Let There Be Vision For Our Community, Ile Ife, By Rotimi Makinde

Without mincing words, the need for Ile Ife as an heterogeneous community to be conscious of radical political evolution and changes for future sustainable development can not be over emphasized.

Specifically, Ife Federal constituency and all the communities so involved must be aware of potential revolutionary changes in future political arrangements to ensure reasonable infrastructural development for the citizenry which would no doubt be championed by men and women of integrity, who will essentially promote informed decisions through their quality representation, pursue active participation in governance, and taking up the responsibility of holding leaders accountable for their actions and inactions and that is the beauty of constitutional democracy.

The changes to therefore watch out for, ought to include but not limited to shift in power dynamics, changes in thought, policy directions and priorities, and of course this is the best time to begin to think ahead in view of the constitutional reforms that are ongoing in the polity.

On this note, men and women of honour must be positioned for leadership positions across board, this is also the right time to put forward credible people with sterling leadership virtues, laced with solid high moral rectitude, visionary thinking and foresight for excellence in decision-making.

There are lots of benefits for building this all important consciousness for all the communities that are made up of Ife Federal constituency, if we think straight from now, inclusive and sustainable development, effective resource allocation, improved infrastructure, enhanced quality of life, reduced corruption will all be made feasible and achievable.

The strategies to achieve all these includes, civic education and engagement, community fora and town halls meetings across Units, Wards and Local Governments, creating social media presence and information sharing initiatives. There is also a need for collaboration with our brothers and sisters in diaspora, civil society organizations and social clubs as well as the media.

Moreover, it is pertinent to also state that when we talk about men and women of honour, they must be capable of driving accountability, transparency, empathy, decency and they must be people with pedigree of selflessness, and people who have respect and penchant for diversity.

However, for being conscious of radical political changes and promoting men and women of honour, our communities can be sure of sustainable development and a brighter future that all and sundry could be proud of.

●Rotimi Makinde represented Ife Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives during the 7th Assembly