As I drive through the streets of Lagos I cannot but feel a deep sense of gladness, joy and appreciation all rolled into one. I see a man’s dream quickly but surely come alive. Then it occurred to me that the name Fashola must actually mean Fast and Surely. The first time I really started paying attention to Fashola was when I listened to his interview with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on “Moments with Mo”. He spoke with so much intelligence, sincerity and a sense of Purpose. He spoke about his dreams for a new Lagos. I realized that paying attention to little things in life could mean so much. Frankly speaking when Fashola first mentioned the idea of creating sidewalks in Lagos, I did not know how they could incorporate them into our existing uniquely and unusually constructed roads. The beauty of it is not that they are actually being constructed, they are being beautifully done and being built to last. To say I am impressed is to say the least. The landscaping and infrastructural beautification of Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way takes my breath away. I can visualize the final outcome already. Everywhere you go there is some sort of renewal being done with very good quality. The only shoddy workmanship I noticed is those dividers used on lovely roads including those on western avenue for BRT lanes as well as those badly constructed gutters. The dividers lack any real symmetry or aesthetics. They leave very little to be desired.

This is not to say that the improvements have not been without pain for some of the citizens of Lagos, I inclusive. Early this year I had my signs removed from my Ikoyi office without proper warning and in spite of the fact that I paid for those signs up to December last year and I had collected the LASAA forms and paid the initial fees for this year. I realize that some agents are unreasonable and overzealous in the discharge of their duties. I am sure that some people who have had their buildings or sheds pulled down to make way for proper environmental standardization would actually be in pain. But then again the popular parlance says beauty is pain. I guess having a Lagos we can all be proud of comes with some sacrifices on everybody’s part. People are actually clamoring to pay their taxes now. It is to be expected. People are sensitive to someone who cares and demonstrates integrity. The street signs another example.

I wish many of our Governors could borrow a leaf from Fashola or should I say Fast and Surely? I wish they could stop executing populist agenda and unsustainable projects without real planning. When I think of Fashola, I imagine it’s because he wasn’t trying to be Governor at all cost. Governorship happened to Fashola and he is setting a standard of how to make the best opportunity that comes your way. All these Governors should realize that it is not because Fashola is exceptionally brilliant but because he his brilliant enough to allow fantastic ideas within his administration to see the light of day and provides the right financial muscle to bring them to pass. He provides the sincere leadership that people can relate to. He also lives every day like the Bible commands. “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom”. He seems to live every day as if it could be the last. I hear the man is not working like he would be

 there for second term. The truth is that if Fashola continues like this, he can continue to reign in Lagos unopposed. I am sure this is the view of many progressives.

Fashola is a man after my own heart. He shuns sycophants and uncivilized behavior like blowing sirens to get past the already oppressed citizens of the state who are grappling with traffic. Imagine a governor who asked people to donate to orphanages rather than place congratulatory adverts for his birthday or buy him ostentatious gifts. I can bet that people did not give to those orphanages; there will be no contracts from them. It is always about what is in it for them. Would you believe that OBJ has celebrated a birthday since he stopped being President. I am sure there was no legislature against the usual adverts, it just was not a financially viable an investment for the companies who would ordinarily have placed those adverts. Fashola celebrated his birthday in his office with prayers. His wife was wearing a T-shirt and a face cap. This man is blessed; he even has a wife that has self esteem and brains.

There is still a lot of work to be done but we can now see that it is possible. This step by step approach with enduring legacies being installed will outlive this administration. I am truly proud of this man Fashola. When I remember that we went to the same university, it is therefore not surprising that he exhibits so much class, finesse and purpose driven governance. Up you! Please keep the flag flying. We shall continue to pray for you and support you. I believe the best is yet to come. It will come fast and surely, the Fashola style. Stay focused. Thank you.

Robot  # 1 | 19.01.2009 07:17

I am truly proud of this man Fashola. When I remember that we went to the same university, it is therefore not surprising that he exhibits so much class, finesse and purpose driven governance. Up you! Please keep the flag flying. ...Read the full article.

denker  # 2 | 19.01.2009 09:30

dokito Ajayi, stop with immediate alacrity dis ass-licking-sycophanting-publication on dis forum(NVS), i don tire..i no go lie! ..sorry had to attack your humble self, there's absolute nothing in your article worth commenting...just crap! :evil::rant:

Olu Affairs  # 3 | 19.01.2009 10:25

The good doctor only said, at long last someone with brains and seemingly good intentions and genuine concern for the welfare of the ordinary folk finally made it through the deep and murky waters of Nigerian politics to the top. Not only that, he is actually doing the job he was elected and being paid for. Compare that with those who have just a mass of cotton wool for brain in between their two ears. Put on the same pedestal as the likes of Alao Pakala and the rest of em, this gentleman's qualities actually shines through.

agbajo owo  # 4 | 19.01.2009 12:48

Let this article be the beginning of a change of tactics in the village square on charting a way for our dear country. It is obvious we are not achieving much talking about the destroyers. Our genuine counsels are seen as antagonism and opposition. It is also obvious that we are not singing praise of achiever enough. It is my strong conviction that by eulogising the achievers living and dead, old and young we shall convince the young ones that people appreciate dedicated selfless services irrespective of what the government do or whom they “honour” (sorry I mean dishonour). Journalists are falling over themselves to interview the Babangida, Akhigbes, Orji Kalus but I can't remember when last I read anything about Baba Jakande, one of the greatest achievers in public office to date. CONCLUSION: It is hereby decreed (sorry most of my education was under military rule) that no more mentioning of Obasanjo, Babangida, Orji Kalu and the likes in this Village Square!:hail:

aguabata  # 5 | 19.01.2009 16:59

Fashola is miles ahead of so many other Governors in Nigeria, we should praise him but without bringing down our standards. We are quite gullible and a little sense amongst our heartless leaders is magnified a thousand fold. I bet cronyism still goes on in his government, I'm sure the governor has the last word on who gets a contract/job. people like me will appreciate someone who tries to change our fundamentals.

Dapxin  # 6 | 19.01.2009 19:09

people like me will appreciate someone who tries to change our fundamentals sum. total. well putted.

E_Pluribus_Unum  # 7 | 19.01.2009 19:36

Gov. Fash , main man future thinking fellow. We need more people like him.

blackdragon1  # 8 | 20.01.2009 07:52

Imagine what Nigeria can be like within 5 years, if all Governors, Commisioners and Local Government Chairmen could be like that man called Babs Fashola(The Actualiser)? It would be nice if the Rivers State Government understudied the transformation that is going on in Lagos and emulated accordingly. Fashola's government put in a functional transportation system in place (BRT). The Rivers State Governor means well for his state, but he needs to be more methodical and meticulous in implementing his vision. The recent ban in Okada business was premature as it is now very obvious that an effective alternative mass transit is yet to be put in place.....resulting in increased level of discomfort amongst Port-Harcourt citizens due to grossly inadequate transport vehicle and inadequate roads. Simple tasks like carpentry/plumbing issues can no longer be addressed efficiently because my carpenter/plumber now needs 3 hrs(as against 1 hr prioir to the Okada ban) to procure materials(due to traffic jams)

Profegee  # 9 | 20.01.2009 07:58

Among all the 36 state governors, Fashola stands out. The difference lies in the priorities, ingenuity and sincerity of purpose. At times, methinks other excellencies are denied their monthly allocations except the personal allowances and estacode.

Ispy  # 10 | 20.01.2009 09:56

=agbajo owo;315013>Let this article be the beginning of a change of tactics in the village square on charting a way for our dear country. It is obvious we are not achieving much talking about the destroyers. Our genuine counsels are seen as antagonism and opposition. It is also obvious that we are not singing praise of achiever enough. It is my strong conviction that by eulogising the achievers living and dead, old and young we shall convince the young ones that people appreciate dedicated selfless services irrespective of what the government do or whom they “honour” (sorry I mean dishonour). Journalists are falling over themselves to interview the Babangida, Akhigbes, Orji Kalus but I can't remember when last I read anything about Baba Jakande, one of the greatest achievers in public office to date. CONCLUSION: It is hereby decreed (sorry most of my education was under military rule) that no more mentioning of Obasanjo, Babangida, Orji Kalu and the likes in this Village Square!:hail: I agree. The likes of Fashola should be given more prominence, we have gotten so used to hearing of negatives that any positive news is immediately seen as paid propaganda like the respondent 'denker' immediately alluded to.

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