By Muhammad Abdul-wahab
Standing before thousands, making your aspirations known, undergoing rigorous campaign exercises, winning over your opponent, and enduring the other challenges of the election process—all these reflect your boldness and courage. A big congratulations to you all.
However, success as a leader won’t be complete without fulfilling the promises and expectations tied to your assumed positions. All responsibilities must be carried out with due care and diligence. A leader becomes worthy of praise, honor, and respect through righteousness and diligence. That’s why the Urhobo people refer to God as “Oghenetaga” meaning “one who is worthy of praise and worship.”
Following the swearing-in of the 2024/2025 academic session’s Student Union executives on the 6th of August, 2024, many expectations have been building in the minds of Unilorites. These expectations are heightened by the enormous challenges faced during the previous administration under Comrade Ologundudu Joseph (Royal Prince)
From the words you spoke, filled with determination on manifesto day, press night, and during the swearing-in, I hope Mr. President can still recall all that he proclaimed. Is he preparing to take all the necessary steps and decisions? Were the promises sincere? Is the zeal to do better (or even the best) still intact? Is he ready to serve Unilorites and not expect to be served? Is he a leader who knows the way, shows the way, and leads by example? Will our hopes and expectations be fulfilled under his administration? I hope everything stated during the manifesto, press night debate, and campaign were not mere lies (Iro lasan).
All other officeholders should simultaneously ask themselves these rhetorical questions as well. You all owe us a duty to perform your respective roles and responsibilities. You should make a smart move in implementing your actions, as this administration is named after it from birth.
In my investigation during the last election that led to your victory, a vibrant Unilorite struggling to vote on the school portal due to network issues rhetorically asked, “What are we going to benefit, sef? When they emerge victorious, they will start acting like big boys and girls, too big to greet, expecting us to greet them, forgetting all their promises to us.” After much pondering on this sarcastic yet thought-provoking question, I said, “We will soon find out. No one has the answers yet, what we Unilorites are going to benefit, only God knows. Let’s wait and see, and may we live to witness it in goodness.”
In all, “Of the greatest Shawon, Shiwon, Sherubawon, Greatest Gbagba, and Gbogbo” is now to be proven. The oratory contest has passed; action is next. The student populace is already sensing the aroma and is eager to partake in the delicious meal to be prepared by this administration.
The dream of Unilorites is to have a more conducive and safe environment, fair treatment of students, non-stressful transportation, an inclusive sports scheme, adequate water and electricity supply, market price stabilization, efficient and stress-free academic session, transparency in addressing lecturers’ discrepancies, departmental and faculty funds extortion, press freedom, accountability, transparency, and smart governance.
To our leaders, remember that Nigeria is currently battling many challenges. We are not happy with the present state of the economy; we feel cheated, and our opinions are often disregarded. This is not what we want from you—the new stars of our Union. Though perfection is unattainable, and challenges will come, we pray that you overcome them. “For, after every hardship, comes ease.” May the Almighty see you through and help you set a good example for our fathers in government and future leaders.
And to our honorable senators, especially the Senate President, kindly represent us well. You are lawmakers, not lawbreakers. Set the standard and do not be blinded by power, which is only temporary. To all executives and SRCs, your current position was once occupied by someone else, and another person will take your place after your administration. Do well so that you can be worthy of praise, not otherwise. What one does is what one will be remembered for.
Lastly, to my fellow smart Unilorite, your candidate might have lost, but such is life. Many opportunities are yet to come. Let’s put aside sentiment, be open-minded, and not be selfish or destructive. Let our expectations for this administration be positive, filled with love and patience.
This isn’t just a ceremonial passage of power; it’s a clarion call to action. May this administration rise to the occasion, transforming challenges into opportunities and leaving a lasting legacy that future leaders will strive to emulate.
