EMPOWERING THROUGH EMPLOYMENT — By Ojo Oyewamide

EMPOWERING THROUGH EMPLOYMENT 

Hon. Derin Adesida's Unseen Impact; The Job Creation That Inspires Heartfelt Gratitude

— By Ojo Oyewamide

Prince Abiodun Derin Adesida is not a typical Nigerian politician. He is not given to noise. If he gives with his right hand, his left hand will not be aware of it. That is why many of his achievements as the representative of Akure North and Akure South Federal Constituency have remained largely unsung. Many of his beneficiaries have taken advantage of his style. They eat from his pot, clean their mouths and pretend as though nothing happened.

Gratitude, they say, is the memory of the heart. But in politics, gratitude is often fleeting. This moral failing stems from a sense of entitlement. Some people believe that a politician must do everything for them. Yet, nothing is ever enough for them. They are Oliver Twists. They always ask for more without showing any sense of appreciation. 

But not everyone is an ingrate. After planting comes the harvest. What a man sows, he reaps. A few weeks ago, it was harvest time for Prince Adesida. Some beneficiaries of his employment interventions chose to demonstrate their appreciation in a unique way. During the recently concluded APC primary election, they came together to purchase the party's Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for him.

This gesture was more than a political endorsement. It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of a leader whose actions had touched their lives in profound ways. When individuals willingly contribute their resources to support a leader's political journey, it reflects genuine appreciation. It is an acknowledgment that the opportunities they received have not been forgotten. It is a recognition that true empowerment creates enduring bonds.

Nigeria is a nation where unemployment continues to challenge the hopes and aspirations of millions of young people. Leaders who create opportunities for the youth stand out as true agents of transformation.

Employment is more than a means of earning a living. It is dignity. It is stability. It is hope. It is the difference between despair and aspiration. When a young person secures a job, an entire family often experiences relief. Parents who have struggled to train their children can finally breathe easier. Younger siblings find inspiration.

Communities become safer and more productive. One gainfully employed youth can become a lifeline for many dependants. This understanding appears to have guided the public service philosophy of Prince Adesida over the years.

During his first stint in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, he distinguished himself not merely through legislative duties but through a deliberate commitment to opening doors for young people. One of his most remarkable achievements during that period was facilitating the employment of about one hundred youths into the Nigeria Customs Service. Beyond Customs, he also assisted numerous others in securing positions in various federal government institutions.

Those opportunities changed lives. For many of the beneficiaries, employment represented the fulfilment of dreams that had once seemed distant. It provided financial security, professional growth and a pathway to meaningful contributions to society. It demonstrated that leadership can be measured not only by speeches delivered or motions moved on the floor of parliament, but also by the number of lives positively transformed.

In 2023, when Prince Adesida returned to the House of Representatives, his commitment to empowering constituents through employment remained unwavering. Since his return, several constituents have secured employment through his intervention in agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Navy and other federal establishments. Behind each appointment letter is a story of renewed hope. Behind every successful placement is a family whose burden has been lightened.

The impact of his interventions is evident in the success stories of many beneficiaries. Some of those who obtained employment through his efforts have risen through the ranks of their respective organisations. They have attained positions of responsibility and influence. Among them are Assistant Comptrollers of Customs. Their professional achievements stand as living testimonies to the value of opportunity.

In a society where many young people continue to search for opportunities, leaders who use their influence to open doors deserve recognition. Employment remains one of the most meaningful forms of empowerment. This is because its impact extends beyond the individual beneficiary to families, communities and future generations.

The story of Prince Adesida's interventions in the lives of many young people is therefore not merely a political story. It is a story of hope, opportunity and transformation. It is a reminder that the true measure of leadership lies not in titles held or positions occupied. It lies in the number of lives touched and futures secured.

Ojo Oyewamide writes from Abibirih Lane, Isolo, Akure