By Toba Fatunla
Ikole Ekiti
Saturday June 18, 2022 was remarkable in the history of Ekiti State. It was a day where Ekiti People for the very first time would be having a “two-third” majority in deciding on whose hands their destinies lie for another four years.
The emergence of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji was though not surprising. The then young Oyebanji had started his political and leadership trajectory at the age of 27. The founding fathers of the state saw the potentials in him and entrusted him with the responsibility of the Secretary to the Committee that created the state.
He was seen as forthright, courageous and passionate about the development of the state. Infact, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the APC had been very strategic with the Choice of Oyebanji to bear the flag of the party, If not, I doubt any personality could have had such a great acceptability or enjoy the public empathy Oyebanji had during the election. The Iandslide victory was a great shock for many immediate and remote watchers.
Let me therefore say, that to whom much is given, much is expected. Biodun Oyebanji must not allow himself to be swept by the euphoria of the past and the Melody of the Moment. There is a great task ahead of him.
Firstly, He must not forget the grace and the opportunity that the founding fathers gave him not minding his age. He must also know that Dr Kayode Fayemi has created a precedence of genuine development of the state. There are much expectations from the people and he must be ready for a stress-enhanced grey hairs in the next four years.
Simply, the Governor elect must ensure he raise young leaders by positioning them strategically to learn the ways. It is often said “the greatest investment anyone can have is human capital development” not even the white elephant projects under which many handlers of government hide to chunk the public fund.
It is important to cultivate the potential of the youths through close monitoring and mentorship. Ekiti Youths are very sound with deep native intelligence, they should therefore be involved in policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. It is said that; a festival where the youths are not allowed will fizzle out.
Ekiti Youth should be given appropriate and adequate opportunities within the system, while the Elderly ones should not be relegated. This “bridge theory ” I am sure Oyebanji understands being a political science lecturer.
Oyebanji must learn from the outgoing Governor of Ekiti State whi appointed many great Technocrats and young minds into his rich cabinet, we are sure that, many more will be in good positions where their ingenuity and creativity will be rightly deployed.
Oyebanji is a trusted hand today because he has grown within, through a quality and solid succession plan. Many Oyebanjis must therefore be produced among Ekiti Youths to keep Ekiti working and progressing.
When we take a look at Lagos State today, we would obviously see a well laid down succession plan that is helping the State advance and move at a greater pace.
Ekiti is blessed with many outstanding youths, but it is important we pay close attention to building them intentionally.
May Oyebanji succeed.
The writer, Toba Fatunla is the Speaker Ekiti Youth Parliament.