The essence of democracy is choosing leaders who can make a difference and making them accountable for their actions and inactions. Globally, this is the most prevalent form of governance.

Occupancy of elective or appointive public office is all about improving the welfare of citizens; and since governance is about impacting positively on the lives of constituents and developing the country, the critical difference between a government that delivers democratic dividends and one that does not is the quality and far-sightedness of its leaders. Without democracy, leadership for the purpose of socio-economic and political development cannot be attainable. The importance of governance in socio-economic and political development is incontestable.

However, for governance to be valuable and reactive, elected and appointed public officials must set agenda based on priority items that have a bearing on the welfare of their constituents. They must be mindful of the needs of the people and work towards qualitatively providing for these needs within the framework of available resources. It is the accomplishment of these obligations that makes a government to be socially responsible and in tune with the realities on ground and the aspirations of the governed.

A major aim of governance should be the total welfare of his constituents, physical, mental and physical wellbeing which is a comprehensive package that is intertwined and a general support for programmes and legislations that will enhance quality of life. The synergy between the above is that with an intelligent and purposive application of exertion of the body and the mind, individuals are capable of exploiting natural resources for constructive utilisation and consumption and capital outlay with the reinforcement of higher possibilities in the Nigerian environment.

Also, in the era of globalisation, deregulation, liberalisation, democratisation and other emerging local, national and international socio-economic challenges at all levels and tiers of government, there is the need for strategic preparation and positioning to benchmark programmes and projects to meet global standards and ensure effective deliverance of democratic dividends. The application of the mechanism of participatory and inclusive system of governance will ensure that projects of immense benefits to people are designed, implemented, executed and delivered to the end users, with joint monitoring through community participation.

It is against this backdrop that the importance of Bukola Saraki’s eight years in Kwara State can be assessed. He was able to record far reaching successes in the areas of agriculture, construction of roads, education, poverty alleviation, attraction of foreign investments, public-private sector partnership, aviation development, staff advancement and rural development unseen in the history of the state.

On assumption of office in May, 2003, Saraki went straight to work with his new team, trying to discover the potentials of the state, which obviously has no oil to fetch it mega bucks with which it can embark on rapid infrastructure development.

By the end of 90 days, the governor came up with a blueprint on his famous agriculture scheme, which has now popularised Kwara as an sgriculture state and in the process developed the grassroots through mechanised farming. A visit to Shonga and Share axis of the state, in Ifelodun Local Government Area, revealed the extent to which Saraki has utilised agriculture through the experienced Zimbabwe farmers to lay a foundation for the future of Kwara State.

By 2004, the project had taken off and the impact became noticeable across the country. He the won the prestigious Thisday Governor of the Year Award the same year, and subsequently devoted his energy to other sectors of the economy.

Over the years 2003 to 2011, Governor Saraki worked tirelessly to impact on the lives of Kwarans in different sectors of the economy amidst dwindling federal allocation and low internal revenue generated.

Across the three senatorial districts (North, Central and South), his administration has been able to lay a precedence which will be difficult to match by other administrations for a long time to come.

Indeed, in the past seven years, the state has witnessed unprecedented achievements in all sectors.

Kwara has never had it so good--the agriculture revolution which has gotten thousands of Kwarans employed, the Ganmo electricity upgrade feat, which has boosted power supply in the state, the Kwara State University, which takes care of Kwara students, development of township and intra-state roads, fly-overs, upgrade of water works, thus, improving water supply, construction of cargo terminal at Ilorin International Airport, and overall improvement in the health sector, which culminated in the rating of Kwara as the best state in North Central in polio campaign.

Also, massive provision of transformers for rural electrification; reconstruction of Ilorin Stadium complex, establishment of College of Aviation and Kwara Football Academy, establishment of Kwara State University (multi-campus in Osi, Malete and Kaiama; expansion of Asa dam in Ilorin thus, increasing the volume of water for daily need of kwarans; establishment of Shonga dairy and chicken farm. In addition are provision of irrigation for all year round farming in the state; establishment of diagnostic centre and vocational centre in Ajasse- ipo; construction of mandate housing estates and construction of millennium square.

Unsurprisingly, it is against this backdrop of performance and recognition of his versatility that he was unanimously chosen as the chairman of the Governor’s forum. Instantaneously, he was able to formulate a realistic agenda for the forum, dwelling on the encouragement of a healthy business climate in terms of economic growth, support programmes and legislations that will enhance quality of life, creating a responsible workforce, and providing adequate training opportunities, provide safe and healthy environment and communities, as well as play an active role in job creation.

This agenda also entailed the provision of a rule for casting a critical eye over government expenditure (with the more inclusive involvement of legislature, community and traditional institutions in governance ) and consequently, eliminating unnecessary expenditure and saving taxpayers more money by running an efficient government.

Dr Saraki’s all inclusive, consultative and participatory style, a deviation from the power approach of the past has led to the development of a more united, formidable and respected forum with an attendant reduction in the incidence of the inter-party crises, infighting, power tussle, etc of the past. A foresighted and prescient individual, he has unveiled a passion for progressive ideas, values and strategies in governance that will aid socio-economic and political progress.

In the words of Issac Newton, ”if I have seen further its because I am standing on the shoulder of giants.” Governor Saraki did not stand on the shoulders of giants; he came with determination and purpose and has left an indelible mark in Kwara State.