Let’s take a step back and reflect on the fundamental convention that defines human and nation greatness. It is undeniable that the value of process, equanimity, and justice are essential components of a prosperous and harmonious society.

The ability of a nation to uphold these principles is a hallmark of its greatness. It is crucial that we prioritise these eternal truths in our noble pursuit of development. This entails cultivating a conducive atmosphere that supports transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, where every citizen has a voice and is treated with dignity.

Time and experience have shown that there are many complexities in human nature. It is inherent in humans to resist change and grow defensive towards unfamiliar concepts, particularly when they pertain to reforms and policies that affect a large scale of people.

However, upon closer inspection, these changes often aim to serve the collective good. It is essential that we acknowledge inherent resistance and strive to educate and enlighten ourselves and others, on the benefits of progressive, adaptive and incremental change. We must identify that change is an inevitable aspect of growth and development. Embracing change requires willingness to challenge assumptions, question biases, and be open to new ideas and perspectives. This mindset is crucial for building a society that is resilient, innovative, and forward-thinking.

The Oyo State governance and development trajectory has sometimes in the past been hindered by responses that stem from a lack of understanding of policies and their intended outcomes. It is possible that the government’s intentions are genuine, and their policies are designed to benefit the people. Nevertheless, it is crucial that the government guides the people in understanding their vision and objectives. I think this is one of the cornerstones of democracy – an informed and engaged citizenry. Effective communication is key to building trust and having citizen engagement. It is essential in enabling opportunities to participate in the democratic process, hold leaders accountable, and contribute to the development of the community. It is sacrosanct that the government prioritises transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in its governance framework.

My personal and governance philosophy is rooted in the belief that regular communication and feedbacks are essential components of effective leadership. The people must be informed about the government’s actions and decisions, and they must be given a platform to contribute to the vision for prosperity and influence. This can be achieved in a number of ways; through policy communication, press briefings, question and answer series, and other mechanisms that facilitate dialogue between the government and the people. I believe very strongly that leadership is not about imposing one’s will on others, but supporting citizens to take ownership of their destiny, – and this asks for a leader who is willing to listen, learn, and adapt to the needs and aspirations of the people.

It is clear that new opportunities are emerging globally, and people’s perceptions of government are shifting. In Oyo State, the people have been fortunate to have quality representation and consistent feedback in recent years. I intend to build upon this foundation, take it to new heights, and ensure that the people remain central to our governance philosophy. A lot of commitment to innovation will be involved, commitment to creativity and continuous learning. We must be willing to experiment with new approaches, leverage on technology, and collaborate with civil societies, the private sector, and other stakeholders to drive development and improve the lives of our citizens.

Personally, I believe in the importance of transparency and accountability. My professional life and history are open books. And I hope to ensure that the people are constantly kept informed about our actions and decisions. Regular communication and updates will be central to our administration. This is not only a matter of principle, but I see it as a necessary condition for effective governance. We must all agree that accountability is a two-way street; not only must leaders be accountable to the people, but the citizens must also hold themselves accountable for their actions and contributions to the development of their community. We must embrace mutual accountability for genuine just, equity, and prosperity for everyone.

Governance is indeed a marathon, not a sprint, – it is characterised by a continuous process of iterative improvements and adjustments which requires a deep understanding of the complex nature of humans and society, as well as a willingness to adapt and evolve in response to emerging challenges and opportunities. Individuals, including myself, seeking political office to lead and govern must acknowledge this dynamic process, and possess a profound vision for the social environment they seek to shape, guided by a commitment to justice, equanimity, and transparency, – also must be informed, have the understanding of the sensitive relationships between individuals, communities, and institutions.

~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, February 7, 2025

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, was how William Shakespeare described and defined leadership in Henry IV, Part 2. By this account, leadership comes with lots of responsibility, in addition to numerous challenges and obstacles. Anyone who aspires to a leadership position must be ready to dare greatly and brave the wilderness of life. He must also be ready to break through the glass ceiling of mediocrity and conformity. He must be willing to go and grow through the hard times for the success of those behind him. He must be passionate about taking tough stands, unconventional decisions and think creatively, innovatively, and disruptively.

In Nigeria, we rarely see leaders who embody some of these inspirational qualities. Fortunately, Governor Seyi Makinde represents one of the brightest forces of transcendental and transformational leaders in the country. I recall the first time he threw his hat in the ring of state politics and how his name and brand spread like wildfire. Anyone could see the potential and prospect in his aspiration and ambition but only a few could bet on his chances. A good leader is one who wins against all odds – without losing the humility and respect for those that suffer defeat. He is the one that fights with no promise of victory – yet fight nonetheless.

Four years after he briskly showed up as a possible gubernatorial contender and contestant, Governor Makinde, once dismissively described as an underdog had quietly transformed himself into a political top-dog, formidable force and indomitable choice of the electorate. He came the second time not only prepared but ready to win by clear margin; thereby stamping his feet on the sand of political and electoral time. He was in other words, the underdog that stunned the top-dog with his strategy and superior game-plan.

In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell explores underdog triumphs by reframing weaknesses as strengths. Through countless and timeless examples ranging from historical battles to personal anecdotes, Gladwell argues that unconventional advantages like nimbleness and adaptability can overcome apparent challenges. The book challenges notions of power and success, emphasizing resilience and innovative thinking. As a fan of Malcolm, I find most of his books like Tipping Point, Blink, Outlier etc as great gifts to humanity. I find David and Goliath particularly thought provoking and intriguing. Drawing from the biblical David and Goliath, we learned the power of faith, courage, and adequate preparation in confronting life’s inescapable challenges.

For Amofin Beulah Adeoye, no story captures his rise from the staff quarters of the University of Ibadan to global rise than the David and Goliath. He’s mastered the art of turning weaknesses to strengths and continues to emerge stronger in the face of obstacles. That he is reinventing the wheel of disruptive leadership in the state political landscape is no accident. He’s been intentional and deliberate about things that matter to him. Many people let their background draw them back in the game of life, not Amofin Beulah Adeoye. Where others see challenges as stumbling blocks to success, he sees opportunities to pull down the tree of failures and setbacks. He’s the right fit for all times.

Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospects and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.

In the realm of governance, leadership is often tested by the ability to navigate uncharted waters. This is precisely what Barr. Nurudeen Ashamu Seun Temilolu has exemplified as the pioneer Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Oyo State. Transitioning from a distinguished legal career into a sector as critical and technical as energy, he has not only embraced the challenge but has also redefined the possibilities within the ministry.

When Governor Seyi Makinde entrusted Barr. Ashamu with the responsibility of manning the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, many wondered how a legal mind would handle such a technical portfolio. However, he has not only silenced doubts but has exceeded expectations. His tenure has been marked with bold reforms, infrastructural advancements, and people-oriented policies.
Under his leadership, the ministry has spearheaded initiatives to expand rural electrification, strengthen public-private partnerships in power distribution, and enhance the efficiency of the state’s energy sector. His vision aligns with the Engr Makinde administration’s broader goal of ensuring sustainable energy solutions that drive industrialization and economic development.

Barr. Ashamu’s background as a legal practitioner has proven to be an asset rather than a limitation. With a keen understanding of regulatory frameworks, contract negotiations, and policy formulation, he brought a structured and strategic approach to the energy sector. His legal expertise has enabled him to engage stakeholders effectively, ensuring that investments and partnerships align with the state’s developmental goals.

One of the defining features of Barr. Ashamu’s leadership is his youthful vigor. His hands-on approach to governance, coupled with a deep commitment to innovation, has led to significant progress in the ministry. Unlike a typical bureaucrat who might be slow to act, he has championed swift and pragmatic solutions to the state’s energy challenges. His engagement with young professionals and experts in the field has fostered an inclusive working environment where fresh ideas thrive. Through strategic partnerships, he has facilitated projects aimed at improving electricity supply, promoting renewable energy, and harnessing the state’s mineral resources for economic growth.

Despite being a pioneer in a newly created ministry, Barr. Ashamu has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. His ability to dissect complex energy policies, negotiate favorable deals, and drive infrastructural projects has positioned Oyo State as a leader in sub-national energy initiatives.

The Oyo State Police Command has stated that it has commenced immediate inquiry into the Bodija murder incident that occurred early Sunday morning.

According to the police, preliminary investigation reveals that a yet to be identified man was chased and shot dead a few blocks away from the popular Cocobean Lounge at Bodija, Ibadan.

The police said preliminary investigation also revealed that the murder was cult-related.

CSP Osifeso Adewale, the spokesperson for the state police command, in a statement on Sunday said the police quickly moved to the scene minutes to maintain law and order and not to further increase the pandemonium.

Adewale explained that some residents have reported on social media that the police accidentally shot and killed an onlooker (student) while attempting to disperse the crowd.

“Emphatically, there were no killings by the Police nor recorded death of any Student before, during and after the lawful dispersal of onlookers from the scene of crime,” Osifeso said.

“In furtherance of the above the case has since been referred to the Homicidal section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Iyaganku with a Deputy Commissioner of Police leading the investigation as directed by the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Sonubi Ayodele, psc.

“Meanwhile normalcy has since returned to the area with adequate deployment of operational and intelligence Command assets to prevent a hijack of the scene by hoodlums.

The trajectory of a nation’s ascent to greatness is often shrouded in a complex interplay of variables, which, when carefully calibrated, can propel a nation towards unprecedented heights of prosperity and influence. One of the most critical factors in this equation is the presence of visionary leadership, which possesses the acumen to craft and implement policies that advance the cause of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity. This leadership must be adept at striking a balance between competing interests, juggling around the complexities of geopolitics, and making tough decisions that prioritise the long-term interests of the nation over short-term gains. The annals of history attest, nations that have been blessed with such leadership have consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the face of multiple realities of world order.

A sensitive but vital component in the anatomy of great nations is their capacity to invest in human capital, and recognise that the true wealth of a nation lies not in its natural resources or material possessions, but in the intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience of its people. This necessitates a commitment to education that is nothing short of revolutionary, one that marries critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration and not memorization, rote learning and standardized testing. The secrets to innovation, entrepreneurship, and progress, and creating a virtuous cycle of growth and development can be sustained over generations. We have examples in nations like Finland, Singapore, and Canada, they amply demonstrate how investing in human capital is the surest route to birthing a society that is capable of competing, adapting, and thriving in this world.

Perhaps more crucial variable in the equation of national greatness is the presence of robust institutions, which serve as the bulwark against the vagaries of politics, the whims of individual leaders, and the corrosive influence of corruption. These institutions; including an independent judiciary, a free press, and an apolitical civil service provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure that power is exercised in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner. Entrenching the rule of law, protecting the rights of citizens, and promoting transparency and accountability, robust institutions live a reality that is conducive for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, similarly attracting the best and brightest talent from around the world and gaining a spirit of national pride and cohesion. As the examples of nations like Sweden, Denmark, and New Zealand illustrate, the presence of robust institutions is the sine qua non of national greatness which provides the foundation upon which all other variables are built.

If we go more deeper into the anatomy of great nations, it becomes increasingly evident that sustainability is the central cohesive source that holds the entire edifice together. The ability to intentionally invest in continuity, stability, and sustainability is what distinguishes nations that are merely good from those that are truly great. It is this capacity to think long-term, to prioritise the interests of future generations over short-term gains, and to cultivate a sense of shared ownership and responsibility that enables nations to build institutions, infrastructure, and social systems that endure. We should be struck by the realization that each of these advanced nation, at some point in their history, made a conscious decision to give eminence to sustainability over expediency, and to invest in the creation of institutions and systems that can withstand the test of time.

Indeed, one of the most striking features of advanced nations is their ability to maintain a sense of continuity and stability, even in the face of changing governments and leadership. This is not coincidental, it really defines the fact that these nations have invested in the creation of robust institutions, norms, and values that transcend the ephemeral nature of politics. In countries like Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Japan, for example, the idea of a shared national vision and a commitment to long-term sustainability is deeply ingrained in the culture and psyche of the people. As a result, even as governments come and go, the underlying vision and values remain intact, and that provides a sense of stability and continuity that is essential for long-term progress and development. This is a lesson that other nations like mine would do well to learn, as well, the subnational entities.

It is very sacrosanct to emphasise the place of sustainability and continuity in governance cannot be swayed for some other mundane excuses which are merely pushed when it is politically convenient, – it enables nations to build upon their successes, to learn from their failures, and to create a sense of shared ownership and responsibility among their citizens. Nations that give prominence for short-term gains over long-term sustainability usually create disposability and expediency, in which institutions, infrastructure, and social systems are sacrificed on the altar of political convenience. In contrast, nations that prioritize sustainability and continuity are able to build strong, resilient institutions that can withstand the test of time, and to create a sense of shared purpose and direction that inspires and motivates their citizens. In my reflection on the lessons of history, it becomes clear that sustainability and continuity are not optional extras, but essential components of any successful nation-building project.

It is very fundamental to underscore and reiterate the significance of sustaining a political party’s vision and ideals as a sine qua non for meaningful progress, both nationally and especially at sub-nationals. This imperative is rooted in the recognition that the implementation of transformative policies and projects is often a protracted process that necessitates a long-term commitment to a clearly articulated vision. In the case where there is absence of such continuity, there is risk of perpetuating policy somersaults, where each successive administration seeks to dismantle the achievements of its predecessors, thereby consigning our nation to a perpetual state of stasis. By contrast, the sustenance of a political party’s vision and ideals enables us to build upon the gains of the past and create a cumulative momentum that propels the people and state towards its developmental aspirations.

The imperative of sustaining a political party’s vision and ideals is further underscored by the need to organise a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In the absence of policy continuity, investors are often deterred by the uncertainty and unpredictability that accompanies each change in administration, as such, depriving the state of the much-needed capital and expertise required to drive growth and development. I strongly believe that the sustenance of a political party’s vision and ideals enables the strengthening of its institutional memory, have the lessons of the past inform the decisions of the present, to ensure that there is no repeat of the mistakes of history. When and if we give premium to continuity and sustainability in governance, we can create a virtuous cycle of growth and development that is underpinned by a shared vision and a commitment to the long-term interests of our society.

~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, January 31, 2025

The desire for a new type of leadership that has the grace and the gut to solve complex problems with crystal clarity has increased over time. By definition and description, leaders are automatically expected to be problem solvers, solution providers and transformers. They are expected to have answers to simple and complicated questions while genuinely caring for their subjects. When stripped of its pompous jargons, the right kind of leadership is the one that’s ‘otherish’ in approach and style.

In Give and Take, Adam Grant, Warton Business School Professor of Organization Psychology argued that givers are scientifically divided into selfless and other-rish. To be selfless means to care for others in a way that may undermine your own well-being. Any form of giving that result in avoidable and preventable exhaustion, burnout and breakdown is termed selfless giving. Grant noted that the otherish giving is rooted in profound care for others in a way that prioritize one’s wellbeing. That is, instead of burnout and breakdown, otherish givers ensured balance and a healthy relationship in organization, family or society. In other words, this type of giving is far from one that is predicated on ‘I, Me and Myself’ philosophy – an idea that has negatively affected and impacted much of third world countries. Sadly, in many developing countries where leadership ought to be about service, sacrifice, excellence and stewardship, the reverse has been the case.

While Oyo State has enjoyed an impressive array of transformational leadership, particularly under the bold and daring Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, sustaining the legacy of the man who has raised the bar, set a new pace and changed the face of governance ought to inspire the next generation of leaders. Of course, I am not here to roll out Governor Makinde’s achievements although, in due time, I will spotlight some of his government’s scorecards for the pleasure of the readers. Amid the repeated call for a visionary leader who will sustain and build on the legacy of the state’s founding fathers, one man stands as an exemplar. Out of many, he shown the thing that set him apart.

Repeatedly, he has demonstrated the stuffs that make him unique. Refined and renowned, this accomplished gentleman represents the face of servant leadership and transformation in the state. In boardroom, he excelled at leading changes and in politics, he has walked with conviction of a truly undaunted man.

To say this man is quite unique is to be economical with the truth. From a background of humility, native intelligence and wisdom, Amofin Beulah Adeoye stands as a beacon of hope, inspiration and transformation. He is by far, a leader with the gold standard. Of all things that makes him exceptional and unique, his compassion stands out. Merriam Webster mobile dictionary defined compassion as being sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it. For several years, compassion has been at the heart of Amofin Beulah’s contributions and interventions. His foundation and charity are premised on addressing people’s pressing needs. And to lead in the 21st century, particularly in developing countries, exemplifying compassion has been tipped as a boon.

Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.

Former Executive Council members of the Social Democratic Party in Oluyole Local Government and all the wards’ members within the Local Government have reiterated that they have all decamped to the People’s Democratic Party in Oluyole Local Government

They made this announcement following insinuations from unsuspected quarters and those who felt threatened by their exodus defection, that they are not members of the PDP yet.

Speaking with Oyomind, Hon. Amuzat Adesina, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman and entire former leadership of the SDP in the Local Government, noted that these insinuations are being fuelled by bad faith actors in the Local Government.

He explained that they are waiting for the official acceptance into PDP in due course after processes of receivong them would have been completed with the leadership of PDP in the state; these were the words of the Chairman of the PDP in the Local Government, Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola.

He added that their decision to join the PDP was fuelled by the good performance of the State Governor, Seyi Makinde and their belief that the party is the best in the state.

Our pathway to PDP was executed by the continued engagement of Hon. Ogunsina John Olusina who wooed all of us, who were the former Excos and Members of SDP to PDP. This development is to bolster the PDP’s chances in the coming elections.

We shall continue to bring more people to the party and strengthen the PDP’s presence in Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Ogunsola John Olusina promised on behalf of PDP.