, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. While controversies still roam about the legitimacy of his win, his actions have proved that he might as well be the leader the people need and deserve.
His constant effort to improve the lives of residents and indigenes of Oyo state is one that cannot be overlooked.
Education is one of the major keys in lifting people from poverty and Makinde has made it known that he is very much interested in the proper education of the people of Oyo.
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He has begun with the kick-off of free textbooks and exercise books to students in Oyo state. 10% of the state’s budget would be dedicated to education.
During the opening of the 34th Conference of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigeria University, he promised that that percent would continue to increase till it reaches the UNESCO standard.
Makinde has shown his displeasure for corruption and how he plans to be accountable to the people of Oyo state.
According to him, he wants to be accountable as he brought to light the corruption in the past administration, where only a certain percentage of money allocated for a contract goes for the contract. Yesterday he took to the streets of Oyo to join in the clean-up activity.
The event which started in the evening continued till midnight.
If every person in a leadership position is as intentional about their work like this, then we can say we have a future as a nation.
Although this is just his first few days in office, it can be said that Makinde is the peoples’ hero.