By Dada Ahmed.
(C) Google.
(C) Google.
Leadership, much like a well-tended flower, thrives under the right conditions—transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to public welfare. While flowers are often admired for their beauty, their true value lies in their resilience, their role in sustaining ecosystems, and their ability to renew themselves.
In governance, these qualities are essential. A government flourishes when it nurtures the people, fosters growth, and remains adaptable in the face of challenges. The administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whose surname means “flower” in Yoruba and Ebira, presents an opportunity to examine how good leadership in Kogi State is evolving.
Governor Ododo’s administration has embarked on various initiatives aimed at improving governance, security, and economic development. For instance, his focus on continuity by sustaining key policies of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, has provided stability in governance.
It is also instructive to note that efforts to improve security, particularly in combating crime and restoring peace in volatile areas, represents a demonstration of a leadership committed to maintaining order—an essential condition for development.
Infrastructure development is another area of focus of the current administration in the state. Road rehabilitation, electrification projects, and rural development initiatives have been launched to bridge the infrastructure gap. However, while these efforts are commendable, the speed and execution of some projects remain concerns among citizens who expect more visible progress.
As a garden requires weeding to ensure healthy growth, the concern in certain quarters in the state is that governance must address inefficiencies and corruption. Ododo’s government has pledged to continue the fight against corruption and ensure financial prudence in the management of state resources. However, concerned citizens urge that enhanced transparency in budget implementation and inclusivity in governance remain areas that need strengthening.
Flowers thrive in diverse environments, much like kogi state with multiple ethnic groups, religions, and interests. A key expectation from the Ododo administration is the promotion of more inclusivity by ensuring that appointments, projects, and policies benefit all sections of the state.
Reports from different quarters suggest mixed reactions to his leadership style, with some praising his efforts in maintaining stability, while others call for broader representation and deeper engagement with grassroots communities. To strengthen public trust, the administration must prioritize an open-door policy where all voices, regardless of political affiliation or ethnic background, are heard and considered in decision-making.
A flower’s fragrance spreads beyond its immediate surroundings, just as good governance leaves a lasting impact beyond a single tenure. While Governor Ododo has set the stage for progress,the citizens note with concern that Kogi State’s economic potential remains largely untapped. According to them,while kogi is rich in natural resources, yet industrialization and job creation must be aggressively pursued.
Agriculture, for instance, offers immense opportunities for boosting local economies. The administration has initiated programmes to support farmers, but challenges such as access to credit, modern farming techniques, and more value-chain development need urgent attention.
Similarly, youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in the state and the country in general. It is being suggested that investing in skills acquisition programmes, technology-driven businesses, and entrepreneurship support,by members of public and private sector will ensure that economic growth is not just theoretical but has real impacts on people’s lives.
A garden that is neglected soon withers, no matter how vibrant its flowers once were. Ododo is being encouraged to do more to ensure that policies are not just temporary solutions but sustainable frameworks that outlast his administration. Also,investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure should be structured in ways that future administrations can build upon.
The Kogi State government, under the leadership of Governor Ododo, has taken a bold step as the first in the country to implement the new national minimum wage of N70,000. In a further show of commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor approved an additional N2,000 to the new wage and suspended salary tax deductions for one year.
Responding to the concerns of local government employees who had long endured percentage-based salaries, the state government has now fully restored their earnings. Additionally, in Kogi State, retirees take delight in receiving their pensions the month after retirement,a development that ensure financial security for them.
While state and local government staff have applauded the administration’s worker-friendly policies, their retirees have also passionately appealed for greater efforts toward improved payment of their gratuities.
While there is optimism about the current government’s direction, the fact remains that,citizens will ultimately judge this administration not by rhetoric but by visible transformation. As Governor Ododo’s leadership truly embodies the qualities of a thriving flower, characterized by resilience inclusive, and impactful,the optimism by many residents is that Kogi State will bloom into a land of sustainable progress in no distant future.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s tenure presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. While there are commendable efforts in security, infrastructure, and governance, there is still work to be done in and economic transformation among others. The administration is urged to boost efforts by embracing reforms that ensure lasting benefits for the people.
A flower does not bloom overnight,it requires consistent care. Likewise, good governance is a continuous process, and the success of this administration will depend on how well it nurtures Kogi State for future generations.
Ahmed,a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors,NGE,is the publisher of The Reporters,an online publication.
