The Playmaker - ABS

The Playmaker
The revolutionary leader is a man whose coat has many colours, I remember Dolly Parton’s Coat of many colours and each time I listen to the lyrics, my mind goes to the well decorated political icon of Kwara state, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki(ABS) whose landmark success in politics speaks volume for him. A man who single handedly has brought meaningful liberation and development to the people of Kwara state. Awards and recognitions kept coming in for him in every quarter, I could remember that a year after he became the Governor of Kwara state, he was given an award as the best governor in Nigeria faraway in South Africa.
Over the years, have given myself to following this man’s unstoppable rise to stardom and he stopped amusing me. When he came to power in 2003 after becoming victorious @ the primaries, I was happy for him when I had his age then and I told myself I love this man. From 2003- 2011 that he was Governor of the state, the state experienced a lot of changes from sport- entertainment- infrastructure- agriculture and so on. I would take my heterogeneous readers down the history book a little.
In SPORT, immediately ABS came to power, in other to mark his one year in office a friendly match  was organized between Kwara united fc and super eagles old boys with Jay Jay Okocha in attendance ABS also played in that match wearing Kwara United Fc’s jersey. The Kwara Football Academy was also brought to the state with lots of participation from teenagers within and outside the state. Kwara welcomed prominent people in football when the KFA project was been launch and at the opening ceremony, we had CAF president, Issa Hayatou, and a host of other big guns in the world of football. That (KFC project) brought liberation to the kids on the street that wants to play football. Also, the renovation of the Kwara state stadium was a reality under his administration, the stadium can now contain conveniently about 32,000 spectators and because of the renovation, Kwara state stadium has played host to different competitions. As if that was not enough, he (ABS)  now owns a football club in the state ABSFC, please visit www.absfc.com for more details on the club. There are more he has done that may not be included in this piece.
Another area where ABS has performed well is EDUCATION and its visible for all to see, during his administration as Governor of Kwara state, we were able to boast of a state university, Kwara state university, whose first convocation was held middle of last year and once again, my darling state played host to prominent people from all over the world (www.kwasu.edu.ng). You need to visit the school and have a look at the architectural master-piece at the school. The birth of the school is bringing civilization to the people of the community where the school is situated.  Even after he left office to become a senator, he still paid Jamb fees for people in his constituency. In the Kwara of today some major secondary schools in Kwara were renovated by  ABS’s administration and permit me to list a few of them Bishop Smith Secondary, Government Secondary School, Mt. Carmel Secondary school just to mention a few. These schools were well-equipped with learning facilities. ABS believed quality education is paramount to the development of a nation.
As we all know that Kwara state is not an oil-producing state, AGRICULTURE was introduced in another dimension with the introduction of the Zimbabwe farmers coming down to the state to sign a MOU on agriculture. The coming of the Zimbabwe farmers brought meaningful employment to the people of the state and lest I forget to tell you, this project was commissioned by the former President, His Excellency, President Obasanjo with lots of commendation to ABS for his initiatives in Agriculture. Also recently, another agriculture project was launched tagged ‘Back to farm Programme’, in this regards enough praises has been coming in from all angles with the social media not left out. This man is a blessing in disguise.
This piece won’t be complete if I skipped this aspect of ABS’s magnanimity, in the ENTERTAINMENT industry, when he was Governor of the state; he brought top A-class musical acts to the state both the international act and the local ones. He brought Jayz for us and Jayz was even turban by the Emir of Ilorin, as if this was not enough when Nigeria was celebrating her golden jubilee he brought Akon to entertain the people with our own very Dbanj, Don Jazzy, Wande coal, Dr. Sid, Dprince and Kay switch. We all had fun that night tho. Chaii!!!! Lasting memories. This act brought ABS more love from the youths who never believed that with his tight schedule he could have time to plan on bringing superstars to the state.
Also in the AVIATION industry Kwara came to limelight with the help of ABS. he brought us International Aviation School where young chaps looking forward to becoming pilots have their dreams come true. Kwara state Airport is also an International Airport thanks to ABS. The Aviation school is of international standard which I think you all need to visit. @times when I read about critics criticizing him I wonder why but I think this man should be given kudos for what he has given to the people of Kwara.
At a time Kwara state was happens to be the neatest state in Nigeria, this also one of the main achievements of ABS. I remember he brought the Operation Keep Kwara clean. He employed workers under the Kwara Maintenance Corporation (KWMC) who were saddled with the responsibilities of keeping Kwara clean. Also during ABS’s administration, he gave Kwarans less worries in the energy sector when electricity problem was solved to a fearless point. What else do we want him to do, maybe am beginning to see the reasons why the economists said Human’s Want are unlimited.
In my humble submission I think we need to learn to try to appreciate the works of people holding political offices and I think with what ABS has been able to give Kwarans with the little fund we get from the federal allocation, I think kudos should be given to him instead of unnecessary sentimental judgments we attack him with on the pages of newspaper and social media…
When he was elected Senator I foresaw shake ups in the senate and was also not surprised when rumour had it that he may be given the position of a Senate president. Dr. ABS is a force to reckon with in the country today and even feared by his contemporaries. This is a man who like His Daddy is a playmaker and a game changer.
In his reasoning and in a way of wanting to bring an end to unemployment amongst the youths of Kwara state, he declared a state of emergency on unemployment during the Kwara summit. During the Summit we had our  highly respected Governor in attendance answering questions from the youth that turned out for the summit. The summit took place @ Kingstone hotel, Ilorin and in attendance we had Mr. Banks Omishore, Mr. Hamzat Usman and a host of young achievers in attendance.
ABS is a man that believes the youths are the future of this great nation and in that regards should not just be given fish but be taught how to fish themselves. H
Lets support the ABS people and say no to hungry and attention seeking politicians that have not done anything meaningful before.

 God bless ABS!
God bless Kwara!!
God bless Nigeria!!!
Adewumi Adetunji Titus
Zazzy Concepts
Twitter @melove4 08094187446