International
Lessons from Kigali: Transforming Osun for a sustainable future – Bamikole Omishore
Effective
governance has proven to be an essential phenomenon in today’s world. This is
the reason the journey of transformation started by the government in Osun
State draws a striking parallel with the remarkable progress witnessed in
Kigali, Rwanda.
I was
privileged to accompany Governor Ademola Adeleke on a leadership retreat to
Kigali, Rwanda, and he was no doubt impressed by the level of orderliness and
organization right from the airport. As the airport gates opened in Kigali, it
was impossible not to notice the seamless order and organization that guided
the process. This experience sets the stage for lessons that will shape the basis
of learning for Osun State.
The
hallmark of Kigali’s transformation is not merely its infrastructural
advancements but the leadership mindset that propelled it forward. Rwanda’s
leaders dared to dream big, inspiring unity and a shared vision of growth. In a
similar vein, Governor Adeleke has committed himself to leading by example in
Osun State. From improved healthcare services to enhanced education
initiatives, the Governor is already sowing the seeds of positive change. And
this is only the beginning.
One
cannot help but be impressed by the lush greenery that envelops Kigali. The
city’s commitment to climate sustainability is a testament to responsible
governance. It is heartening to note that just a few days ago, Governor Adeleke
pledged to plant over 100,000 trees in Osun State. This will not only help to
beautify the state, but also help to combat climate change. Besides, this isn’t
just an environmental gesture; it’s a solid commitment to a healthier, greener
future for the good people of our state.
To
further catalyze growth, Adeleke recognizes the importance of fostering an
environment that nurtures innovation. According to Governor Adeleke during the
visit, “We are taking steps to improve the ease of doing business in Osun,
ensuring that startups with groundbreaking ideas have the support they need to
flourish. These startups hold the potential to address local challenges with
fresh solutions, driving not just economic progress, but social betterment as
well.
“To
encourage start-ups that will address local problems in Osun State, I have
identified five steps that we need to take to improve the ease of doing
business. These steps include: Simplifying the process of registering a
business in Osun State, providing access to funding for start-ups, creating a
conducive environment for businesses to thrive, providing training and
mentorship for budding entrepreneurs and encouraging collaboration between
businesses and the government,” the Governor said.
Furthermore,
the governor’s aspirations don’t only stop at the state’s borders. By
initiating a culture of peer review and challenge, it is hoped, the visit will spark
a nationwide revolution in leadership, starting with his counterparts that also
undertook the trip. “Just as Rwanda’s success story inspired me, I believe that
our commitment to change will inspire the other governors across Nigeria.
Together, we can set the stage for a new era of cooperative governance that
transcends political boundaries,” Governor Adeleke said.
But
the journey doesn’t end there. Governor Adeleke intends to harness the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for innovation and
development in Osun. According to him, the SDGs provide a framework for driving
development in Osun State.
He
said: “Here are four ways that we can aggressively use the SDGs to drive
development in Osun State in the next seven years: We will focus on providing
access to quality education for all children in Osun State. This will help to
reduce poverty and improve the standard of living in the state.
“We
will work to provide access to clean water and sanitation for all residents of
Osun State. This will help to improve health outcomes and reduce the incidence
of water-borne diseases.
“We
will focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in Osun
State. This will help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for
women and girls in our state.
“Above all, we will work to provide access to
affordable and clean energy for all residents of Osun State. This will help to
reduce poverty and improve the standard of living in the state. Besides, by
aligning our efforts with these global objectives, we will not only foster
growth but also contribute to a more sustainable world.”
As a
leader of impact, Governor Adeleke understands the profound impact of setting a
personal example. Just as Rwanda’s leaders led the way in creating a clean,
green city, he has committed to leading Osun by example.
“By
ensuring that our cities are clean and sustainable, we’re not just building a
better environment; we’re instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in our
citizens.
“From
Rwanda’s orderly airport to Osun’s pledge for a greener future, the lessons are
clear: visionary leadership, sustainability, and innovation are the
cornerstones of progress.
“As
we navigate this path of transformation, I am confident that Osun State will
emerge as a shining example of positive change – a testament to what’s possible
when leadership is driven by a passion for growth, a commitment to the people,
adherence to due process and rule of law and an unwavering belief in a better
tomorrow.”
Moreover,
it is hoped that as Governor Adeleke focuses on creating enabling environments,
businesses will find Osun state as the most suitable destination in Africa to
do business.
He
said: “From investing in the value chain of agriculture such as cassava to
starch, to opportunities in energy and mineral sectors, to driving an
agrotech-led agricultural transformation, to building on the tourism
opportunities, to investing in sports as a business, Osun State is open and
ready for investments and we welcome investors home and abroad to come to our
dear state.”
Governor
Adeleke at the leadership retreat organized by United Nations Developmental
Partners and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, reiterated his
administration’s readiness to drive sports development through public-private
partnerships. The Governor made this known while responding to an address by
Masai Michael Ujiri, a British born Nigerian-Canadian professional basketball
executive and President of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball
Association (NBA). Ujiri, during his brief interaction with the Nigerian
delegation described sports as an important sector that needs proper attention
by the government in order to drive the needed development in the sector. He
said the government needed to bring in private investors and cited examples of
how commercializing sports had helped many developed countries. Governor
Adeleke, who assured the delegation of the readiness of his administration to develop
sports in the state, extended an invitation to Ujiri to further consolidate his
administration’s plans and efforts for the sector. “I will invite you to Osun
state in Nigeria. Come with sports’ investors. Osun is open for sports as a
tool for economic development,” Governor Adeleke said.
Instructively,
during a workshop session at the retreat, Tolani Alli, ex-aide of former
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, referenced Governor Adeleke’s giant strides of
completing multiple projects by his predecessor and embarking on groundbreaking
projects without taking any loans.
In
conclusion, Governor Adeleke’s visit to Kigali remains a lesson in leadership
and development, and he is committed to implementing the lessons learnt in Osun
State to make it a shining light among the league of states. It therefore
behooves all residents of Osun State to join hands with the performing Governor
on this journey towards a better Osun State.
Bamikole
Omishore is the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral
Relations to Governor of Osun Statea