By Abdulrasheed Akogun
With the euphoria of the landmark Supreme Court judgement of last week gradually receding and reality setting-in, majority have now come to the realisation that the judgement comes with a bittersweet experience, as the struggle to have and entrench good governance at the grassroot level is far from won.
While the judgement, to students of Constitutional Democracy is a fatal attack on the tenets of federalism, it is the biggest victory ever for the students of an independent and virile local government system.
Both schools of thought will continue to argue for and against. However, the unarguable congruence of both schools is the fact that ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’.
Fortunately, Kwara is on the verge of conducting its first local government election after the last LG elections conducted in 2017.
While the conversation continues on the appropriateness or otherwise of a local government system best suited for the Nigerian realities, I’ll be focusing on my beloved Ifelodun local government, especially the capacity of the candidates, tailor-suited for the onerous and tasking intellectual mobility and emotional intelligence required to navigate the path ahead.
The recent Supreme Court judgment regarding LG finances will indeed bring forth temporary challenges for several local local governments (Ifelodun LG inclusive) which was alleged by a Kwara based Civil Society Organisation as one of the benefiting LGs of the “robbing Peter to pay Paul” system.
However, these difficulties should not discourage one from recognizing the immense potentials for survival and flourishing that lies within Ifelodun LG, which is one of the biggest in terms of landmass in the country.
While Ifelodun LG is undoubtedly one of the most blessed in terms of abundance of natural resources, rich human resources, untapped agricultural potential, and touristic opportunities that can serve as catalysts for its growth and development, paving the way for a prosperous future, yet administrative laziness and lack of creativity have made it a toothless bulldog thus far.
A local government blessed with a considerable array of natural resources that can play a crucial role in its economic growth, yet, it is lacking in wants and needs.
The local government boasts of a significant presence of multi-billion dollar solid minerals deposits, notably gold, limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz and granite rocks, and laterite etc, which opens up opportunities for mining and cement production.
The utilization of these resources can create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to State and National development.
The high land fertility is also richly suitable for agriculture. The rich soils support a range of farming, ensuring food security and enhancing the potential for agribusiness, as well as enabling the LG to actively participate in the agricultural value chain.
All that is needed is the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and practices, such as precision farming, crop rotation, and organic farming, which can increase productivity and sustainability.
These advancements, coupled with strategic partnerships with research institutes and private organizations, can drive innovation in the agricultural sector and enhance the LG’s competitive advantage.
A fundamental resource that places the LG above its peers in all ramifications is the abundance of largely non-leveraged human resources.
The Igbomina spirit of positive rivalry in terms of community development, which is responsible for most of the landmark infrastructure dotting the LG, have been largely abandoned and the need for a structured reintroduction can not be overemphasized, especially with the growing insecurity ravaging the Kwara South Senatorial District with Ifelodun LG as its bedroom and fortress.
Thus, to unlock and maximise its potentials, Ifelodun LG must focus on promoting responsible mining and harnessing solid minerals’ revenue. There is also the need for expanding agricultural production, supporting smallholders, and adopting modern farming techniques that can drive agribusiness and food security.
All these and more can only be achieved with the hiring of competent, experienced and exposed hands, with intimidating brand identity, within and without political circles as the next Chief Executive of the local government.
Having critically perused the long array of available candidates, it’s no gainsaying that only Hon. Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) comes close to having all the required wherewithal.
Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, who is a 52 year old, Igbaja born politician, holds certificates from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, ile-ife, Osun State and also a National and Higher National Diploma from the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
He is rounding up his Law programme where he will be bagging an LL.B from the most subscribed University in Nigeria , University of Ilorin.
Femi is a product of the prestigious Government Secondary School (GSS) Ilorin, where he bagged his Senior School Leaving Certificate in 1990.
Femi, who showed keen interest in leadership early in life, as student, served in various capacities within the Student associations some of which include, serving as Secretary of National Association of Kwara State Student (NAKSS) and Igbomina Student Union, National President, Federation of Igbaja Student Association (FISA) among others.
He has worked in varieties of sectors of the Nigerian economy ranging from the Media, Research Institute, Information and Technology, Holdings among others.
Politically, he has served meritoriously both at the local and State level, where he shone like stars.
He was nicknamed Koto koto koto, which was a signature adopted during the Otoge gestation days of firebrand radio crusade against the now deposed Saraki dynasty which was the ruling structure back then.
Femi was the youngest of the highly popular radio change crusader crew, which included Chief Iyiola Akogun, Wakili Lafiaji, late Rex Olawoye and the late Yekini Alajagusi.
He was the immediate past Chairman of the Kwara State Assembly Service Commission. Prior to that he had served as the Deputy Publicity Secretary of the then opposition Peoples Democratic Party, and Publicity Secretary (Kwara South) of the All Progressive Congress among others.
One notable aspect of Femi Yusuf’s trajectory is his family background. With his late father being a respected grassroots politician and community leader, Femi has undoubtedly been immersed in politics from an early age.
This privileged family background baked him with valuable insights and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people in Ifelodun Local Government.
Femi Yusuf’s selection as the ruling APC Chairmanship flag bearer for Ifelodun Local Government is a strategic decision that takes into account his strong family background, extensive political experience, and knowledge of the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of Ifelodun LG.
With his proven track record of leadership and dedication to public service, Femi Yusuf is well-equipped to harness the positives and tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
Thus, with his visionary leadership, and capacity to champion and foster collaboration between relevant stakeholders, ensure sound implementation strategies, Ifelodun LG can navigate the temporary challenges and transform into a thriving hub of economic growth, sustainable development, and improved well-being for its inhabitants.
Abdulrasheed Akogun, a Kwara State-based journalist, is a native of Oke-Ode, Ifelodun LG. He can be reached via shoboiakogun@gmail.com
