₦airaland Forum

Governance of compassion and sensitivity: The ogun example

By Olaniyi Ajibola

While every government at different levels of administration overtly claims the protection of the superior interests of the people as it's guiding principles, however, the style of governance differs in reality, which intrinsically separates true leaders from pretentious dealers in democratic regalia.

Meanwhile, when a style of governance genuinely elevates empathy to an organizing philosophy, it clearly suggests that the primary goal and overarching mandate of the government is to alleviate suffering, promote social flourishing, and support the vulnerable. In this case, policies are not just infused with care; their entire existence is fundamentally driven by the active practice of compassion.

This is exactly the guiding philosophy of governance in Ogun State, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, the man who intentionally makes the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the state a top priority in every policy consideration and implementation.

Against all odds, Governor Dapo Abiodun has successfully actualised his developmental agenda coined' ISEYA', a well -thought- out plan of administration that encompasses speedy infrastructural development, social welfare, qualitative education, youth empowerment, as well as food security through advanced agricultural system.

Strictly speaking, the social welfare and wellbeing of the people in the state have been consciously considered and placed in the first line charge in policy implementation since the inception of Dapo Abiodun-led administration in 2019, and consistently sustained till now with utmost commitment.

Ogun State was the first sub-national government in Nigeria to announce series of palliatives in the wake of fuel subsidy removal in 2023, to passionately ameliorate the sufferings of the people in the state, especially civil servants, who solely depend on government for their means of livelihoods.

This initiative of government in Ogun State was quickly emulated by other federating units, seeing the inherent compassion and empathy in the policy, thereby reaffirming the primordial status of the state as Gateway of developmental initiatives to the rest of the country.

In the same vein, the state has deliberately maintained his leading status in social welfare this time around, in it's swift response to the crisis in the middle east, where United States of America, Israel and Iran lock horns in a seemingly war of attrition.

To this end, the government in April announced a N10,000 monthly transport allowance and one-day-off-duty work palliative for public and civil servants in Ogun state, for the period of three months, which was greeted with wide and profound applause among the workers.

As the crisis continued , therefore, the government, sensing the possibility of prolonged economic predicament on Thursday announced the extension of the work palliative as well as the transport allowance of N10,000 for civil servants across the state for another three months, covering the month of July to September.

The measures, according to a circular issued by the State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Iskeel Olanrewaju Saka, are aimed at cushioning the impact of transportation costs on workers and motivating them to continue delivering efficient and excellent service to the people of Ogun State.

According to the circular, ''Under the renewed arrangement, the one-day-off-duty concession will not apply to officers on shift duties or personnel providing essential services. These include medical personnel, judicial service workers, teaching and non-teaching staff in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, security personnel, political office holders, accounting officers, directors, as well as other officers receiving Special Responsibility Allowances because of the nature of their responsibilities, which require their physical presence at work.

"The state government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of workers and pledged to continue implementing policies that enhance productivity while easing the economic burden on the workforce".

Obviously, high productivity can only be guaranteed in a working environment where incentives and recognition are constantly assured and where people genuinely have sense of belongings.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, since his assumption of office has clearly displayed unprecedented compassion for the workers in the state and continued to motivate them in all ways to achieve and sustain higher productivity for the benefit of the people.

He has continually assured them of their welfare and wellbeing at every opportunity he had in the past to address the workers and have been very deliberate in prioritising their interests in all ramifications, including those who are no more in active service but have served the state meritoriously.

As a matter of fact, Governor Dapo Abiodun has chosen compassion and sensitivity as guiding principle of his administration and in line with his political ideology.

The Governor firmly believes that while the core mechanisms of administration remain, leaders must consider the human impact and needs of the vulnerable when making decisions. He convincingly considers compassion as a tool for better and more equitable leadership.

All hail the Prince of Iperu Remo!

Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications

Na atenuje go kill some of you

Tell Dapo to repair the roads of Ogun state. They're horrible. An eyesore

PS: Why was helinus' comment deleted?