By BANKOLE SIMEON
Every mortal on the surface of the earth has a particular date they look forward to. The date may be a remembrance of a milestone or just that the date is distinct and brings cherished memories. To remember a date, or look forward to such a special date or day brings unimaginable feelings which only the person concerned can express in varying dimensions. It could be a red letter day, a day to celebrate, a time of sober reflection, or a season to put smiles on weeping faces.
For a public servant like myself to break the law or flout a directive, it must mean that it is either I enjoy some immunity, which I confer on myself, contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, or that I deliberately choose to display ignorance of the extant rule of the Public Service, where some sections espouse the consequences of gross indiscipline as summary dismissal. In this case, I would not be sanctioned because of my conferred status as a prospective retiree who will in few months from now metamorphose into a Senior Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (SCFRN).
It beats my imagination that an administrator who is cerebral in every sense of the word would not want us to amplify it as her landmarks are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. The breeze from the air God gifted mankind is a testament to the awesome deeds of everyone who has the privilege to cross path with this woman of inestimable value, who God is presently using to rewrite the history books of the NYSC, Ondo State. The aura of liberty, which is blowing across all Branches and Units, can hardly be described. Every organisation or institution deserves the kind of leaders they have, and it is pertinent to say that the past seven months, since the assumption of office of the 22nd Chief Executive Officer of the noble Scheme in Ondo State, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, who is fondly referred to as ‘Smiling Dove’, has always served a seven star reception and topnotch treatment to corps members and staff alike.
We may not want to go into history books for want of time and lack of space, or delve into specifics, but it is imperative to silently tell the world that both Muslims who celebrated the Eid-el-Fitr two weeks ago, and Christians who are looking forward to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter, would testify to the large heart, laced with human milk of kindness and generosity of this cheerful giver who oversees the noble Scheme as the eighth female Amazon in the saddle. It would not be a misplaced priority for record purpose to say that what the staff had as ‘Christmas Gift’ has increased the tempo of their ever rising commitment. If you care to know additional information on the best treatments ever in recent times? Please contact @ kubby for real via your google.
Thank God that I am not a politician but a loyal public servant who is enjoying some immunity for crossing the red line, I would have announced to the world that old structures and facilities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, are receiving adequate attention at all times. The lyrics from Afrobeat originator that water is everywhere but none to drink does not have a place in our dictionary as the existing boreholes were flushed to give colourless, tasteless, odourless water for the entire camp community; the confirmation of the popular saying that water is life has lent credence to the Hadith which says that the best of mankind is he who brings benefit to others.
We may not want to go into history books for want of time and lack of space, or delve into specifics, but it is imperative to silently tell the world that both Muslims who celebrated the Eid-el-Fitr two weeks ago, and Christians who are looking forward to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter, would testify to the large heart, laced with human milk of kindness and generosity of this cheerful giver who oversees the noble Scheme as the eighth female Amazon in the saddle.
The peaceful and serene environment, devoid of disease outbreak has equally encouraged the State Coordinator to construct a massive soak away pit and sewage system that has redesigned the landscape of the camp. The project which gulped huge amount of money, was not intended for public consumption but as a service to humanity. However, it is better to blow one’s trumpet if no one does.
Effective communication should be a tool for leaders and administrators, but some high flying executives believe that the moment you communicate effectively, you can achieve all you desire while forgetting that human relation takes a whole lot to make communication work. The ‘Smiling Dove’ values relationship more than mere communication, and she is constantly and continuously using this attribute to break new grounds. Commencement of the payment of monthly stipend by the Ondo State Government is a pointer to this outstanding achievement.
It is often said that some leaders are Public Relations Officers but not Human Relations Officers. This is not the case with Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, as she has visited all stakeholders of the Scheme in the State, and enjoyed tremendous support and assistance from them, as well as embracing and accommodating those who are willing to key-in into the vision of the founding fathers and the opportunities provided by the Scheme. While some leaders are autocratic under the guise of being firm, our amiable administrator par excellence, the State Coordinator believes so much in participatory leadership where all opinions are respected no matter who offers such.
I may not be competent to speak on the personal attributes of this compassionate mother and result-driven team lead in the Sunshine State, but if morning shows the day, I want to say that I am in the best position to say that the State Coordinator is a keen listener who is slow to anger. A humility personified and a personality with a strong character that you cannot but admire and love. She is a blessing to humanity as she radiates a personality with special and uncommon attributes of according honour and respect to all and sundry.
A deep religious and pious person who is extremely charitable. No wonder one remembers Chief Ebenezer Obey’s song, which says that before you appoint someone to a position of authority and honour in society, he or she must be a good person. No wonder, the top management of the Scheme saw her conduct as a cool-headed administrator who has carved a niche for herself as a goal-getter when it comes to managing difficult situations, and delivering positive results under intense pressures. These attributes and qualifications positioned Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare for the higher responsibility that was bestowed upon her as the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps in Ondo State.
How I wish I could get and present garlands to the Smiling Dove but I want to align myself to the saying of the Holy Bible as recorded in Jeremiah 35: 10, which says that we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed. As children of Jonadab obeyed the commandment of their father as refused to drink the wine, I, likewise want to obey my State Coordinator by not giving publicity to April 16th, which happens to be a day of celebration to her.
Happy birthday and congratulations, Ma.
*Simeon is Head, Information and Public Relations Office, NYSC, Ondo.
