CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATION ON LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS- REPORT FROM KWARA MUST CHANGE
(KMC)
PRESENTS
CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATION ON LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
EXTRACTS
FROM
ONLINE DEBATE
Topic: Lack of visionary leadership, bane of kwara woe
AUGUST, 2014
INTRODUCTION
Kwara Must Change (KMC), the foremost political youth movement and most active Kwara page on the internet with close to 20,000 online membership held an online debate on 25th of August,2014 to critically look at the effects of leadership in kwara State.
The purpose of the debate is to gather diverse views and meaningful ideas to advance the course of good leadership in kwara.
The topic of discuss was: ''Lack of Visionary leadership, bane of Kwara woe'and 10 speakers were were engaged to discuss the topic.
Due to the increasing need and determination of KMC leadership to shift people attention away from the usual personality discuss to issue based bodering on peoples welfare and collective progress, we deem it proper to host such an important interaction to advance our determination for the interest of the state populace and on the said date, it was actualized.
The debate was held on the Kwara Must Change online platform on facebook under the leadership of AMB. Abdulrazaq O Hamzat and certain important points were raised which we believe should be brought to the attention of all relevant stakeholders in the Kwara project.
Scope and review of the debate
10 speakers agreed to participate in the debate, but out of the 10 prospective speakers who agreed to participate, only 6 were present.
These include:
1. Social Commentator,Comrade Tunde Salau (Fmr NAKSS Senate president)
2. Blogger, Comrade Abdulsalam Abdulfatah Liberty (President, NACONS)
3. Journalist/Media consultant, Mr. Tunde Akogun
4. Social commentator, Comrade Salihu Olawale Salihu
5. Social Media analysts, Mr. Oba Ahmed Olanrewaju
6. Social media Analysts, Comrade Akewukanowo Abubakar
Those absent include:
7. Kwara State Commissioner for information Prince Tunji Morohunfoye
8. PDP state PRO, Sir REX OLAWOYE
9. APC state PRO, Alhaji Sulaiman Buhari
10. LP state PRO represented by Alhaji Abdulwahab Amao
Generally, a total of 530 comments were made and we extract important points raised. In this extract, no name of any participant shall be mentioned.
1.0 THE CHALLENGE
AFRICA AND LACK OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
It was opined that, Africa had always been referred to as the dark continent and it is generally seen as a continent in transition. The history of Africa's under development is attributed to the kind of leaders it has produced since the last fifty years and the major issues confronting the continent has to do with the type of leadership recruitment process it has had to grapple with over the period in review.
While the agitation for independence gathered steam in the 1960s, there was no commensurate effort in the part of its emerging leaders to lay out a blue print for individual countries, whether short, medium or long term blue prints that would have set her on the part of sustainable growth and development, independence therefore, was simply seen as just a transfer of power from the white over-lords to the black emperors with no laid down set goals to pursue. Rather, leadership became a matter of rivalry between the men in “agbada” and the “khaki” men (men in military uniform) with the result that many Africa countries were immediately torn apart by crisis which also culminated in a spate of civil wars across the continent.
Unlike in Europe and America where purposeful and far sighted leaders emerged immediately at independence, the continent was saddled with men who can best be described as mediocres, who rather than fashion out a way forward for their respective countries, engaged in wanton looting of state treasury, a divide and rule politics which result is still being felt across the continent.
NIGERIA AND LACK OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
In the case of Nigeria, the years of military dictatorship did not help matters as the men in uniform whose arrival were often greeted as relief and who had gone ahead to announce far reaching measures to stem the downward spiral had ended up compounding the problems due to greed and avarice.
Our social infrastructure took a debilitating blow and the ship of state remained rudderless. While few politicians continue to plunder to the detriment of millions of others, ordinary citizens were being asked on a daily basis to make sacrifices and “think not of what their country can do for them but what they can do for their country” – Late John F. Kennedy
The fall of Soviet Union in 1989 and the end of East/West geo-political rivalry activated public debate on the issues of leadership in Africa as many political leaders within the continent had hidden under the East/West geo-political divide to install themselves into power. It is in my humble opinion said one of the participants that, a set of new leaders will emerge over the next few years that will take our people to the next level and bring her citizens out from years of misrule, so that Africa may locate purpose and fulfill its destiny as a people. Surely, the time to start is now as “it is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light – Aristotle Onassis it was submitted.
KWARA AND LACK OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
A state is “Kwara” which is one of the first created states in Nigeria. It was created on the 27th May, 1967 at the (military
government) era of Yakubu Gowon. It was the broken down of four regions that fashioned the 12 states, one of the offshoot is Kwara State, formally called West Central State and later renamed Kwara State. Today “Kwara” of sixteen Local Governments was smaller than the Kwara of 1967 due do three different alteration of its size in the course of state creation of 13th February, 1976, and 27 August, 1991.
Three things are connected here, the government, govern and the Politician who are the breach between the formal and latter, they are the focal point in this assemblage of words (piece). We must ask here that, how far have this state benefited in good leadership?
To answer the above question, one cannot search for good or bad leadership from anywhere other than through the politician who are the determinants of governance. A participant submitted.
In agreement with the theme of the conference, a participant noted that, he whole heartedly agree that the absence of visionary leadership is the bane of Kwara state. Although this malaise is not peculiar to Kwara state alone. It is a national problem in Nigeria.The tragedy of our politics today in Nigeria is that wrong leaders are thrown up to solve crisis situation.
In support of the above, it was stated that, Kwara state is strategically located in the North central zone of Nigeria and based on its location, the state is supposed to be a bridge between the food rich north and the cash crops rich western Nigeria. But due to reasons beyond explanation bordering on lack of visionary leadership, the state up till this moment have refused to tap and utilize the advantages its location should have brought to the economy of the state.
The above view was shared by most of the participants at the debate, as a participant concluded that, Kwara State has been one of the most unlucky states in Nigeria since its creation in 1967.
However, another participants noted that, Late Alh. Mohammed Alabi Lawal, tried his best as history will never forget him for the giant strides he recorded while his reign lasted. And with the coming of the Dr. ABUBAKAR Bukola Saraki in 2003 brought and attracted a lot of development to the state because according to the participant,ABS as the young Saraki is fondly called is a participatory leader that shares his decisions-making abilities with group members by practising social equality. The participant argied that, While Saraki's regime lasted, he does not practise NARSISSISTIC leadership. He was never hostile and arrogant as his private sectors orientation stand the test of time as he knows that the financial motivation is key thing to retain patronage and at major junctions he brings that to good advantage.
Supporting the above, the participant stated that, a highlight of some salient initiatives that underlined some of what is today projects of gargantuan dimensions where products of deep thought , interconnectivity and close relationship with all the arms of government and men of goodwill across the spectrum.
Commenting further, the participant stated that, the incumbent Governor ABDULFATAH AHMED MAIGIDA, is striving very well and his business plan and missions has really brought about the conducive environment for business to thrive. The relative peace we enjoy is his making with the blessing of God. Just few days ago, he announced to the world that the loan the state collected some years back has been paid back. The AJASE-IPO, skill acquisition Centre is his brain work.
The measure he has put in place is attracting investors to the state on daily basis it was argued.
At this juncture, who is a visionary leader became the question?
According to our participants, a visionary leader is a leader who thinks more about the future all the time. He thinks about where his society is going rather than where it is. Put differently, a visionary leader is a leader who is imaginative,creative and inspiring. He is a deep thinker rather than a superficial thinker. He is also a long term thinker. He thinks of where he wants his society to be in five-ten years, and what he needs to do each hour of the day to make his vision a reality. He is passionate and optimistic about his vision. He sees opportunities in every problem and sees failure as a learning experience. A visionary leader makes sacrifice for the higher good of his society. He is also imbued with integrity and intellectual wherewithal to solve problems.
Incase of lack of visionary leadership in a state, there should be better alternative to remedy the lack of vision, unfortunately, the most painful circumstance in kwara is the lack of alternative visionary or political group in the state, they are of similar goals and leaving one for one is ideologically the same.
Most prticipants maintained that, there indeed exist a lack of visionary leadership in kwara state and one participant opined that, the bad leadership of kwara is the product of our various homes and neglect of the Education sector by succesive governments.
According to him, the ways and manners in which children are been tutored is nothing to write home about. We are being tutored with fear and excessive respect to elders even though they do not deserve such.
He further added that, we have been made not to question the decision of elders even when such decisions are wrong and is of counter productive to the interest of the state and future of the citizens.
This is why most youths in the state do not believe in themselves selves. You will see youths subjecting to their fellow youths of same status for the purpose of few hundreds of naira, something born out of the general perspective seen from elders and leaders in the state.
Another aspect where i feel we have really brought in bad leadership in Kwara state is what i refer to as arrogancy in ignorance. We are tutored to be arrogant even when we are ignorant. We are tutored to hold unto our ignorance with arrogance and loyalty against reason and knowledge. A participant opined.
That is why in most of our state owned institutions, you discover that the menace of cultism is on the high side. whenever culprits are caught, they will end up being freed despite being found guilty under the guise that omo ile wa ni ''its our son'. At the tail end,it is these same bad breeds that wind up in leadership role and with loyalty to our state godfather, they emerge as leaders to pilot the affair of our state in various capacities. What do we expect from such leaders it was asked?
Arguing further, a participant maintained that, any reasonable being will surely weep for our dear state-KWARA. Ilorin which is the capital is a glorified village, our people have not gone beyond rudimentary existence. They have a static life, held in captivity by poverty and ignorance. The state deserves more than what it is getting.
One participant said, although, Kwara may lack attractive pull of Lagos and sophistication of Abuja, its historical antecedents can make it a tourist heaven. When visitors come to our state, they come with a lot of expectation because of the media attraction we give to our meager projects, but in most cases, they leave with disappointments.
It is only in Kwara state that eligibility for political office takes the colour of gender, religion, ethnicity without consideration for the features of the character in question, blue print for development and vision. We are in an era of increased agitation for visionary leadership but in Kwara, we have been brain washed to believe that a particular person or family is/are naturally made to lead us. Many were never prepared for the position they occupy. They argue.
Elaborating on leadership, a participant stated that, Leadership is said to be responsibility as it is part of leader's responsibilities to make life more abundant for her citizenry. Provision of all essential things of life such as 'good and motorable roads network system, good and qualitaties educational system for the general populace, pipe borne water, good sanitary system plus electricity, maximum security and shelters enhance conducive environment to warrant and attracts investors to thrives. Leaderships is a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.
But how can these wrongly breed leaders accomplish the purpose of visionary leadership it was asked?
FOCUSING ON KWARA STATE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
3 questions were asked.
1- who are the dominant politician in Kwara state?
2- What is their style of mobilizing supporters?
3- What has their government fetch the people of Kwara state?
Answer to the above questions will give an exposition to the issue in discuss.
It was not argued that, any analysis of Kwara politics is porouse without mentioning Dr. Olusola Saraki of the blessed memory, a leading icon in the Kwara politics. The giant of Kwara politics was such a successful politician that controlled the grass-root politics of Kwara and beyond. He had barrage and soldiers of politicians who are committed and loyal to his political dynasty. The giant political dynasty of Dr. Olushola Saraki has budded giant icons in politics; Sen. Bukola Saraki and Sen. Gbemishola Saraki, both are strictly playing the game in the manner pursuant to the legacy of their father.
Prof. Abdulraheem Oba is another prominent political figure who holds the banner of PDP in Kwara state, the formal Vice-chancellor of University of Ilorin, an academic don, and a Chairman of National Character Commission. DELE BEGORE (SAN), ARC. LOLA ASHIRU, SEN.
MAKANJUOLA AJADI, ABDULRAHMAN etc. These political figures and other unmentioned politicians in Kwara State were concern about their style and goals as it relates to politics and governance.
It was stated that, at this political and developmental stage of Kwara State, with the background of the nitty-gritty of ideal leadership, one will hinge on dormancy in the development of all sectors in Kwara state to conclude that the leadership cannot be rated above 30 per cent. I quickly give kudos to any government whose transformation programs are visible in different sectors in the state, unlike Kwara state where transformation is rear, new government initiative, classical one, is rear. Objective and critical look at life in Kwara, one will see the neglect of youth empowerment and zero attempts to reduce or eradicate poverty by the government. The picture of dormancy we write about here is clear as you can see how dilapidated the primary and secondary schools in the state have became, a sign of zero sensitivity of government. The health sectors in the state is a mess, here is a state where the government spent the whole tenure rehabilitating the former hospital at an inflated rate without providing basic materials such as affordable drugs. What I mean in simple language is that, the attention of the government of Kwara to the health and education (Primary and Secondary school) is nothing to write home about. It was opined.
Based on the above argument, it was submitted that, we cannot applaud the politician in Kwara state, from both sides; they are harmful to the state rather than blessing. They are financial of gangsters and cultism which is their electioneering instrument it was argued. Adding that, they have proliferated danger in the state while they pursue their political ambition, the worst any person or group could do for his state.
Commenting on Dr. Olusola Saraki, it was argued that, the politicking style of the “Saraki” is the kind that keeps the populace in abject poverty. They are exploring poverty which is the weak point of Kwarans for their political advantage and since the standard of living of about 80 per cent of Kwarans is below average, their only attractive point is money sharing and this is done by the politician from both the opposition and the ruling party.
I ask, which is better option in the state where there is no distinct political philosophy, where almost all the politician think in same way? I am still searching, not until an option emerges, the dormancy (in term of development) of Kwara state shall continues. It was submitted.
Commenting on the current political and leadership aspirants in the state, it was stated that, not birds of same feather will behalf differently.
Prof Oba Abdulraheem and Sen.Gbemosola Saraki have same approach to politics and governance thus cannot produce dissimilar fruits, similar is that of Dele Belgore (SAN) who neither has new approach nor any pragmatic scheme to save Kwara.
Also, the likes of Chief Olawepo, and other “faint” politicians are not ripe for the politics of their state and I cannot tell whether they are the messiah Kwaran need. I am of the opinion that, Nigeria politics begin but does not end at having good and sincere intention and good programme for people and country, the survival in political game depend on doggedness, political maneuvering and consistency and these features are lacking in “faint” politician it was argued.
The political decision (on which political camp to belong) of majority of kwara youths is born out of selfishness and (or) parochial conviction. As youth, I prefer an option that is good for all and good for me. I will never be active in such option that is only good for me but not for the society. Some are dedicatedly following political personality without any progressive reason; this kind of dog followership is not good for our generation and state in particular.
Introducing another view point, a participant stated that, It takes someone to know the colour of leadership to answer who is a leader.
According to him, most of the leaders in kwara today are ignorant of what is expected of a leader (government), I am sure Governor Abdulfatah, like most of the past Kwara State governors belong to this class. What laudable changes has leadership/government created?
Moreso, the developmental innovation that runs with an administration also tell whether it's a focus government or not. So far, a state where there is no moves and policy by government to eradicate or reduce poverty, where politicians are not known and applaud base on their innovative good work is not fortunate in terms of leadership.
The most painful aspect is the lack of purposeful alternative political group in the state, they are of similar goals and leaving one for one is ideologically the same.
Disagreeing with previous commentator, another participants maintained that,In Kwara today, I don't think we have much problems with our leaders as we have all been blessed with vissionary leaders particularly since the inception of the civilian regime in the year 1999.
The 1999 constitution did not gives room for TOXIC leader to exist and this gives way for participatory leadership. We have always been enjoying a 'task oriented and relationship oriented leader' whose style is always focused on the task that need to be performed in order to meet a certain production goal.
I can bodly say that, our cherished state of Harmony has never lack a visionary leader although they may not be 100% perfection on things and that makes then 'human'.
In the world today, there is no perfect person. Therefore, there is no leaders without his/her shortcomings. The coming of the civilian regime to the state in 1999 has really attracted and brought a lot of monumental development to the state and the results is better imagine.
He maintained that, a visionary leader is a builder of a new dawn, working with imagination, insight and boldness. He presents a challenge that calls forth the best in people and brings them together around a shared sense of purpose. “ A leader or a person who wants be empowered must have vision, do a self appraisal, plan implement and carry out a reflective life management and have legacy”. That is what has happened in Kwara he concluded.
While expressing to the contrary, it was argued that, Governance goes beyond “Operation no Pothole, Quick win, renovation of hospitals etc.
These are normal responsibilities of government and should not be seen as achievement because after all why were they elected?
If I have my way, I would have loved to mention our past leaders and their achievements and their lapses but in order to enrich the quality of the debate, I would not want to speak on individuals. Having said this, I will like to state that there is too much hype in our politics and propaganda has helped to make heroes out of mediocrity and our people to sell hell as paradise. Our so called leaders should bear in mind that they are not better than many ordinary citizen, the only thing that join us together is being Kwarans and we should know that there are universal indices for leadership assessment that goes beyond being called “Oloye”, “Omoluabi”, “Leader”, “Gbowole” etc. We do not need to go to the political graves to exhume political ghosts to come and govern us in the name experience. We have vibrant youths who are capable of piloting the affairs of this state to the next level for all our past and existing leaders are corrupt and “no arrangement of eggs can ever make good omelette”.
They submit that, We need a leader that will reposition the state. The state deserves more than what it is getting.
In conclussion, it was said that, Governance is not about brawn, but rather about brain. And governance does not need a strong personality.
Instead, it needs strong institutions. It is not a one man show but collective efforts.
CROSS EXAMINING PREVIOUS SUBMITTIONS
It was asked that a participant said. there is good governance in kwara, AND THAT WHAT WE need are leaders who are competent to embark on people oriented programmes. So, if there is good governance in kwara state as stated by the participants, how come he said at the end that we need leaders who can embark on people oriented programmes? Are the leaders providing good governance not providing people oriented programmes? If yes, how then can they be described as offering good governance without people oriented programmes?
In response, the participants said,there is good governance here.
What we are lacking in those that are piloting our affairs is personal confidence.
For instance, a governor that knows certain project will be of high benefit to the masses but refuses to embark on such programme in the name of political godfather or whatever. Or put it like this, a situation where by the governor could not personally embarkes on projects on his own until someone sanctions them for him.
Requesting to know what kind of programmes Kwarans expect from a visionary leader.
A participants said, essentially, l am talking about programmes which focus more on wealth creation with the twin target of alleviating poverty and making the state less dependent on .monthly allocations from the federation account.
Querrying a participants who said the state have had visionary leadership since 19999. It was asked,In your opinion, do you think the level of development in the state correspond to the federal, plus internal generated funds? The participants maintained that, there is greater development in the state since the inception of the civilian administration even with the lean purse of the state government, they are able to embark on many infrastructural development such as the establishment of the one of the best University KWASU, the famous Harmony Diagnostic Centre came on board during the civilian administration. It is an established facts that, the Internal Generated Revenue in our state is too meager but it does not stop our state government from meeting the total needs of the people.
A participants presented a short view in form of feature. He states as follows:
"Let a new earth rise, Let another world be borne, Let absolute peace be written in kwara, Let joyous songs be written, Let dirges disappear. Let a new era now rise and take control."
Viewing the atmospheric condition of kwara State socio-religious, economic and political landmark today, one can easily apprehend a total dis-integration and political exploitation of the people, through these four major factors that are suppose to hold kwara state as a social and ethical family. Kwara state as one of the twelve first created states in the history of Nigeria, could be less compared to other eleven first created state in terms of social justice, religion, economic and political development. Kwara people have longed been caged and exploited as a result of personal interest of a single personality out of millions of people that constitute kwara as a state. And unless these four major institutions that formulates kwara as a social entity are carefully treated,will the general members of this so called state of harmony wake up to their social, religious, economic and political rights and duties. Then this way we will be looking towards a better state reflecting the harmony it craves for.
SOLUTION TO KWARA WOES
Suggestion were made by the participants to correct the perceived negativity in Kwara leadership and governance.
ATTITUDINAL CHANGE
According to the participants . Attitudinal change is inevitable, we need to change our attitudes generally.
This can only be achieved through re-orientation by real people not those that cannot account for the wealth they have acquired. We cannot also speak about attitudinal change without talking about the Educational system. It is important that our Education system should be overhauled. we need change in the process of giving teaching appointments to teachers in the state, over 90 percent of teachers appointed in school since 2003 are not competent,employment of teachers have been politicized and this have over the years destroyed Education system. We need to set up a mechanism to retrain the existing teachers and the subsequent teaching appointments must be based on merit,it will go a long way in helping us train better leaders in the future.
CURRICULLUM DEVELOPMENT
Our school curricullum also should be reviewed in such a way that it will be mandatory for everyone to study our local languages,History as well as basic rules of law from Primary level. A person well tutored in these areas will never become a bad leader. Infact, sciences and technology should be taught in our local languages, this will in a long way develop our cultural heritage and technological development.
A research conducted by late Prof Babatunde Fafunwa proves that, student tutored in our local languages perform better.
RELIGION
Religious studies too should be made mandatory in primary and secondary schools and at the University level too. Comparative religious studies should be made compulsory.This will in a long way reduce the menace of religion fanatism as well as create the fear of the most high God into our hearts.This will also reduce religious descrimination to a large extent and bring about leaders with the fear of God.
RELIGION AS AN AGENT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL CHANGE.
Giving from an historical point of view, a participants said, Historically, religion has been among the most powerful agents for changing human attitudes and behaviours. Religion has traditionally defined what it means to be human, and it has defined the nature of our goals and relationship. Below are qoutations from both Quran and Bible will enlighten us more on the importance of religion to social unity and social change. QURANIC QUOTATIONS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL CHANGE. (1) "Surely God does not change that in which people are until they change that which is in themselve." (Quran 13:11). (2) "Kind speech and forgiveness is better than charity followed by injury; and God is Self-sufficient, Forbearing. " (Quran 2.263). (3) "Lo! God commanded you that you restore deposits to their owners, and if you judge between mankind, that you judge justly. Lo! Fairness is this which God admonished you. Lo! God is ever Hearer, Seer." (Quran 4.58). (4) "O you who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for God in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that you deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty to God. Lo! God is informed of what you do." (Quran 5.8). BIBLICAL QOUTATIONS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL CHANGE. (1) "Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy." (Proverb 31.8-9).
(2) "Each should use whatever gift he has recieved to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 peter 4.10). (3) "Though one may be overpower, two can defend themselves.
And a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Eccelesiastes 4.12). (4) "Thus says the lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of oppressor him who has been robbed. And do not wrong or do violence to the resident alian, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place." (Jeremiah 22.3).
Suggesting further, it was noted that,Kwara needs a leader with generous dash of vision to rescue it from its present moral and millennial underdevelopment. From all states created in the same period, Kwara is among the least developed states in Nigeria today inspite of its rich socio-economic potentials, depending largely on monthly receivables from the federation account for her survival.
With enormous potentials the state has in agriculture, it should naturally be the leading food basket of Nigeria.This feat is feasible with a visionary leader at the saddle. With deep thinkers in the mould of Al-Maktoum who envisioned and birthed Dubai, the dwindling fortunes of the state can be turned around.
Agriculture is one sector where the state has huge comparative advantage, but unfortunately the potentials have not been adequately exploited for the higher good of majority of Kwara indigenes who steeped in excruciating poverty. Agriculture should be used as a vehicle for wealth creation and poverty alleviation. Brilliant agricultural programmes have to be conceived and scrupulously implemented to benefit majority of youths who are jobless as opposed to the current prebendalist Zimbabwean farmers scheme which alienates indigenes.
In conclussion, it was suggested that, Kwara state has a lot to learn from Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore who turned his poor country to one of the richest countries in the world today. We .needs Governor who will do unusual things to move the state forward. The time has come to elect a Governor with incredible creative ideas such that the present trend of copying the same policy patterns of other states in the federation which do not address the specific needs of Kwarans are discarded.
According to Abraham Maslow (one of the world famous sociologists), he says "when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problems begin to resemble a nail. Therefore, we strongly believe that ADVOCACY and co-operation among the people from different enthnics, religious, economics and political circles, is the only tool we can use to realize a positive change in kwara state. Therefore, we urge the entire citizens of kwara state, who strongly believe in the word 'SUCCESS' to take active part in contributing to this movement, so as to uphold the unity and development of kwara state at large.
The participants asked, WHAT IS ADVOCACY?
The word advocacy involves the promotion and support of the individual or the group in social, legal and political arenas. But at the heart of advocacy is the protection and empowerment of the powerless.
Advocacy aims to empower through a "range establishment of these following; (1) To uphold the unity and development of kwara state. (2) To enlighten Kwara people of their socio-religious, economic and political rights and duties. (3) To build goold leadership among kwara's citizens. (4) To serve as political watch-dog in kwara state.
(5) To advocate liberal policies in kwara state. (6) To ensure the survival of democracy in kwara state. (7) To protect the future of the new generation. (8) To saveguard the rights and privileges of kwara people. (9) To eradicate monopoly of political godfatherism in kwara state. And (10) To bring cordial relation among the different ethnic groups within kwara state.
It was finally suggested that, a bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular & what no just government should refuse to rest on inference. It is the leadership of a nation; competent or incompetent that will spell the future of 'her' heritage for generations to come. True leadership must be for the benefits of the followers not the enrichment of the leaders.
END