The growth of a town is often held back by a combination of weak infrastructure, rapid but unplanned expansion, policy inconsistency, low industrial investment, and human capital challenges as well as bad leadership.
Ifo, an ancient town in the heart of Ogun State with hundreds of thousands of dwellers, enjoys proximity to Nigeria’s commercial and economic capital, Lagos.
Ifo Town, in State Constituency 1, from where the Local Government derived its name is the home to the seat of power and shall be the scope of this write-up. That is the more reason for this piece to be very critical, factual and straight to the points.
As used in the academic parlance, what is the “Statement of Problem” that this article sets to address- LEADERSHIP
The growth pace of Ifo in the past, had been very slow due to years of government neglect and especially the unfriendly attitudes of its political leaders.
For instance, unlike what now obtains with the representative of the Constituency living amongst his people in the town, is seen everyday and readily available to attend to the people , past leaders have always relocated to the state capital and/or Lagos from where they check on their constituents once in a while.
This town-Ifo , must not go back to the dark days as the present representative prepares to return home after taking the Constituency from a zero level to becoming a hero, even nationally.
Rt. Hon Olakunle Oluomo who presently represents this Constituency was elected into the hallowed chambers as an ordinary member, became the Chairman, Governor’s Caucus, Chairman, House Committee Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deputy Speaker of the House and got to the peak, as he was sworn in twice as Speaker of the Assembly. He also became Vice-Chairman,South West, Conference of Nigeria Speakers of State Legislatures, thereby representing the entire six states of the south west in the national executive council of the Speakers’ Association.
These, among others are what diligence, experience and competence can bring to an Assembly man who knows his onions.
It has been observed that about five aspirants have shown interest in replacing Rt Hon Oluomo, when his tenure ends next year.
Undoubtedly, it would be somewhat difficult for anyone to fit perfectly into the shoes of this Prince of Ifo as he has raised the bar of representation in Ifo Constituency One and Ogun State, in general.
It would be a complete disservice to Ifo Town if we allow monetary inducement to override our collective goal for our community.
Of these five individuals, education, experience, availability and exposure are key elements to consider in deciding who takes up this mantle.
This is a town that has unarguably become the residential location of choice for Lagos workers and business men/women as well as others in Sango Otta, Ewekoro and Agbara axis. The population of elites who now reside in Ifo have grown greatly. The best course of action is to present a man of enviable qualities from our town to the world.
It takes a lot of legislative ‘lobbying’ and political influence for Ifo General Hospital to be upgraded to a State Hospital status. Ifo Town also has an Area Command of the Nigeria Police . We now have a fire station for rescue operations (for the first time in the town). These are legacy achievements, although by the executive but not without some level of political dexterity from the Assembly-man.
Today, there is no part of Ifo that did not have a feeling of their representative. Although, just like the proverbial Oliver Twist, his best might not be enough. But he has written his name in gold, in the minds of men.
Who would continue with the ever busy Ifo Market expansion project ? What of the free transportation for our children which they have now got accustomed to ? What of the Ifo Recreation/Events Center project, currently ongoing as well as the CDC/Religious-bodies House Project at Bungalow-Ifo ?
Who else would present issues concerning Ifo, so audibly on the floor of the hallowed chambers?
It requires an individual to be knowledgeable, out-Spoken and audacious to present a matter on the floor of the 26-member Assembly.
Of the five aspirants, Dr. Lukmon Adeola Kiadese stands tall with a robust curriculum vitae of academics and service.
This is a man who has been exposed to governance of Ifo local government council on two occasions ; first as elected Vice Chairman for four years and later as Transition Chairman of the LG. He has garnered more experience than any of the remaining four.
One other distinct edge he has are his academic achievements. Holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) certificate is not a small feat.
Having got to the highest level of schooling, construction of grammatical sentences to drive his opinion and eloquent presentation of his thoughts are not source of worry. Today, in some State Houses of Assembly, many Assembly men only go there to support or second motions. They have never moved a motion, sponsored a bill or presided as chairmen of house committees. Ifo Town representative should not be one of those bench warmers.
As former Provost of Tai Solarin College of Education (Now Sikiru Adetona College of Education), Dr Kiadese has stepped up his leadership acumen.
He led the institution for two consecutive terms (2016-2024 )and left impactful legacies of advancement in technological and academic endeavors, in the first Ogun state-owned tertiary institution.
Dr Kiadese’s infrastructural and administrative strides at TASCE remain yet unbeatable and this is evident in the sudden increase in the students population.
Dr Kiadese,an associate professor resides in Ifo and knows where the shoe pinches. As an indigene of Ibogun- Ifo, he is not far from his people, even while he was at the helms, at various levels.
Unequivocally, KIA, as fondly called is the most qualified to represent Ifo Constituency One in order to consolidate on the service to the people.
Ifo residents need an Assembly man that is accessible and always available to listen to them. Only Dr Kiadese has been tested with power and can now be trusted for representation.
We shouldn’t get it wrong !
Imam AbdulGhaffar Adeleye is an Indigene of Ifo and Chief Imam of Ayedere land, Ogun State
