The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki wants
Nigerian leaders to step out of the normal leadership sphere and make
extraordinary impact on Nigerians by adopting more impactful leadership
strategies. It has always been the desire of Saraki for Nigerians to enjoy
enormous dividends of democracy which they have been bereft of for so long.
Saraki says since he assumed office as the presiding
officer of the 8th Senate on the 9th of June 2015, his focus has been to build
an effective and efficient legislature that directly impacts the lives of all
Nigerians.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on
Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki emphasized the role of the
legislature in a young democracy like Nigeria is often misconstrued; hence, it
is necessary for the National Assembly to work towards positively influencing
the lives of all Nigerians through its powers of lawmaking, oversight and
advocacy.
Throughout his period
as the governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011, he ensured that he led
reforms in agriculture, health, education, finance and environment policy. One of his major achievements was inviting
displaced White farmers from Zimbabwe to Kwara State and offering them an
opportunity to farm. This led to the establishment of Shonga Farms Programme,
which is being replicated across Nigeria. His charisma among his fellow
governors got him appointed Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
During his tenure,
Kwara became the first state to complete the Nigeria Independent Power Project;
he introduced new health programmes including a state-wide campaign in 2008 to
reduce maternal and child mortality from malaria; he introduced agricultural
policy reforms to increase the commercial viability of farming, and also the
volume of exports to international markets; he led significant and state-wide
infrastructural development including improvements at the Ilorin International
Airport Cargo Terminal, extensive road construction, and development of new
sporting facility such as the Kwara Football Academy.
Saraki adopted an
extraordinary leadership strategy that gave him the credence that the people of
Kwara State will benefit greatly from his leadership prowess which actually
came to reality.
Saraki as the Senate
President has ensured that the constitution is reviewed for the overall benefit
of Nigerians. He is passionate about human development and was strongly behind
all the bills that serve the interest of Nigerians so that they will unearth
the ripple of excitement in Nigeria and put a grin on the faces of Nigerians.
As the days become dark
and the nights become dreary, Saraki wants Nigerian leaders from all aspects to
make potent impact on Nigerians no matter the sacrifice required. He wants them
to put the interest of the public above personal and political interest and adopt
pragmatic leadership strategies that will not only foster development, tranquillity
and transform Nigeria, but will also leave indelible marks in the lives of Nigerians
and their names will be written in the “good books” of Nigerians never to be
expunged.
By Terfa Naswem