“Ethical leadership leads with integrity and delivers priorities for a better tomorrow.”
Ordinarily, an airport upgrade in the 21st century shouldn’t meet any resistance, especially given its economic importance to a cosmopolitan city like Ibadan, an historic city in the West of Nigeria, and indeed Africa.
Some may come with defense that, Akwa Ibom State recently invested about 60 billion Naira into the aerospace business, validating the prosperity and business viability in this sector. But we must acknowledge that there are peculiarities to consider.
Akwa Ibom State holds more economic viability than Oyo State in the aerospace industry. For example, Ibom Air generated over 1.5 billion Naira within 18 months of its establishment, making it a strategic business and a significant source of internally generated revenue (IGR) for the state. In contrast, Governor Seyi Makinde inherited a Federal airport, unlike Victor Attah, who envisioned and built the Akwa Ibom Airport (now Victor Attah Airport). Governor Makinde’s situation is compounded by the stark realities of poor road infrastructure and other developmental deficits in Oyo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who, in my view, seems like a green horn politician still learning the ropes, appears to prioritize ‘flashy’ achievements over addressing the core challenges in Oyo State.
Take Ogbomoso, for instance. It holds a comparative advantage in agricultural products like mango and cashew, and is Nigeria’s second-largest exporter of cashew after Kogi State. Cashew, which is one of the most sought-after crops, could have been utilized more efficiently by establishing processing industries in the state. Such companies could transform raw cashew into finished products like snacks, or ingredients for salads, stir-fries, and desserts. The cashew apple, too, could be processed into beverages, jams, and preserves. Moreover, cashew butter, oil, and even the nut shell liquid have industrial applications, ranging from lubricants to paints.
Having a cashew processing company in Oyo State would not only reduce crime and the mass exodus of young people (‘japa’ syndrome), but it would also revolutionize the state’s economy. What about reviving the moribund fruit juice factory in Oko? What about harnessing the agricultural prosperity of Oke-Ogun? What exports have come out of Fashola Farm in Oyo? Are we still relying on Botswana maize? It’s beyond disappointing!
Dear Governor, Oyo State’s comparative advantage lies in agriculture. In fact, most of the notable buildings in Oyo State—including the State Secretariat—are products of our past investments in agriculture. Why then are we treating this vital sector with lip service?
Your Excellency, you’ve been quoted saying Nigerians are ‘hungry and angry’ as a jab at the Federal Government. But are you completely blameless? Shouldn’t you also acknowledge your own role in Oyo State’s struggles?
Beyond agriculture, Oyo State is blessed with numerous tourist attractions that remain untapped. Igboora, the “twins capital of the world”; Ado Awaye Lake, the second of its kind globally; Igbeti Hills, and many other traditional sites could put Oyo State on the map, not only in Nigeria but across Africa. Your Excellency, the 42 billion Naira allocated for the airport upgrade is more than enough to achieve these transformations. So why is our attention elsewhere?
And what about education? Your Excellency, many of our public schools are in deplorable conditions. In some schools, students have no choice but to sit on bare floors or attend classes in makeshift, open-air settings. Are we not putting the future of our children at risk in Oyo State?
I’m not oblivious to the fact that governance is a continuum, and no single administration can solve all problems. However, setting the right priorities is essential. While I agree that an airport upgrade is welcome in this era, considering the realities in Oyo State, is this really a priority? Absolutely not.
Ethical leadership should be innovative and focused on solving core issues, not chasing superficial achievements. Government policies must be carefully thought out; this is no place for a trial-and-error approach.
Your Excellency, while I applaud your success with Adamasingba Stadium—reviving the sporting spirit of Ibadan and Oyo State—I must also acknowledge the contributions of the former Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, whose efforts made this possible. This achievement deserves commendation, no doubt.
In conclusion, Your Excellency, I thank you for being an inspiration to many aspiring youths. We trust that you are a listener and an advocate of social change, just like myself. I am optimistic that the areas highlighted in this letter will receive the prompt attention they deserve.
Thank you!
