Makinde tasks political appointees on responsible leadership 

.. As Oyo Govt three-day retreat ends in IITA

The Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde has urged critical stakeholders in his administration including political office holders to act responsibly as leaders in order to carry out the set vision for the state’s sustainable development.

Political appointees, he continued, must show that they are capable of leading, and they must be able to inspire confidence in their followers. 

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, stated these at the Conference Centre of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, during his closing remarks at a three-day leadership retreat for political appointees, including members of the State Executive Council, Special Advisers, Executive Assistants and Chairmen of Agencies/Parastatals, among others on Thursday. 

He noted that in politics, leaders do not always talk too much as they have to watch body language and must always be sensitive, stressing that anything not said is loudly spoken with his experience in politics. 

He added that even in Law, one have to communicate in different form which could be by conduct as it is often done in politics. 

The deputy governor who recalled when he was the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in 1999, however said that Former Governor Lam Adesina was one Governor who would not talk much as one would have to watch his countenance closely emphasizing the need to learn what a leader is thinking and what he want to do with his conduct. 

He commended the SSG for reiterating the need for firmness in the Oyo state MDAs and agencies saying that without firmness by the leaders, there’s no achievement to be expected. 

“Any leader that’s playing to the gallery, is not a leader. But a leader who exhibits leadership trait, whether or not it is palatable to you, for as long as the goal is to be achieved, will take decision. 

“Again, we must demonstrate that we are responsible as leaders. And you can not lead, unless you are responsible. A leader must also exude confidence in his followers” he added. 

Lawal, who also commended the appointees for their beautiful interactive session and presentation since the inception of the 3-day retreat, however urged the office holders not to make the mistake of being a technocrat without doing the needful as politicians stating that the mindset may not invariably lead to desired result.

He noted that the office being occupied by the appointees is a political position and must carry themselves in that light, adding that the governor had sought out for them and picked them based on merit, and must do whatever is needed for sustainable development of Oyo state. 

The simple reason why we have government in place is about poverty reduction, according to Lawal who also emphasized that government is to reduce poverty through security, agriculture, road construction among others, maintaining that without focusing on poverty reduction for our people, then we do not know the real essence of governance. 

He advised the office holders to make intentional efforts in dealing with challenges, saying that in advanced society, they pray far less than we pray in Nigeria but they achieve far more. 

“This administration has been dealing with the challenges that we have such as road network, connectivity, Health care delivery, food production among others. Those are prayers. We do not have to go to any mountain if those things are properly fixed. 

“Our administration is really trying since 2019 when it has come on board and we will keep finding solutions to issues till 2027”, he added. 

On the management of information, the deputy governor stressed on the need for proper documentation of the administration’s efforts while urging MDA’s and Agencies to work in synergy on what will be an enduring legacy for the current administration.

He asserted that information is good but can be very sensitive, noting that public office holders must learn how to thread very carefully. 

The deputy governor equally stressed on the need for appointees to do things right and also noted that information is very key to the success of any administration adding that appointees of the government must be very mindful of what they say and they should also refrained from going to radio station if there is no clearance from the Governor. 

“To safe your job, refrain from the habit of addressing press. It’s one government. And if there’s any need for you to address press, then there must be clearance from appropriate quarters.

“Once again, on behalf of His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, I must thank all of us most profoundly and for your patience and contributions you have made. What remains for us all is the implementation of what is being discussed with a view to reducing poverty,” he said. 

Earlier in his remarks, the keynote speaker, Dr Jubril Abdul-Malik, who spoke on health components theme: Stress Management and Mental Health, advised on the importance of maintaining good health, as he also highlighted the determinants of stressful situations and how to cope with the stress. 

He noted that when one is stressed, the body responds by releasing stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol which got the body stressed and weaken the body system.

Dr Malik further noted that to manage stress and promote well being, is through good sleep, invest in human relationship, exercise regularly, spend quality time with family, avoid drug abuse, engage in relaxing hobbies and also build resilience. 

He urged the appointees on team work and shared responsibility which according to him is integral to managing health. 

In her remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo, who highlighted some of the challenges being faced by political office holders, however encouraged the appointees on team work to achieve greatness for Omitutun 2.0 as laid down by Governor Seyi Makinde by building bridges through effective collaboration. 

She advised the office holders on the need to always be mindful that few people are working with them and should not by any means tolerate rumor and discord mongering and should always disregard anything that can not be written down by proponents. 

She said: “Sycophancy, a manipulative tool, driven by vested interest and agenda that benefit only sycophant.”

The SSG equally advised the appointees on collegiality which according to her is essential for the advancement of institution, community, state or nation. 

However, on her part, the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni Mni, who spoke about procedures, ethics and ethos within government establishment, maintained that they are key elements in properly guiding these establishments for effective output in carrying out their functions. 

She added that the functions are the pillars that helps employees to provide services with good governance, fairness, transparency and public trust. 

The event which featured interactive session was also attended by Commissioners alongside some other invited guests as well as heads of MDA’s and agencies.