Feb 12 2009
The Shadows of Light
Light casts shadows! Does that sound new to you? Well it need not be, everything good has it’s down sides, that’s why there is a need for management. We need to be able to manage whatever good thing we are doing, in such a way that the negative effects of it are not so brutal. If you really think about it, you can locate a downside for any good thing.
The shadows that light casts are a function of the obstacles on the pathway of light. In the seasons of darkness, when direction is unclear and things are scattered, light brings clarity, brings hope, brings opportunities, but within the pathway of obstacles, the darkness that exists behind these people is hightened. A case study of the shadows that light brings, is what is currently happening in Lagos State Nigeria.
I have never met Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola one on one before, but if I have respect for any of the current political leaders he’s number 1. I live in Lagos, and I have lived here for about 8 straight years, and never have I seen so much development and improvement as I have seen in the last 2yrs. I have tried to imagine what Nigeria would be in 4yrs if we had 36 Fashola’s in our 36 States and 1 correct president, Nigeria will literally fast track to become the most desirable place to live in. I see every sense in relating Fashola with the prayer of the 19th century poet, Josiah Gilbert Holland who fervently prayed – “Give us Men, Men from every rank, fresh and free and frank; Men of thought and reading, Men of light and leading, Men of loyal breeding, The Nation’s welfare speeding; Men of faith and not of fiction, Men of lofty aim in action; Give us Men – I say again, Give us Men!” There is no doubt in my mind, that Fashola is out to be one of such men.
My attraction to him started from his demonstration of humility of moving around the Lagos metropolis without sirens. Deciding that if the traffic makes people go-slow, then he as the administrator must go slow as well. He has then moved on to demonstrate to Lagosians that he’s not just there to occupy the office, but to perform, and he is performing. I can confidently say that if you took pictures of some areas of Lagos 2yrs ago, you would have in your hand today a precious possession because the face of Lagos has changed and is changing. Oshodi is transformed and transforming, the roads are getting better, order is being restored, trust me, only a fool will say nothing is being done! If indeed morning shows the day, then what we have seen in the morning of Fashola’s leadership is an indicator of more to come.
Clearly noteworthy in Lagos state, is the invisible yet strong presence of Asiwaju Tinubu as the leader of the political machine for Lagos and increasingly AC. Fashola is like Solomon, his reign is without war, because he has a father Tinubu like David, who ensured and still ensures that he can focus on administration.
Haven said all these about the light in this administration however, I’ll like to point out that the shadows are fast gathering. The reformation of Osodi, is a wonderful site to behold, but in that same breath, it has thrown a lot of hawkers, and small time market people into petty thieves. Incidents of robbery of laptops, of phones, of one chance rides, of shooting are on the increase. I don’t know if it connects to you, but in the bid to create an ordered environment, the displaced people are taking on other vices.
A colleague of mine had an incident 2 days ago, he was robbed of his laptop, ipod, digital camera, mobile phones and a lot of particulars at gun point. What I found really alarming in the incident however was not the robbery, but the number of accomplices involved. There were at least 3 guys directly dispossessing him of his valueables, there were another at least 3 bike men on standby for the guys to use to escape from the scene as soon as the robbery was done, and there were onlookers not to far whose silence probably meant that they were part of the system. When by the next day, we discoverd that one of his phones had dropped off in a taxi, and the taxi claimed he was working around PWD not far from Oshodi, the entire picture fell into place as I had guessed it. Obstacles in the presence of light were casting shadows.
These are shadows that the present administration in Lagos need to watch out for. I know that a lot of people are being employed in KAI, and I know that there have been many monumental improvements in infrastructure, health, education e.t.c., but we need to pay special attention to ensure that miscreants don’t make a sham of our light. Some recommendations so strong in my mind include empowering the police, creation of state law enforcement agents, leveraging on technology to create quick alert systems, empowering the people to be their brother’s keepers. When the punishment for wrong doing comes late, people carry on pertpertrating ills. What get’s rewarded is what get’s done, and what doesn’t get punished doesn’t stop. The light is shining no doubt, but darkness needs to be found out and smaller lights created to ensure the overall balance of light.
To all else who are in any office that requires the creation of good, it is normal for the shadows of evil to spot every good work. We have to however think through and be deliberate in our management of the ills. Sometimes we can push on inspite of, and sometimes the consequences of ignoring the obvious can destroy the good. Or what do you think?
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If a man hs displaced from one form of business activity…he can move to another legitimate one.
i know many people today who will not engange in crime if they lose their job. The activities of goverment are creating new opportunities. People should not be rigid.
If you are displaced from Oshodi then go somewhere else and pitch tent.
The handwriting had been on the wall since the beggining of this administration. Many people read it but simply assumed the information was for someone else. Their will still be more demolution exercise. If your shop is not well positioned, relocate by choice now….dont wait for fashola to assist you.
It beats me that someone selling on the train track is complaining that he is forced to relocate.
Yes the goverment has a role to play by providing cshioning effects. They should provide alternate shops or trading centres…
The mega city dream must come to reality….yes…with a cost
Oluyemi Adeosun
The efforts of the Governor of Lagos State is commendable and he is indeed a role model in a time where there are few to point out.
We must check these social vices in order to create an environment that we can all live in peacefully.
Well observed Deolu.
I never gave the governor a chance during the elections, but I confess he is doing well and no doubt may even get a “third” term if possible, if he maintains the spirit and doubles his pace of work. In fact, I once imagine a Nigeria where Fashola is the President and Oshiomole the Vice.
Though, I am not Fashola’s spokes man nor media manager/PRO, however, I believe that the smaller lights are in view, only they should be hastened/fast tricked. Though, If one can see through the governor’s eyes, some of the present actions may automatically take care of the shadows they cast. For instance, the demolition of illegal structures may also mean no more hideouts/cover for the area boys. Invariably it may make it easier for the police to round off criminals who may not want to opt for a gainful employment/trade. If you tidy up your house, you and I know you are indirectly dealing with mosquitoes (also malaria) and other pest that may be making life unbearable for you.
I once said to some friends, pulling down the Tejuosho Market and Oshodi Pack (not the express/wayside kiosk) Market simultaneously is not the best, in my opinion, as there are many who have shops in those places and now have no means of sustaining themselves. These should have been executed in phases and where it must be simultaneously done, why not get a transit/temporal market place to sustain these families.
While challenges that these developments pose should never be an excuse for anyone to go into crime (at worst you return to your village if you come from one). However, human mind defers and do not think alike.
As Oshiomolo puts it, (though rephrased by me). If the expected amenities and comforts of life the people expects are in the pipeline and the things in the pipelines are not executed in time the people may be forced to open up the pipe (and that may end up being called vandalization and that is crime). We commend the governor’s actions. However, let the small lights be put in place so we all can enjoy the Lagos of our dream.
@oluyemi adeosun
You know a friend ones commented that the okada man who abuses a car owner really don’t know any better because if he does he won’t be an okada rider in the first instance.
Really, the cost might be high but it’s not negotiable. I fore see in 3 to 5 years a Lagos where only the serious and diligent business owners or GAINfully employed can leave in. So, if you have no business – legal and sustaining doing in Lagos, go develop your village o!
Powerful observations Deolu.
For light to disperse darkness – and serve its purpose, obstacles that cause shadows MUST be removed, though tactfully.
Many former Molue drivers are now driving BRT buses through the engagement of their union in the scheme. Many traders in Tejuosho have been trying to find alternatives around the area. Business must go on.
However, we know you cannot negotiate with evil. Lazy people with crime on their minds will always claim to have been displaced from some mythical ‘Tejuosho’ or ‘Oshodi’. Of course, the chaos that used to be those places made good business for pick-pockets too. So by removing the chaos Fashola has spoiled business.
Ironically, Gbenga Daniel of Ogun state has built a large market in Shagamu and nobody is taking the shops. He’s threatening to close it down.
Sometimes, we are busy staring at closed door to see the new ones just opened.
Kudos to Fashola!
More kudos to Deolu!!
It is no doubt that the Lagos State Government is fast turning Lagos into a Mega City but I still believe the government still needs to do more in some areas. For example, Displaced traders in Oshodi, Agege, Mushin, Badagry and other places should be resettled. Government should make available affordable shops and stalls. The government can even give traders shops/stalls on mortgage to be paid installmentaly over a period of time.
Though joblessness should not be an excuse for engaging in crime, Government should create new jobs and employ people. Government should build factories , industries where people will be gainfully employed.
Eko o ni baje o!!!
A very good observation i must say. If indeed we have 36 fasholas in the country, we can imagine……
But the words of Josiah Gilbert rings loud and clear, God give us men a time like this demands…..
I’m sure that, if Dr. Tai Solarin was alive, he will not hesitate to invite Babatunde Fashola to Mayflower school, or shower praises on him, for when he was alive it was his song, God give us men!
Even at that, it seems a long shot away with the various incidences happening as a result of the sudden transformation of Lagos within two years, the pickpocketing, twilight robbery, etc.
But all in all, i believe that, we shall overcome, just like the Negroes people song that has become a reality in America now.
Nigeria! We shall overcome!
Cheers!
For every action is an equal and opposite reaction. If Fashola’s actions are drastically good, then he should earnestly expect a drastically evil or difficult reaction and must make and effect a plan to deal decisively with it.
Lest we become like some cities in south africa were the residents still wish apartheid never was removed because the political empowerment of the blacks has increased the crime rate about 10-fold.
SECURITY must become the state govt’s priority.
For every action is an equal and opposite reaction. If Fashola’s actions are drastically good, then he should earnestly expect a drastically evil or difficult reaction and must make and effect a plan to deal decisively with it.
Lest we become like some cities in south africa were the residents still wish apartheid never was removed because the political empowerment of the blacks has increased the crime rate about 10-fold.
SECURITY must become the state govt’s priority.
good one CM
Inspite of the work done, some still think Fashola is only planting flowers…. that is amazing to me…
We all need to be extra careful and vigilant since we now know that some unscrupulous elements are out to reck havoc..
I also agree with Busee… Security must become a priority
Thank you for keeping us abreast of happenings in Lagos State. The success of Governor Fashola is founded in the electoral process that brought him to office. Although, not flawless but if Lagos people have allowed themselves to be used by the so called “powers that be” at the centre… we might not probably be seeing what we’re presently experiencing in Lagos.
The point is that when people inanimously choose their leader by themselves, ceteris paribus, he will be committed to the led… I’m also keeping an eye on what Oshiomole is doing in Edo State.
Back to the fallouts of the change process, it is inevitable to have such things coming up like robbery, and other vices. This is where the private sector and corporate organisations sould partner with the government to ensure that it is sustained because they have a stake.
I heard of the recent installation of some surveillance cameras within the metropolis. More rapid reponse vehicles and equipment should be acquired.
The gains cannot be compared with the pains. Let everyone affected reposition themselves and see how they can fit in HONORABLY.
Shalom!
Sir,
But there is another food for thought, how can we sustain what Fashola is doing in Lagos state? The reason for this is because Nigerians have a way of crucifying their leaders (especially the good ones). Note Governor will also have some ill sides that may not be immediately known. But what have we done to the likes of President Obasanjo, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mallam El Rufai who have also done one good thing or another in this country inspite of their negative human tendencies… It really calls for concern. What is really wrong?
Dr Raji Fashola is truly doing a great work. I’ve lived in Lagos almost all through my life. Oshodi is truly transformed as you said. I so much agree on the little lights and alarm option you mentioned so as to curb every illicit act. We should be our brother’s keeper. For the oshodi area to be cleared successfully, I believe installing such alarm devices to quickly apprehend offenders and robbers is very possible. If these are put in place our society would be a better place to live. Very soon by God’s grace it would be a thing of great pride to be a Nigerian. God bless our nation, God bless our hearts.
but most times man needs to take his destiny in his hands and not blame it on people or events. Cos change must certainly take place one day and if they are no prepared how much of excuses will be given.
Welldone Dee.
I think one of Fashola’s next projects should be building standardized, world class prisons, in that case, wrongdoers will be kept under lock and key and still get their basic needs met.
There’s no excuse for going into crime, but people’s brains open up to positive money making ventures when the negative is promptly punished.
We’ll support Fashola all the way, he’s a man with vision.
@topsie
I second you.
Good one Deolu, and inspiring comments so far from many people. It is very clear a lot of informed Nigerians are ready for change despite the attending shadows as you put it.
Brilliant suggestions have been highlighted here, i believe if some of them are implemented by the government there will be solution to the emerging menace.
I have one thought though, some of your articles requires publishing in some national dailies or better still it will be good if you become a columnist too, well what my imagination is capturing is that ”how can we connect more with the government and more people”.
If there is anyone who have access to Governor Fashola’s email, he needs to have a copy of this article plus all the comments so far.
Weldone Deolu and God Bless us all!!!
Weldone bros,
this is one article that is needed for such a time as this. if we really desire a lagos city that can be compared to new york city by all standard, then something has to be done, and there is no other better time than now. Gov Raji Fashola is a man of his words, because though many of us did not really pay attention to the campaigns, but anybody who really did will remember that changing the face of lagos was one of his top priorities. now that he is out there doing everything possible to implement them, i think the best we can do for him is to support and pray for him. Its just so unfortunate that we nigerians hate positive changes, because it requires cost from evryone of us. that is why someone selling bend-down-pick wares on the rail track will go out there panting and ranting over illegal use of what belongs to everyone. to me its pure insanity for anyone to think that gov fashola is depriving them of their “dailybread” when its obvious that fashola is about the only active political office holder in nigeria as of today.
my own candid advice is that the government in all tiers should see to the implementation of every rule of law governing the land. because if every rule of law is seen to execution, all these issue of armed robbery, pick pocketing… will not come to anybody’s mind, because evrybody will know that once you are caught, you pay the price by either a jail term, fine or death penalty. let gov fashola enforce the rule of law, making sure that no offence goes unpunished. the truth of the matter is nigerians really need leaders with iron rod in one hand and a sack of corn in the other… people like uncle segun obasanjo, nuhu ribadu, el rufai. we need active leaders, we need leaders who doesnt have to make consultations before taking action, we need leaders who can stand by their words and be responsible for their actions… i mean, we can’t just afford to go on in this complacency, its simply too expensive! And God has blessed us with so much intelectual prowes that the whole world is just watching wandering what is God doing by sending all these brains to only this part of the world, because all we do is just allow it wasted or use it to develop other nations of the world. its high time nigerians both home and abroad have a rethink and a right mindset towards our fatherland. May God help us.
It is plainly obvious now that the kind of leadership we desire and need all over Nigeria exist within us. We should just be diligent in delivering this quality of leadership all over, not just in Lagos or Edo states.
2011 is around the corner, let us rise to the challenge, let us start to set the stage for this. If you have not, please join the future movement now.
Fashola is making his impact. Let us join hands to shine the little lights in our various ways.
Naija o ni baje ooo.
God bless Nigeria!
well,. i must commend Gov. Fashola’s team for a visionary job in lagos. no doubt the impact is seen throughout the entire state. the only thing is that they should make sure that there must be adequate alternative provision for the displaced before such operations are carried out.
the incidences of robberies and the likes can be minimised if the govrmt makes provisions for the traders before displacing them. nevertheless, i will still support what the Government is doing. i mean, can u guys see oshodi? i never knew the roads were that large! traffic now flows freely although i now biulds up terribly from shogunle side. that confirms the “law of eqilibrium”.
anyway, kudos to fashola and his team.
well observed,Deolu
but i thought an alternative site were prepare for them,which according to hear say the traders complained is expensive for them to acquire/rent, if it is so i advise that the Government of Lagos state should subsidise the price to enable them rent/acquire it, but with this negative rising of theft as a concequence of the good work of our dear governor i am afraid that wasn’t put in place, i think something should be done quickly, because i can remember when we use to sleep with one eye open in Lagos when robery was the order of the day, may we not return to that situation again.
i think this call for the government to take cuation and not cause their good work to be ruin.
@ Deolu
Let all be sure that although light cast shadows, but the children of light and promise will never be caught in the shadow of light,,, rather they will always bear the touch, illuminate and reflect the glory of the light
they’ve always existed, looking for excuse to perpetrate the evil that lies within their heart… I was once robbed just the way your friend was here in Ipaja, and finally when the culprits were caught months after the act, guess where they are from? One from oshodi, one from Mushin and the okada rider was living there in Ipaja and this was during the reigns of Tinubu… three able bodies men, with learned skills and rider was actually an okada rider workin for the one from mushin who actually owns the okada…
this is not a question of being displace by the laudable efforts of Fashola or anybody else, it’s been plain greedy….gullible and convetous….. even if they earn millions everyday, the penny in the hands of a begar wil stil glitter better in their eyes of this people…
waht we must do is pray without ceasing, for men and men that are real…men like you and I that God as raised for His kingdom and glory….
The infallibibility of God that is on the inside of me will never make me a victim of circumstances, nor allow me have an excuse to go wrong.
http://www.babaolowo.blogspot.com
Dear Deolu,
Well said. My exact thoughts may be not as elaborate as you’ve made us realise. We all long for a properous Nation it all starts with cleaning up our environment making the most basic amenities available like good motorable roads with accompanying aesthetics in place. We now have functional parks where people can go and hang out with their families and friends but with attendant risks( how safe is it to do so?)
It’s good you’ve brought this issues to light but I’m sure the Governor of Lagos State is aware of the gravity of the problem associated with the good things he is doing. I think this is where NGOs, corporate organizations and everybody who has a stake in Lagos State should come together with the aim of contributing or providing means of creating a solution to these problems.
how nice to see a fellow man, in particular a nigerian who could appreciate the works of another man who as the same number of brain cell as well as he does. he is just blessing to this people.
thieves and thugs will always be themselves it should not be a deterrent to the good work Fashola is doing. I believe we should cross a social infrastructure development bridge first then follow-up with resolving crisis it will generate
Honest to God, Gov. Fashola is doing well in Lagos ‘te gan ko’. His performance so far is crystal clear that he is good leader with a right sense of purpose. As regard the security instability in lagos, i will recommend that the government should please introduce the state police that can help fast track any anomaly carried out by men of the underworld.
“EKO oni baje ooo…”
Once again, you lucidly brought your points across and in a very timely manner; may God continue to endow you with the management of time (I know this is the most critical resource for some of us)to enable you accomplish more for your generation.
Gov. Fashola is a bright light in the midst of deep darkness and I sincerely hope others can take a cue from him. It’s now very clear that thinks can work if we put our minds and resouces to it. Recently, I drove from my office (Obanikoro) to Oregun and it took me only 16 minutes; did I hear you say impossible? But that was what happened! A colleague told me to just drive through Ojota and where I thought I was likely to ‘spend’ the whole day was free and wait for it; clean.
I am beginning to feel very proud of Asiwaju Tinubu who backed this ‘dark horse’ in the race to the Governmnet house. I also know that most of the people who contested against him have spoken of him with
high regards.
Concerning security threats and crime, now is the time to speed up the survellance system that I learnt the governor intends to put in place. Poverty alleviation programs coupled with economical empowerment must be a major focus. It will be very bad if we leave in a clean, working and structured enviroment only to be hedged in by crime!
http://www.9jafans.com – It’s all about football
It is really a pity that people capitalise on progress for immoral and disdain activities. As an incurable optimist, this is expected and that i think should not discourage Fashola. I will suggest he swings into action to suppress this nefarious activities by these capitalist of evil.
He should be aware which i suppose he is, that in no time, these people will fade away like vapour as long as he continues to do what he is doing and arresting the situation.
I will also suggest that at this time everybody should rally around the Gorvernor to help him combat this crime. Howevewr a system should be in place to curb these act now.
God bless Lagos state
God bless Nigeria
God bless Adeolu Akinyemi
God bless all of us
Good post…
We hope for a definitely positive change
it’s well o.
Lagos becoming a MEGA city is a dream come true. Fashola is doing a great job in Lagos. Kudos to you sir!
Fashola is doing a great job and anyone who thinks he will go into crime because he has been stopped from selling on the street will soon go to where he belongs-prison. no matter the level of illegality it can never be legal, no mater the context we look at it. lagos is a mega city and must be a mega city. Mind you, they still have prisons in God’s own country and people dont go there for excursion!
eko o ni ba je(lagos no go spoil).God will bless Fashola. that man is really a blessing to Lagosians. if it can happen in lagos, then it can happen anywhere else in Naija.
I think it a great revolution for Nigeria. when Gov. Fashola came on board, we heard diverse views but today he is proving them wrong. its important we visit older post so we know where we stand and see where we need make amends.
its important we strike a balance in the face of all these developments. it is good we give the environment a face lift but our people are not enemies of goodwill, so the government should strike a balance between change and maintaining the standard of living.
well done Gov. Fasola
great job BABA DEOLU. you are a rare gem.
we have prayed for God to answer our prayers but it is also important for us to know that the prayers have already been answered or how else can you explain what is happening in lagos for example? i believe this country has all it takes to be the most desireable country to live in by 2025 but all other governors should emulate what fashola is doing. its not all about the power and stealing states money but also about leaving a long lasting legacy for all to see. is it too much to ask?