By Basheer Luqman Olarewaju anipr.
Leadership, they say, is not a title but a behavior. It’s a rhythm of actions honed over time, becoming second nature to the true leader. It is the ability to navigate the tempest of decision-making under immense pressure, an art of balancing intuition and experience. In 2024, Honourable Muktar Tolani Shagaya proved to be the embodiment of such leadership—a beacon of hope and progress for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency and beyond. A young man, once dismissed by critics for his perceived naivety in grassroots politics, has emerged as a paragon of effective representation, delivering dividends of democracy in unmatched strides.
Shagaya’s leadership style defies the norm of political aloofness. Like a seasoned storyteller drawing an audience into the magic of his narrative, he engages his constituents, listens with intent, and delivers with precision. Where past leaders used power to intimidate, Shagaya wields it to inspire. He is the proverbial “needle that threads the delicate fabric of unity,” deflecting attention from himself and spotlighting the voices of the people. His grassroots engagement is not mere symbolism but a sincere quest to align his actions with the needs of those he serves.
The year 2024 saw him rise above expectations, channeling his energy into initiatives that touched every facet of his constituency. From championing over 15 impactful bills and motions to constructing classrooms, furnishing schools, and facilitating solar-powered boreholes in underserved communities, Shagaya exemplifies a leader who doesn’t just dream but executes. His medical outreach, benefiting over 2,000 individuals, stood as a testament to his commitment to health and human dignity. Add to this the empowerment of traders, provision of tricycles and motorcycles, and training programs in fish farming, and you see a leader whose actions resonate with the age-old saying: “A tree is judged by its fruits.”
Yet, what truly sets Shagaya apart is his approach to governance as a collaborative art. He doesn’t simply lead; he mentors. He doesn’t just direct; he empowers. His ability to recognize the talents within his constituency and deploy them effectively mirrors the wisdom of the Yoruba adage, “Ọjọ́ ọjọ́ ni a ṣe ọ̀sẹ̀; alágbára máa pé káyé.” (The week is built one day at a time; even the mighty must plan.) Through town hall meetings and grassroots engagements, he not only understands the pulse of the people but also ensures they remain active participants in their development.
Shagaya’s political journey has been nothing short of inspiring, akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes of doubt. His smile—Sunnatic in its warmth—brings hope to the weary and confidence to the skeptical. He reminds us that leadership is not about personal aggrandizement but collective growth. In a democratic landscape riddled with leaders more interested in protecting their domains than expanding them, Shagaya stands out. He invests in relationships that lift others, echoing the wisdom that “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
His achievements in 2024 were not accidental but the result of a deliberate commitment to service. From grading rural roads in Asa to providing security tools for vigilantes, he demonstrated a profound understanding of the intricate needs of his constituency. His efforts in securing jobs for the youth and distributing educational materials reflected a vision anchored in human capital development—a leader who sees people not just as voters but as partners in progress.
As we look to 2025, there is a quiet confidence that Shagaya will soar even higher. His journey is a pointer that the best leaders are not those who seek to be served but those who serve. Like His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON, a skilled drummer setting the pace for a community dance, Shagaya’s rhythm of leadership invites everyone to join in the dance of progress.
For Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, 2024 was not just a year of governance; it was a year of transformation, courtesy of a leader who truly went above and beyond. The rest of the nation watches with admiration, some enviously wishing they could trade places. For now, the constituents of Ilorin West/Asa can proudly proclaim: “Ẹni tó bá ṣí ṣòro, ẹlẹ́yẹ máa bá a dáràn.” (Those who work hard will reap the rewards.) Honourable Muktar Tolani Shagaya, your people salute you!
Basheer Luqman Olarewaju is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Muktar Tolani Shagaya, Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency.