21/09/2024
Avoseh Johnson Cornerstone; When God Says It's Time.
The race to the Local Government Area election in Ogun State has been very intriguing and dramatic as it can. It has been very adversarial and acting true to its nature. This year's LG election comes with different dramas and dimension, maybe on the account of Supreme Courts Judgment on the LG's financial autonomy and in the same breath granting Local Government Areas third tier status in Nigeria. As such, this particular upcoming election has witnessed every tom, dick and harry throwing their hats into the ring.
Ordinarily, LG as strategic as it is, should be a bastion of development for any nation that is desirous of the the bottom-up approach to development. It is the closest to the people and should be manned by strategic thinkers. It is in this light that I view the nomination and candidature of Avoseh Johnson Akohomen better known as CORNERSTONE. Cornerstone is no stranger to the local governmentt race. This cycle of election should be his third attempt, if not more. His cutter razer was in 2012. The events and the intriguing power tussle culminating in his eventual emergence as the APC candidate signifies one thing; It can only be God. For the dream to now manifest at a time when we've almost forgotten about it is a testament that THINGS TAKES TIME (TTT). To Wale Elegbede , Julius Babatunde Oyedokun , Dr Akanni Tunde Abioro , Idris Oladapo Oladokun , Akande Samuel , it has been a long walk. Take all your flowers individually.
As someone who had been a supervisor in the same LG before now, a member of OGTV management board during the first term of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Cornerstone is no stranger to government and governmental processes. Haven also been in private enterprise overtime, he has developed good interpersonal skills in relating with everyone. All these should come in handy in the administration of the local government. With a degree in Public Administration, a masters in Public Administration with specialisation in LG Administration (in view) and with Diploma in Criminal Justice Administration, Avoseh Johnson is firmly in good stead and sufficiently equiped to practice what he has learnt overtime theoretically by leading Ipokia Local Government Area justly, firmly and fairly. I believe Cornerstone is on solid ground to develop a road map of sustainable development, thereby entrenching a virtuous cycle of human capital development across the 12 wards of our dear Local Government Area.
As I often touted, governance is not really a rocket science, especially when you are truthful and sincere with yourself and the people. Being a progressive personified personality, I believe Avoseh Johnson understands the essence and imperative of transformative leadership at no better time than this. I have no doubt that under his leadership, Ipokia Local Government will witness a quantum leap developmentally. His previous stint at the council should be enough guide on how to relate with carrear officers. He would need to up the ante and upstage the systemic dysfunction ravaging that level of government. Those officers are necessary ( fill the gap) that can make or mar his leadership.
As a political actor himself, Avoseh Johnson should understand that the management of political leaders and actors is sine qua non to his success. He must understand that within that ecosystem, proper management of both private and public expectations is of necessity.
With my relationship with him over time and going through his concise and precise working document, I have no doubt that he understands the basic needs of our people and how to make them come to fruition. I have no hesitation in recommending him for the number One job in our local government because with him, there's abiding hope in future possibilities in the local government. He's a breath of fresh air. I believe Cornerstone will offer new perspectives beyond the perennial same of the same. With Cornerstone, those existential challenges confronting us as people will not be left to fester. Cornerstone's depth is not in 6 as his focus and knowledge. As knowledgeable as he is, I also believe he understands that no one is an island knowledge wise. The expectation will definitely be huge, but I believe he will pull through taping from the wisdom of all the elders. This is not the time to burn bridges but to build more. Ipokia should be first in his mind henceforth. One good thing about Cornerstone candidature is that it's cross appealing. Be it ethnically, demography wise, or party's affiliation. The general opinion has been that he's a round peg in a round hole.
As for me, being of my generation and a good friend who was part of the forerunners of the originating idea back in 2010, telling him basic truth via appropriate medium and avenue is a task that must be done. Now that God has picked his call, it is his turn to pick up the calls of the good people of Ipokia Local Government Area via sustainable development. I believe you will. For now, getting into the campaign groove after documentation with OGSIEC culminating in November 16th off the radar is the real deal. It's time to get to work. Congratulations, Avoseh Johnson Akohomen. It's indeed God's time.
Tayo Oyekanmi
