EKITI: THE CHOICE THAT SHOULD MATTER
Lately, I have paid keen attention to events in Ekiti State to be able to gauge perceptions on the choice that deserved the mandate to take charge of the state next year. So, to better serve my curiosity, I took a tour to some parts of the state– a decision I must confess leaves an interesting impression on me. For the two days that the tour lasted, I observed the vigour with which public debates around who should succeed Governor Ayodele Fayose was argued. Though, with varying sentiments expressed, the consensus of views I sampled points to the need of the people of the state for someone who understood their pains and could explore the potential and opportunities of the state to the fullest in the best of the people.
The resolves, which are quite impressive, raised a poser on who among the aspirants eyeing the top seat answered the yearnings of the people. As I had highlighted in a previous article, next year governorship election in Ekiti State avails the people of the state an opportunity to make a choice that really matters. A choice that will replace their burdens with hope of a better tomorrow and create a society that will work for all. A choice for the future prosperities not immediate sentiments. A choice that accommodates citizens’ collective progress and not stomach infrastructure. In all these considerations, one name, Otunba Segun Adewale featured recurrently.
Though, his campaigns have not been so audible, but his agenda which revolves around #RethinkEkiti placed much premium on serving the people – the fulcrum on which his aspiration is based. Going through his mission for the state clearly revealed a man prepared for leadership as he had taken his time to appraise the issues in Ekiti State and able to come up with probable remedies to change the narratives that had impeded the growth and development of the state.
Otunba Adewale’s concise and unambiguous mission of building a virile Ekiti that guarantees prosperity to all, is encouraging. His ‘RethinkEkiti campaign theme, a template he is canvassing his idea to govern the state, serves dual purpose. Aside detailing his plans to reset the state towards growth and development, it is awakening the consciousness of people of Ekiti descendants, both home and abroad, to be collaborative in efforts to reposition the state for enhanced growth. This approach, as practiced in most advanced nations, is returning power to the people. As I reflected on Otunba Segun Adewale’s aspiration to govern Ekiti State come next year, I observed his sterling leadership credential and financial ingenuity which transformed Aeroland Travels Limited into a giant in the aviation industry from virtually unknown background.
The success story of the air ticketing company stands as an affirmation of the capacity of Otunba Adewale to maximise potential and explore opportunities to create desirable future. This is the deal he is offering Ekiti people and I am confident, considering his antecedent that he would deliver.
Much desirous is his compassionate trait– a critical emotion that is evidently lacking in our today’s governance atmosphere. Otunba Adewale is reputed for his contributions to humanity. From scholastic intervention to socio-economic empowerment, Otunba Adewale’s philanthropic imprint knows no bound. Though a silent giver, Otunba Adewale had in his private capacity, supported several Ekiti indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, in securing economic freedom, by either facilitating employments or granting financial support for them to start their own enterprises. Sarafa Ibrahim, EDITOR, TheSwitch Newspaper