CONFRONTING THE PAST, MANAGING THE PRESENT, AND SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ONDO STATE’S POLITICAL NARRATIVE REQUIRES A THOUGHTFUL AND MULTI-FACETED APPROACH.
BY
ASIWAJU ASEYORI AYOWOLE ADEMOYEGUN
Ondo State was created 49 years ago. The State had witnessed different administrations both Military and Civilian since its inception. An assessment of the past will help in galvanizing the present and help determining what the future holds for the State. A profound Yoruba adage shall be considered relevant in this piece. “When a child falls, he looks forward, but when an elder falls, he looks back so as to know the cause of the fall”.
This adage conveys a rich meaning. A child, symbolizing inexperience and naivety, looks forward when they fall. This represents their eagerness to learn from their mistakes and move forward. Children are resilient and adaptable, and they quickly forget their falls, focusing instead on the next adventure. An elder, representing wisdom, experience, and maturity, looks back when they fall. This signifies their tendency to reflect on past experiences and mistakes. Elders have a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions and are more likely to analyze their mistakes to avoid repeating them.
This adage highlights the importance of learning from mistakes, regardless of age or experience. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions, acknowledge their errors, and use them as opportunities for growth. This adage can be applied in various aspects of life, such as:
Personal growth: Recognize that mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process. Reflect on your errors, and use them to improve yourself.
Leadership: As a leader, it’s essential to acknowledge and learn from your mistakes. This demonstrates accountability and a commitment to growth.
Relationships: In personal and professional relationships, owning up to mistakes and learning from them can foster trust, respect, and stronger bonds.
In conclusion, this Yoruba adage offers valuable insights into the importance of reflection, learning from mistakes, and personal growth. Its wisdom can be applied in various aspects of life, promoting resilience, accountability, and continuous improvement.
It is therefore imperative for to meticulously confront our Past so that it shall appropriate to recognize and apologize for past wrongs, such as electoral violence, corruption, and marginalization of certain groups. Also it helps in creating a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their experiences, promoting healing and closure. It ensures the development of a comprehensive historical record of Ondo State’s political development, highlighting successes and failures.
Managing the Present involves ensuring that all stakeholders, including minority groups, women, and youth, have a voice in decision-making processes. Promotion of transparency and accountability resulting in implementing robust mechanisms for tracking government spending, reducing corruption, and increasing transparency. Also it will bring about addressing pressing development challenges by focusing on critical issues like infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
Shaping the Future will assist in the development of a long-term development plan by creating a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable plan that outlines Ondo State’s vision for the future. This will enable investments in human capital development by prioritizing education, skills training, and healthcare to equip citizens with the skills needed to drive progress. Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship*: Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity, providing support for start-ups and small businesses.
The following are some of the key Strategies that will help in the attainment of a better Ondo State.
1. Engage citizens in the decision-making process: Foster participatory governance through town hall meetings, citizen engagement platforms, and social media.
2. Build strategic partnerships: Collaborate with local and international organizations, NGOs, and private sector entities to leverage resources and expertise.
3. Emphasize leadership development: Invest in leadership training and capacity-building programs to equip current and future leaders with the skills needed to drive positive change.
By confronting the past, managing the present, and shaping the future, Ondo State can create a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens.
THIS PIECE WAS WRITTEN IN COMMEMORATION OF ONDO STATE 49TH ANNIVERSARY