the daily

A Reflection on Leadership!

My whole life, I’ve dreamed of knowing about good leadership— not as a concept, not as a textbook ideal, but as a force that shapes lives, that lifts people, that builds communities. And in those dreams, I’ve come to understand something profound: good leadership is not defined by titles or accolades, but by the way a leader connects to the hopes and struggles of the people they serve.

It is not about promises made from behind a desk or speeches delivered from a stage. It is about the courage to make tough decisions when no one is watching, the wisdom to listen to voices often unheard, and the humility to know that leadership is not about one person, but about the collective strength of a people united in purpose.

True leadership is about putting the well-being of others before your own. It is about inspiring hope, driving change, and empowering others to believe that together, we can rise to any challenge, overcome any obstacle, and create a future that is worthy of the dreams we’ve held all our lives. That is the kind of leadership that builds a better tomorrow- a leadership that is tested, that endures, and that leaves a legacy of dignity and opportunity for generations to come. His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde is a living embodiment of this kind of leadership. He is not defined by the office he holds, but by the genuine connection he fosters with the people. He listens to the voices of the people he serves—and takes bold steps to address their needs. Whether in the bustling cities or the quiet villages, his leadership has always been grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary people. His vision for Oyo State has always been one of inclusivity— of ensuring that no one is left behind in the process of economic growth and development.

I am filled with pride and a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude not only for the vision of a brighter future that Governor Seyi Makinde has crafted, but also for the tangible hope and opportunities that vision has brought to the people of Oyo State. Under his leadership, we are witnessing a wholesome transformation not just in the infrastructure of our communities, but in the very lives many. And nowhere is this more evident than in the recent mass employment into the state civil service— especially in TESCOM and SUBEB— which has breathed new life into the dreams of so many, especially in my Lagelu.

The Tescom/Subeb employment schemes are not just jobs; they are lifelines. They are opportunities that have turned dreams into realities, and challenges into triumphs. For so many of our sons and daughters, these new positions are a beacon of hope— a reminder that with the right leadership in place, anything is possible. These new civil servants represents more than a workforce; they are a reflection of the perseverance and resilience of our fellow citizens— those who, despite enduring the untold hardship that’s ravaging the nation, have never lost hope in the promise of a better future. With all ongoing lifetime opportunities in Oyo, they’re weathering the storms of a nation in struggle, and now, they’re stepping up to overcome adversities and secure a better future.

Each appointment into Tescom and Subeb is a victory for families who have long struggled under the weight of unemployment and the national economic woes. They are a victory for the young people whose aspirations were once clouded by the shadow of a lack of opportunity. And they are a victory for entire communities, which will now thrive not only through the direct impact of employment but through the ripple effects of an empowered and engaged populace.

Governor Makinde’s decision to undertake this historic mass employment drive in the state civil service—specifically in TESCOM and SUBEB— has been nothing short of a wholesome economic impact on citizens. It is not merely a matter of filling vacancies; it is about reshaping futures. It is about offering opportunities to those that never had any, and creating pathways to success for the youth and families who have long waited for the chance to make a difference in their lives and their communities.

In Oyo State, we understand that the true strength of a community lies in its people. And this governor, with his foresight, has understood that empowering individuals through stable and dignified employment is the most direct way to strengthen the fabric of the state’s community and its societies. For every person from Lagelu Local Government Area who has received an offer of employment through this initiative, there is a renewed sense of purpose. There is a spark of hope where there was once despair. The job opportunity represents not just a paycheck, but the power to change the trajectory of many lives. For the newly employed teachers, administrators, and staffs, it means access to financial security, the ability to care for families, and the dignity of contributing to society through their work. The ripple effect is felt far beyond the individuals. It reaches into homes, where parents now have the ability to invest in the education and well-being of their children. It stretches into neighborhoods, where thriving families become pillars of community progress. And it extends into the larger society, where productive citizens contribute to building a stronger, more prosperous Oyo State. The Makinde administration has proven that when you invest in people, you invest in the future.

All that Governor Makinde has done is not just the fulfillment of a campaign promise; it is the manifestation of a long-term vision— one where job creation and economic opportunities are central to the state’s development process. His leadership demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, and a commitment to addressing them in ways that leaves lasting legacies.

For the young men and women of Lagelu who have now found work through this initiative, I can say this: the sky is the limit. The governor has provided you with the foundation you need to rise, to grow, and to take your place as the leaders of tomorrow. His commitment to education, infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation creates an ecosystem in which every citizen has the potential to succeed.

Gratitude From A Grateful Local Government

On behalf of the grateful people of Lagelu, I extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. OluwaSeyi Abiodun Makinde, for his visionary leadership. This is not just a thank you for the jobs, though that in itself is monumental. It is a thank you for your belief in us— your belief in the power of our people. It is a thank you for creating an environment in which Oyo State’s potential is being realized and our big dreams are being achieved.

Your Excellency, your leadership has brought about real, tangible change. You have shown us that a government focused on the well-being of its citizens can truly make a difference. As we continue to witness the unfolding of your ambitious plans, we remain confident that Oyo State will continue to rise to even greater heights.

In closing, we stand united— grateful for the opportunities you’ve provided, optimistic about the future, and determined to continue the work of building a brighter tomorrow for all.

I thank you, Your Excellency- for believing in us, for investing in our future, and for giving all of us together the tools and the opportunities to succeed.
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–Mudashiru Kamorudeen
Lagelu, Ibadan