by Rotimi Ogungbola

Late Olusola Saraki is the only Nigerian politican that has the most organized and well structured philanthropy system

One year after exit, from far and near, the structural reforms of late Dr Olusola Saraki continue to enjoy draw serious commendations to the extent that such reforms are becoming essential pillars maintained by political structures in order to ensure easy sustenance and development in their systems.  As written in an article in Nigerian Vanguard, “Senator Olusola Saraki’s score in contemporary Nigerian politics is unprecedented. No Nigerian senator living or dead fathered two senators.” Clean, clear, stated records put Late Olusola Saraki as a frontliner whose standards surpass his contemporaries, penetrating the present. Thus, it is of course not surprising that his death has provoked an continuous outpouring of commendations on the legacy of the great political titan.

“Father of political participation”, “philanthropist”, “father of transparency”, “A humble friend and father of the masses” among other names are used in describing the Ilorin born politician. Participation is at the core of governance, every member of the social order inherently requires some level of inclusion- unfortunately for Nigerians at this period, the long tough military rule didn’t allow public inclusion in governance- this was a period when Dr Olusola Saraki in his wealth of political wisdom and core interest in the masses had to exercise participation. Even though at some point, Saraki was threatened by military government, and at some point detained, he never allowed the intimidation created by force silent his strength, which is public inclusion in governance. Saraki’s ideology of participation has helped facilitate real social exchange between the masses and government,  adjustments and reduce the potential tension associated  with the transition from the military era into democrary.

Being part of Senator Bukola Saraki’s entourage to Ekiti in a condolence visit to the Ekiti state government, sometime back in the year; governor Kayode Fayemi made a salient comment while responding to Senator Bukola Saraki- he commended the Saraki family describing the family as  “family of statemen beyond party difference.” Fayemi made this statement recognizing the huge effort of Late Dr Olusola Saraki in the creation of Ekiti state.  Moreover, for advanced  growth, facing the challenges of marginalization and sectionalism is required in a range of sectors in  order to deal with prospective imbalacnes. Even though such changes take time to  implement and take effect, the idea of  “oneness” beyond boundaries are realities that can be attained as Dr Olusola Saraki by Olusola Saraki.

It  takes a shared commitment and cooperation to support the public goal, among other things, participatory, transparent and accountable. One of Nigeria’s political and economic priorities is to reduce poverty to the bearest minimum, perhaps the most popular of his lagacies, philanthropy is a core of late Dr Olusola Saraki’s legacy; records have it that, Late Olusola Saraki is the only Nigerian politican that has the most organized and well structured philanthropy system. Saraki’s ideology of philanthropy is at various levels and it covers all, ranging from education, social welfare, health, youth development, aged welfare among others. Beyond giving, Saraki goes extra mile to reading the emotions of his supporters and followers, in order to ensure happinessand satisfaction in them, giving strong hope about life.

Oh…so it’s a year! It’s actually a year that Dr Olusola Saraki passed on, and the echo of his legacies is as loud as ever! Dr Olusola Saraki’s legacies are still alive, the whole political structure of Kwara state depends on his legacies, according to a common saying among Kwarans “we belong to no party in Kwara, Saraki is our party, where he goes, we follow”. Baba didn’t not only create legacies that are sufficient enough to translate the sufferings of Kwarans to better life, but also created an institution of men and women who practice these legacies. It’s one year really, but his good and contructive legacies still crowd the political system. Sun re o, Oloyeee!

 

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.