O’DATIWA: THE METAPHOR FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE By: Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq
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O’DATIWA: THE METAPHOR FOR ALL-INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE By: Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq
Since the emergence of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the governor of Ondo State, various groups, intellectuals, and political organizations have sought to understand the true meaning of his names, “Aiyedatiwa” and “Orimisan.” While many have easily interpreted “Orimisan” as “good head,” uncovering the contextual meaning of “Aiyedatiwa” has proven to be more challenging. This becomes even more important when considering the governor’s campaign mantra, “O’datiwa,” which is also the rallying slogan for his candidacy under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming November 16th governorship election.
What Does O’datiwa Connote?
On September 2nd, at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Alagbaka, Akure, when Governor Aiyedatiwa launched the disbursement of N335 million for student scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance, the meaning of “O’datiwa” began to crystallize in my mind.
The N335 million allocation covered four main categories for students from Ondo State studying in various tertiary institutions across Nigeria:
1. Scholarship Awards: Students with a CGPA of 4.0 and above (on a 5.0 scale) or 3.5 and above (on a 4.0 scale) will receive N100,000 each.
2. Bursary Disbursement: All eligible students will receive N20,000 each.
3. Financial Assistance for Law School Students: Students in the Nigerian Law School will receive N100,000 each.
4. Financial Assistance for Medical Students: Medical students undergoing clinical studies will receive N100,000 each.
5. Financial Assistance for Physically Challenged Students: Students with physical challenges will receive N75,000 each.
A total of 11,220 students of Ondo State origin are expected to benefit from this initiative.
The announcement of N75,000 in financial assistance for physically challenged students was particularly moving. When Mr. Akinbadejo Sunday who has hearing impediment was called to receive his cheque, I found myself reflecting, “This is true all-inclusive governance.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa is demonstrating that even the most vulnerable in society will not be left behind. Like many other initiatives of his administration, this is another example of his commitment to inclusivity. From the very formation of his government, Governor Aiyedatiwa has insisted on representing all interests within the progressive fold.
So, just yesterday, I finally grasped the true contextual meaning of the governor’s campaign slogan and the short form of his name, “O’datiwa, Odirorun.”
Indeed, in practice, context, and manifestation, “O’datiwa, Odirorun” simply translates to “All-Inclusive Governance with Ease.”
Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication
September 3, 2024
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