Date: 2020-12-14

Like the smell of bacon filling the kitchen; like the fresh-squeezed orange juice a woman made for spouse every day; like making one's child's favorite dinner on his birthday; like having a sense of wonder knowing that holidays are magical; like the kindness in helping a neighbor; Mrs Joana Nnazua Kolo has surpassed the range set to grade her just in the space of a year.

In Africa, It's hard to gauge political office holders performance at office especially in Nigeria where people don't dole out praise so easily. But there are some key behaviors of leaders who are excelling. Those behaviors include knowing how to prioritize, setting lofty goals, executing creative ideas, and helping others effectively.

It's not always easy to be objective about politicians job performance. And not every political office holder is so forthcoming with feedback - positive or negative. However, there are certain reliable indicators of success at their offices, no matter what role or political party you're in. On the occasion of her first year in office, Joana Kolo is a star performer.

I take comfort in knowing that her many sterling and topping performances shine on like rays of light through the youth in the state. Her wise foresight in making decisions and leading an inclusive leadership instilled a fierce sense of independence and grit that help her constituents at every turn.

From never giving up trying to beat the predecessors in every innovative ideas under the sun, to having the confidence to pursue the agenda of the Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq goals, I owe that all to her. Genuinely, I must commend the Executive Governor of Kwara State for affording Kwarans a rare gem - Joana Nnazua Kolo.

Exactly a year ago, the news that Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led-administration sworn-in the 'Youngest Commissioner' ever on the soil of Nigeria and even, Africa, generated high traffic to know more and read more about 'who is Joana Nnazua Kolo?'

Yes! She is a 'Young yet Mighty Woman'. Those were the words I used to describe her as she rejoice with good people of Kwara State in commemorating her 1st year in office filled with productive and intriguing accomplishments. Man, did I dread writing her eulogy, living the reality of it, and having to deliver it to a wider audience filled with encomium of praise amidst friends and family.

Re-awakening the long demised Kwara Sports Festival which scouted many contingents in the state is one of the reasons attached to her excellent performance within the space of a year. Also, upholding the United Nations' "Leave No One Behind" by celebrating the disabled youth across the state tagged 'Ability in Disability'.

Kolo is indeed young yet mighty. There is so much creativity, doggedness, charisma, love and joy in that petite young woman. She is a gentle spirit who could calm her people with inbuilt wisdom without breaking a sweat. She has used her office courtesy of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to change the irritating state of the National Youth Service Corps Camp, Yikpata, Kwara State. Today, it is a lovely environment all prospective Corps member want to be. Kudos!

Lest I forget, the recent feat achieved by the Kwara Adorable Angels (Female Handball Team) is unarguably linked to her unfliching support to the team and players - she was in Abuja twice- received. Mrs Kolo sense of humor goes a long way. No doubt! Joana Nnazua Kolo is a true Leader.

To welcome suggestions, motions and ideas on how to improve the security of the citizens, most specifically, the youth in the state, she convened a 'youth round table dialogue' by inviting resourceful youth who are waxing well in their chosen career as a way to solve the left over scar of #EndSARS protest, and to weather the storm of its aftermath, irregardless of the their respective political inclinations.

Is it dorky to say I'm proud of you? Because I totally am. You did great things in your first year, and you'll do great things in the next to come. Your work ethic and positive attitude have been an asset to this administration and will take you far in your Nigerian Leadership Circle. I pray for more achievements. May the Gov. AA led-administration be a success. Congratulations!

Like finding joy no matter what life throws your way. Like lighting up when you catch a glimpse of your loved one; Mrs Joana Kolo's openness in accepting everyone for who they are cannot be overemphasized - Her first year achievements under the humble guise of her just being her young yet mighty self.

Basheer Luqman Olarewaju is a the Media and Strategic Assistant to Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Kwara State, Mrs Joana Nnazua Kolo.