Governance is a very complex socio- political phenomenon. It touches the lives of both the governed and those who are governing. In Third World countries like Nigeria, government plays very critical but central roles in the life of the average citizen.
Government policies affect socio-economic activities, political
matters, community relations among others. It is for this reason that it has
always been my argument that governance activities must be conducted with a human face albeit based on empirical data.
The period we find ourselves presently in Nigeria is considered as almost
perilous. Security challenges are daunting leading to intractable socioeconomic problems. The entire society is feeling the heat of a country going through unpalatable socio-economic and political quagmire . I have submitted at different fora that in such a situation as we presently find ourselves in Nigeria, government must be the voice of the voiceless and the hope of the
hopeless.
For leaders of government to achieve this does not require a knowledge of
rocket science. It only requires the government to formulate and execute
policies that demonstrate compassion. My argument has always been that at
this point in time in our country we need compassionate leaders who have the
capacity to run a governance system that places emphasis on “citizen- centric leadership grounded in empathy, active listening and feedback mechanisms, aiming to build a more adaptive and efficient state”. It is an established fact that compassionate governance entails “understanding and responding to the needs of individuals and communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed “The foregoing shows that a compassionate leader must design a system that is focused on the needs of the people by raising policies and programs that consciously address the desires and aspirations of the citizens.
A compassionate leader is not only sensitive towards the suffering of the people but equally demonstrates a commitment to the alleviation of that suffering. A compassionate leader builds teams that are closely-knit, democratic and highly focused. The society benefits greatly from compassionate governance in the sense that There is increased trust in government arising from the leader’s concern for the well- being of the citizens
. Stronger social cohesion as there is a sense of community and belonging
. Effective and efficient public services
. Sustainable solutions to complex problems, and
. Strong feedback mechanisms
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently demonstrated the fact
that he’s running a compassionate governance system which has led to socialpolitical stability in the State. Less than one year in office, COVID-19 struck and the Federal government decided to lock down the entire country. Governor Makinde decided to differ based on the empirical data available to him that his people would suffer if the state was locked down. Opposition elements rained abuses on him but in the end the federal government had to adopt his policy which ensured that the state economy was not grounded
Scientific data available had shown the Governor that the state economy is
rooted in agriculture and agribusiness but this had been hampered by gross
infrastructural deficit. Makinde thereafter set up a policy to promote
accelerated socio- economic development through which he established 2 major institutions: Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and
Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency ( OYSIPA). He thereafter embarked on massive infrastructural development linking the various zones of the state with each other.
In addition, he achieved the enviable transformation of the Fasola
Agribusiness Industrial Hub which has attracted a number of investors and has received notable visitors including the Sierra Leone President and some
Governors. The foundation for a solid agribusiness development has been laid. Governor Makinde’s industrial relations policy is a demonstration of a high level of compassion. Some years before Makinde’s emergence as Governor, Oyo State witnessed government workers being owed salaries, pensions and gratuities which inflicted great pains on the people and slowed down socioeconomic development of the state. Governor Seyi Makinde has demonstrated compassionate leadership by ensuring that for the past 71 months, salaries, pensions and gratuities are paid as at when due.
Since January 2025, Makinde
has been paying a minimum wage of 80,000 naira which is higher than what
the federal government is paying. On a monthly basis, the sum of 24 billion
naira is committed to workers emoluments which is a major driver of socioeconomic development in Oyo State. The re-absorption of workers that were hitherto laid off some years before the Governor’s assumption of office and the payment of 13th month salaries for 6 years demonstrated compassionate governance system
The fire incident that gutted Akesan market in Oyo received the government attention leading to the market being rebuilt. Similarly, the ethnic clashes at Shasha Market in Ibadan witnessed the Governor’s prompt intervention with
the resolution of the crisis and the market being rebuilt. Similarly, the
Governor visited the Alesinloye market that was recently gutted by fire to
provide relief to the traders whose shops were affected.
In July 2023, barely 2 months into Governor Makinde’s second term, flood
ravaged Olodo area in Egbeda Local Government sweeping away the Olodo
bridge which is on a Federal Road. The prompt intervention of Governor Seyi
Makinde led to the reconstruction of the bridge by the State government with the first phase opened to traffic in less than one year after the collapse of the bridge. In January 2024 an explosion of great magnitude occurred in Bodija, Ibadan leading to loss of lives and several properties got destroyed.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s prompt response to the calamity demonstrated compassionate leadership. He ensured rescue efforts and provided temporary
accommodation, medical services and feeding for the victims of the explosion.
Government spent over 200 million naira on this. In a further show of
compassion, the Governor has approved the sum of 4.5 billion naira as financial support for the survivors and victims of the explosion. This shows that the government had committed about 5 billion naira to the mitigation of the effects of the disaster on the people.
Oyo State has been a good example of a place where compassionate
governance has been instituted . This is in line with some of the core values of
our people which OYMASED has been campaigning for their preservation. Oyo State people are hospitable, accommodating and compassionate. We are our brother’s keepers. We should take a cue from Governor Seyi Makinde by being warm towards our neighbours, co-workers, the weak and the under-privileged.
This will go a long way in sustaining the socio-political stability that will
currently enjoy in the pacesetter State.
• Morohunkola Thomas is the Director – General of the Oyo State
Mobilisation Agency for Socio – Economic Development
