By Olajide Hamzat
When people reflect on how Nigeria finds itself at this precarious juncture of socio-economic hardship, the first idea that comes to mind is the prevalence of corruption and the implementation of policies deemed inhumane, especially from the Federal Government.
For many people, the scale and size of corruption across all tiers of government and strata of society continue to be the primary cause of societal dysfunction and other ills that impede the country’s progress.
Whether on the street or in the creek, the average Nigerian’s perspective on identifying and diagnosing the causes of the country’s numerous challenges is nearly identical. Whether in the north or the south, the story of how poverty affects vulnerable Nigerians remains consistent. This phenomenon also transcends political and economic boundaries. For instance, all members of the ruling and opposition parties understand how to guide Nigerians towards prosperity. They know the button to press to lift the people out of state-induced pains and agonies.
Outside of power, these individuals are well-versed in identifying and implementing strategies to alleviate the numerous challenges facing Nigeria. They know which policies to implement and which to discard. They know the hands to employ and empower, and the ones to fling away. They understand which methods and models to embrace and modify, and which ones to discard without batting an eyelid. They know what to say to soothe the people and inspire hope and confidence. Before people realize they are no different from those they’ve dismissed as clueless and incompetent, they’ve seize and snatch power.
This has been my observation since the inception of the 4th Republic. Therefore, the focus is not on a specific party or individual, but rather on the collective of individuals who have ruled and continue to rule over us. From former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to the late Umar Musa Yar’dua, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and currently Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Again, I am addressing all the governor(s) who have ruled and continue to rule over us in Oyo State, starting with the late Lam-Adesina, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the late Alao-Akala, the late Abiola Ajimobi, and currently, Governor Seyi Makinde. While each of these leaders has left their mark on history, the reality for most Nigerians today indicates that their efforts were insufficient. Could they have done more? Sure. But this also goes to say that the people themselves must begin to interrogate their choices and options. They must begin to reality-check themselves beyond their survival mode.
Ultimately, they must look beyond their sufferings and hardships to rise strong amid excruciating economic challenges. And this is where Amofin Beulah Adeoye comes into the picture. As a private citizen, Amofin Beulah has continued to inspire more than hope. He is demonstrating leadership where it matters most and doing it with grace, humility, and inspiration.
This time is hard. No doubt. Just as Amofin Beulah overcame various obstacles, we too must rise above our worries and setbacks to achieve higher ideals and principles. We must look past this hardship and find creative, innovative, and adaptive solutions to these temporary pains that stand in the way of our potential and prosperity. We must stay strong in mind and spirit and chart a new path toward sustainable growth that will outlive this generation. Like Abraham Lincoln once declared, “This time too shall pass!”
Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.