PRACTICAL GOVERNANCE OVER POLISHED GRAMMAR: WHY TRUE LEADERSHIP IS MEASURED BY IMPACT, NOT AUDIO PROMISES — THE OKPEBHOLO MODEL OF GRASSROOTS SERVICE, INCLUSIVITY AND PEOPLE-CENTRED DEVELOPMENT

 

PRACTICAL GOVERNANCE OVER AUDIO PROMISES AND GRAMMAR

By Project Shine Social Media influencers 

Language is an integral part of our identity as human beings. It is the medium through which we express our thoughts, emotions, and culture. Our mother tongue is a reflection of our heritage and connects us to our roots. However, with the advent of colonialism and the subsequent spread of the English language, our indigenous languages have been pushed to the background, and English has become the dominant language in many African countries.

Before the interference of the acquired foreign language, we were first and foremost indigenous Africans. Our mother tongue was the primary means of communication, and it was deeply ingrained in our daily lives. It was the language we used to communicate with our families, friends, and community members. It was also the language in which our traditions, customs, and beliefs were passed down from generation to generation.

However, with the introduction of the English language, our mother tongue has gradually lost its significance. English has become the language of education, business, and government, and it is seen as a symbol of modernity and progress. As a result, many of us have abandoned our indigenous languages in favor of English, believing that it will give us an advantage in the modern world.

Unfortunately, this has had a detrimental effect on our culture and identity. Our indigenous languages are slowly dying out, and with them, our unique way of life. We are losing touch with our roots and our sense of belonging. Moreover, the dominance of English has created a divide between those who are proficient in the language and those who are not. This has led to a hierarchy where those who can speak English are seen as more educated and capable, while those who cannot are often marginalized and discriminated against.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of preserving our indigenous languages. Many African countries have taken steps to promote and protect their mother tongues, recognizing that language is a crucial aspect of their cultural heritage. However, in the political arena, language has become a determinant for performance in office.

In Edo State, Nigeria, local government leaders must have the full acceptance of the grassroots. This means that they must be able to communicate effectively with the people they represent. However, in many cases, this has been interpreted as the ability to speak English fluently. As a result, many qualified candidates who are not proficient in English have been overlooked for leadership positions, despite having the support of their communities.

However, the current governor of Edo State, His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has taken a different approach. He has shown that language should not be a barrier to effective governance. His practical governance approach has nothing to do with audio promises garnished with English, but rather with simply doing the will of the vast majority of the Edo people who voted for him. This has earned him the trust and support of the people, regardless of their language proficiency.

This same approach will be replicated by all the newly sworn-in local government chairmen in Edo State across all sectors. They understand that their primary responsibility is to serve the people, and language should not be a hindrance to that. They will work towards promoting and preserving the indigenous languages of their communities, while also utilizing English as a means of communication with the wider world.

In summary, language should not be a determinant for performance in office. Our mother tongue is an essential part of our identity, and it should be celebrated and preserved. The practical governance approach adopted by His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the newly sworn-in local government chairmen in Edo State is a step in the right direction towards promoting inclusivity and unity in our diverse society. Let us embrace our indigenous languages and use them to build a better future for ourselves and our communities.

#PracticalGovernance

#GrassrootDevelopment

#NoAudioPromises

#EdoIsShinning