AMOSUN: ONE GOOD TERM DESERVES ANOTHER Leadership is a practical thing. It is not a theory. Leadership is epitomized in the continuity of societal progression. Leaders move the society from a state of stagnation. The leader takes a painstaking, far- reaching and bunker drilling decision for the generality of the society. Senator Ibikunle Amosun is an epitome of the above- mentioned qualities of leadership. In the long history of Ogun State, there has not been such followership in the political terrain as has been under the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration. Senator Ibikunle Amosun is calm, immensely knowledgeable, organized and focused. There is no gain saying that the main Amosun, led the most organized, painstaking and deeply rooted campaign in Ogun State; like a comet, serenading across the words, clans, every LGA and State Constituencies! His campaign rendition dwells deeply on education, agriculture, due process, rural and urban transformation, localization/domestication of contract award, the re-engineering and re- organization of the Civil Service in Ogun State. When shortly after inauguration, Governor Ibikunle Amosun announced his urbanization agenda, many expressed skepticism on the feasibility of the proposal looking at the magnitude of the projects involved. Many simply summed it up to be nothing different from the usual white elephant slogans characteristic of political office holders. The unfolding events all over the state however have proved the governor to be a man of his words after all. The pace of the ongoing projects in virtually all the major cities has continued to beat the imagination of all and sundry. There is no denying the fact that the people of Ogun State are presently reaping the dividends of democracy that, in my opinion, grossly eluded them during much of the previous regimes. Thanks to the numerous construction projects taking place simultaneously in all major cities of the state. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to conclude that “something is equally happening in Ogun State” right now. Of particular interest is the frequency with which Amosun himself personally inspects the level of work done in the various construction sites. This indeed is a clear demonstration of his level of commitment to improving the quality of life of the people. He was sighted inspecting the progress of work in Ijebu-Ode, Ilo-Awela, Ituku, Omida and in Ota town. This is incredibly commendable. One is particularly impressed by the excellent quality of works being put in place. I can say without fear of contradiction that the quality of roads being constructed as demonstrated in Ijebu-Ode, Sango and Ilo-Awela is in conformity with global standards. Far beyond Ogun State, it will be fair enough to acknowledge the good work done by other governors (not all) in other states of the federation. We are gradually moving toward a stage where it will become a shame of the highest order and in fact an abomination for an elected governor failing to perform. Governor Amosun and the like are setting the stage such that a governor who cannot be totally committed to serving the people who elect him will have no business being there. People are watching. Business as usual period is over. The time has come when the electorate will stand firmly demanding stewardship from public office holders. A Governor who makes performance, good governance and accountability his watchwords will certainly have zero tolerance for corruption and that is our ultimate route to ensuring a fully transformed Nigeria. Contrary to what might be the thinking in some circles, the writer is neither a politician whose motive is to boost the fortune of the party nor a government opportunist with sycophantic intention. Even the ongoing constructions of major works in the state with 6-lanes across the three geo-political zones in the state, modern mechanics villages at Obada-Oko in Ewekoro LGA, the proposed city centre at Oke-Ilewo in the eyebrow of the state, amongst major projects which is embarked upon by the state government-led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Amosun as governor of Ogun State set aside ₦43.44 Billion of the Budget for education-spanning up to 2014. Translated, that amounts to an annual budget of 20-50% on education. Statistics reveal that in line with the United Nation Policy on education, there is a symbiotic relationship between teachers and students at the ratio of 33:1 at the primary level whereas a ratio of 14:1 at the secondary level. There is concise or and comprehensive distribution of infrastructural development in all primary and secondary schools annually amounting to a whopping ₦20Billion by the 2015. The major initiatives in this sector are: Completion of the construction of the 15 Model Schools, Construction of additional 11 Model Schools, Renovation of 200 Secondary Schools, Provision of equipment for 7 Government Science and Technology Colleges and some Secondary Schools, Scholarship and Bursary Awards to Ogun State students in Tertiary Institutions across the country, Completion of Hostels in 5 tertiary institutions, Also, increment of capital expenditure in all tertiary institutions with the introduction of a Capital Grants Scheme. This will be used to fund the provision of modern laboratory equipment and rehabilitation of internal road networks in all Tertiary Institutions, according to the governor. On Agricultural Production/Industrialization, a total some of ₦10.69Billion representing 5.05% of the total budget has been allocated to this sector. This will boost more on agricultural sector of the State, in line with the state government’s desire to use Agriculture to achieve the industrialization agenda of the government with a view to generating employment in abundance for the state citizenry, especially the teeming youths. The ideal is the capturing and making the slogan “Increased Agricultural Production that will lead to Industrialization” an integral part of the 5-cardinal programmes which this administration is doggedly pursing. Also, Rural and Infrastructural Development/ Employment Generation estimated about ₦39.92Billion representing about 18.70% of the total budget of the State, this will provides more attentions to rural development in the State and have a sense of belonging of what urban areas are benefitting. It will also create employment generation for the youths in the State. On Affordable Housing and Urban Renewal, a total of ₦29.62Billion representing 13.98% of budget has been allocated to this sector, as part of the dream of every man is to become a house owner. Even in the hierarchy of needs, as postulated by Abraham Maslow, after food comes shelter. Owing a home could also open an opportunity to raise money for investment in other real and financial matters, thereby leveraging societal resources and encouraging entrepreneurship. The 2013 Budget is geared towards consolidating the outcomes of the government’s efforts at rebuilding Ogun State and achieving sustainable growth. The government will continue to pay attention to the revival of the State’s collective heritage and wealth creation through sound economic policies and the sustenance of 5-Cardinal Programmes. It is important state that the 2013 Budget preparation exercise began with the issuance of the Call Circular in August 2012. Thereafter, a sensitization workshop was held for the key players in the budgetary process to discuss the emerging issues in our budget reforms. This event was closely followed by sectoral meetings and interactive sessions with MDAs to jointly appraise their proposals. Furthermore, a Town Hall meeting was held to obtain input from the general public. The preparation process ended with the Treasury Board Meeting with Stakeholders. The purpose was to ensure that due process was followed and that the good people of the State were fully consulted in the budget preparation process. The Budget size is ₦211.86Billion, which is 5.6% above the 2012 Budget of ₦200.55Billion. It comprises of ₦118.23Billion capital expenditure (56%) and ₦93.64Billion (44%) recurrent. This is a reflection of government’s commitment to sustain the growth of infrastructure. Ademola Orunbon Federal Housing Estate, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun Sate, 08034493944
Posted on: Sat, 24 Aug 2013 11:21:20 +0000
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