By Sunday May 29th 2011, the curtain draws to end an era. Some governors will become “former” and generally the political hierarchy realigns with the new order. But it will be a time for reflections on stewardship, especially at state level.

In a somewhat decisive move, I decided to examine the activities one of the four governors that successfully completed their second term of 8 years in office. And I randomly picked on Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State.

In fairness, the process was very tasking and borne out of the conviction that we might get it right soon in Nigeria, especially with a few distinguishing themselves in the art of governance. I consulted books, newspaper publications and undertook personal visits. Phone calls to places I could not visit and interacting with people to sample opinions. I must confess that I was pleasantly impressed. I take my findings one after the other and its implications in no particular order and this is strictly my opinion.

I believe whatever legacy there is in Kwara State today is because Governor Saraki employed the logic of the 5 wise steps in governance which are: clarify your needs, understand your choices, make decisions, take action and monitor and measure results.

Take the Health sector. Prior to 2003, the health sector in Kwara State suffered neglect from successive governments. One of the first steps Governor Saraki took was to convene a health summit to understand where the sector was and where it ought to be. Having identified the problems and solutions proffered, Governor Saraki increased drug supplies to health centers across the state, he provided and replaced obsolete medical equipments and facilities and he reviewed salaries of medical personnel in the state. And today Kwara is better for it that with a token of N300, indigenes enjoy a comprehensive all- year-round access to quality health-care through the innovative Kwara Community Health Insurance Scheme.

In the sensitive Educational sector, I was in awe. Kwara State boasts of five tertiary institutions and from a perspective, the number is reasonable and can cater for the educational needs of a state with a population of about 2,591,555 people. But, it was not the case because Governor Saraki thought outside the box to establish a “University for Community Development”- Kwara State University in 2009.

Governor Saraki wanted a university that is different from others in terms of concept, idea, administration and application, and it is indeed different because it re-jigged standard university curriculum, teaching methods and approaches to incorporate the community development concept by implementing the International Bureau of Education-UNESCO template of compulsory modules to engage students in community-oriented projects and learning. This programme targets problem-solving at the community level through a centre for Community Development manned by, Professor David Hannis, a Canadian expert on community development. Another highlight is the Centre for Entrepreneurship that works with students to develop business ideas while they are still in school and to partner with students upon graduation via a start-up fund to turn business ideas into reality. I call Kwara State University the “University for Entrepreneurs”.

In the power sector, Governor Saraki was not found wanting because in Kwara today the average power supply to both industrial and residential areas has increased from a meager 4-5 hours per day to between 18-24 hours every day with the establishment of the 330KV Ganmo National Independent Power Project Transmission Station. The implication is “life” to the people of Kwara state because the spin-offs are numerous to mention. I recall that on my last visit to Ilorin, I was confronted by an astonishing growth of new businesses, especially businesses driven by constant electricity supply.