Plato, a great Philosopher postulated that the foundation upon which a formidable society is built, lies in the ability of its leaders to recognize and harness the potentials of its people and align them towards the development of that society.
The present administration in Kogi State under Captain Idris Wada as Governor seem to be mindful of the aforementioned, little wonder, since his assumption of office, has set in motion, machinery’s for the realization of the hopes, aspirations for the future of people in the State.
Two years after mounting the saddle, Governance in Kogi, can now be summed to be for service to the people, as against personnel aggrandizement as obtained in other states.
It is important to state at this junction that it has become a reality to Kogi people now than ever before that any society desirous of improving its socio-economic and political fortune, must as a matter of utmost necessity, be endowed with leaders who have incisive focus on the management of public affairs. Added to this must be an understanding of the operation of the private sector. Captain Wada as Governor has proven that his integrity, mixed with his credentials, can provide the desired leadership.
Without mincing words, and looking into the activities of governance in Kogi under the leadership of Captain Wada, shows that his, is a mix of intellectual finesse, sincerity and uncommon sagacity.
In addition to his ability to blend human and material resources together is the Governor’s honesty and transparency.
People oriented, liberal,and broad minded, having viewed the measure of equity and fairness exhibited in Captain Wada’s style of governance, I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt and without any iota of contradiction that Kogi State has finally been gifted and endowed with a leader in the mould of Captain Idris Wada.
Every state has its challenge and Kogi State is not an exception. With dwindling monthly allocation, huge monthly wage bill, arising from an over-bloated workforce, of course, the only viable industry until the coming of Captain Wada, was the civil service.
But not daunted by the enormous challenge at inception of office, like the legendary King Midas of Greek mythology, Capt Wada has so far shown after two years, that he has an extra-ordinary gift of turning everything he touched into gold.
Considering the landmark achievements of Capt Wada in just two years, one is tempted to say he stands better placed to continue as Governor of the State beyond 2016.
This can also be buttressed by the fact that aside his performances, except for those who are not dwellers in the State, does the opposition party have a chance in Kogi in future elections?. The answer is a definite no .
Since his assumption of office till date, it will not be out of place to refer to Capt Wada as, setting a foundation on which the future of Kogi State will rest. This certainly is not a subject of controversy.
Similarly, since he assumed office as Governor, Kogi State has being on the world map for good reasons. The State has remained an investor’s destination. Under Wada’s leadership, Kogi State, if one must not be economical with the truth, has witnessed an unprecedented leap, caused by series of development that is related to all aspects of human endeavor. Analysts are quick to say, that the State attained the leap by reason of Capt Wada’s approach to governance, an approach that is result oriented, legendary and novel.
A grassroots man by all standards, Captain Wada is not flamboyant and cannot be said to be a class person. The Governor has left no one in doubt that he is committed to the realization of the dreams of the founding fathers of the state, a dream that is to make Kogi State a model in equity, fairness and a State where justice thrives.
The governor recently showed this equity and justice quality when he sets up a committee to look into the issues of marginalization, raised by a section of the State.
Through his uncommon zeal and an unwavering commitment, Capt Wada, has made the State where members of different political parties co-habit peacefully, irrespective of political leaning and religious affiliation.
This has no doubt attracted prayers and commendation that has assisted greatly in his transformation drive.
The relative peace been witnessed in Kogi State has remained unrivaled in the country. Kogi is a miniature Nigeria. The accompany sustainable development witnessed in the State is a product of dint of sheer hard-work, courage and sincerity of purpose.
Over the period Capt Wada has held sway as Governor, the various tribes in the state have co-existed peacefully. This feat can be said to have been made possible by his pragmatic, purposeful and resilient administrative style, that believes that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of acrimony.
Captain Wada to my mind has brought to bear, as far as governance is concerned, within the first half of his first term, an uncommon feat, deserving of commendation. The ability to galvanize the people towards a goal has remained his staying power.
Corruption has no doubt remained a monster in the nation. But through the robustness of his administration’s innovativeness, loopholes in revenue generation have been blocked. Presently, with an internally generated revenue that has risen to N500,000 million and likely to hit N1 billion in June, 2014, Captain Wada’s resoluteness in curbing corrupt practices deserves commendation.
Over 5000 jobs have been created under the present administration in the state. The present administration’s youths empowerment program has remained a reference point for other States to emulate.
With the rehabilitation and purchase of standard hospital equipments across the state’s general hospitals, the health sector under
Capt Wada has continued to enjoy its own fair share of attention by the present administration.
The free rural medical began by Capt Wada has remained a flagship of the administration’s health care program.
The programs focus is on the vulnerable group in the society, that is the poor and down trodden.
With an urban renewal programme that is on course, a partnership with UN-Habita will in no distant future make the State become a tourist/investors delight as infrastructural development in the areas of beautification as well as massive road construction and rehabilitation projects spreads across the length and breadth of the State, continue to remain on top the priority list of the administration. The short and long term multiplier effect of Capt Wada’s giant strides which has remained rivaled in infrastructural development, strives towards making Kogi State one among the top three economies in the Country by 2020.
With an un measured impact in the Education sector, Capt Wada remain one Governor that has given the State desired Education attention. The administration has made impact in tertiary and secondary education, while efforts is on to make public primary schools regain their lost past. The pilot turned Governor stated recently, that he is bound to startle critics of public schools, soon as the clean up exercise in the State Universal Basic Education Board is completed, describing himself and his Deputy as product of public primary schools.
An advocate of egalitarian society, 2016 is the Governorship Election year in Kogi State. It may still be far away, but a cursory look at the performances of Capt. Wada, has made many to conclude that the governor and his Deputy remain a winning team. And as it is said in football parlance, you don’t change a winning team. With an impeccable records of a mid-term achievements, Wada’s passion for excellence shows that with his moral up rightness, he will finish well.
A leader who loathes vanity, at this point of the state’s history what should be on the mind of every Kogite is consolidation on the gains already recorded and on the need to actualise all the lofty objectives of making Kogi State one of the leading economies by the year 2020.
As I draw the curtain on this piece,, through an achievable midterm assessment score card and the many programs lined up for the remaining months, people must think beyond the primordial or personal agenda and political differences. Whatever will retard the state from the present speed it has attained must be put on the back seat.
For us as a people to launch into the comity of civilize states, doing things as it is done in other clime, then we must begin to think beyond 2016 for Capt Wada.
Capt Wada may not have indicated his interest to run for another term, our unflinching support is what he needs for the progress and sustainable development for our great state.
As we inch towards 2016, some of us will not shy away from adding our voices to the calls, debates and commentary that Captain Wada is a pacesetter, who has blazed the trail and should be prevailed upon to seek another term.
This mission is what l and some other well meaning Nigerians believe will help launch the State into the future with renewed vigour and hope of securing a better tomorrow for all and sundry.
Jaiye Awojuola aka Jasper is a Special Assistant to the Governor of KOSEPA wrote this piece from Lokoja.
