Fasola: A Pilgrimage Of Love | By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

Governor Makinde has never portrayed himself as a sectional leader. His carriage is that of a leader whose constituency extends to all nooks and crannies of the state. Consequently, he is fair and just to all. He ensures that no section of the society is shortchanged. The Governor recently established the Oyo State Agency for People with Disabilities to ensure inclusivity. He also ensures that youth and women are included in the decision-making process. The Governor in his first term appointed a man below 30 years of age, Seun Fakorede, as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports. In the second term he also appointed a lady under 30 years, Wasilat Adegoke, as Commissioner for Youth and Sports. In Oyo State, the Secretary to the State Government is a woman, the Head of Service is a woman, the Accountant General is a woman, the Director General of the Due Process Office is a woman, the Commissioner for Health is a woman, the Commissioner for Special Duties is a woman. There is also the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion.

In addition, the Governor ensures that every section of the state gets its due. His actions are determined by what is best for the whole state, not any primordial sentiments. This has reflected in the distribution of projects across the state. The Governor, who is guided by data, science and logic, decided to connect all the zones in the state to give every zone a sense of belonging and to boost the IGR. The results of his efforts speak for themselves.

Because Makinde loves the people he is also loved by the people.

Genuine love is unmistakable and is usually reciprocated. Most citizens and residents of Oyo State are sure about the genuineness of Governor Makinde’s love for them. They know that he holds them in high esteem, they know that he honours his promises to them, they know that he wants the best for them, they know that he will not shortchange them and they know that he is working relentlessly for them. So, they also love him deeply. Oyo State people love Makinde so much that any negative statement about him by anyone is discountenanced. They love him so much that no one can rouse them against him. This is why every attempt to cast aspersions on the Governor’s person has failed. To the average Oyo State residents, Makinde is their loving and lovable leader in whom they are well pleased. Consequently, wherever Makinde goes the people follow. In their reciprocation of the Governor’s love, the people commemorate his birthday every Christmas Day with relish, trailing him to wherever he chooses to celebrate his special day. For four years, the people, ignoring the distance, embarked on a pilgrimage of love to the OYSADA facility in Saki, which Makinde had upgraded, to rejoice with him on the occasion of his birthday. But this year, the pilgrimage is to Fasola Industrial Hub, a jungle that Makinde has transformed into a business and tourist destination, where the people will openly express their affection for the Governor who loves them.

When a leader sows the seed of love through service he reaps a harvest of affection, admiration and adoration.

Olanrewaju is the Chief Press secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde.