By, Emmanuel Akintoye

For years politics and governance have been adjudged intertwined. I really recently confirmed this. I have greatly searched the source of good leadership performance in many of the African countries including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Republic of Benin, and other developed countries including the United Kingdom, United States of America, Ukraine, Finland, Canada others, but few, I realized that leaders of the listed countries have political will and liberating virtues.

These have continue to help their evolved development in Education, Entrepreneurship, Security, Finance, Sports, Law and Justice, Technology, Economy and Infrastructure.

As rightly pointed out by a psychosocial crusader, Warren Bennis, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” It is the job of leaders to turn potential possibilities into something worth fighting for. Leadership in the modern world is a powerful factor—it can transform organizations, inspire teams, and drive meaningful changes. Understanding the qualities of effective leadership is essential for anyone leading a startup, managing a team, or running a state or country for fortune.

A good leader cultivates self-awareness, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strong communication while demonstrating integrity, empathy, and resilience. They lead with clarity and confidence, inspire trust, and encourage collaboration across all levels.

By embracing continuous learning, seeking feedback, and modeling ethical behaviour, these leadership qualities can be developed and strengthened throughout any organization. What is wrong with us in Nigeria? We are quick to choosing.

Understandably, democracy enables choosing representatives in politics and governance, I believe the country now approaches the season, yet to greatly deliver the expected trend of greatness for Nigeria, especially Oyo State in 2027, should we make another mistake? No. Let us anoint ENGINEER POPOOLA OLUKAYODE JOSHUA, fondly known as “POJ”

For this reason, I will initialize, and highlight clinically his inherent virtues- ” V.I.A.E.C.A”

Simply, Vision, Integrity, Actions, Empathy, Communication and Accountability.

POJ is a man of vision. For years, he has consistently shared his dream of greatness for Oyo State with cliques, and family members. This led him to contest gubernatorial election the New Nigeria People’s Party in 2023, but people who did not understand his shared spirits and dreams, voted for another party. He did not let his love, zeal and vision die, he joined the All Progressives Congress as to lighten his dream to the Oyo State people. He is here again to contest the 2027 Gubernatorial Election; leaders, members and entire Oyo State citizens must welcome him to fulfill his vision to heights all round beyond the sights now.

POJ is a man of Integrity: This is a practising engineer and a respected politician. Why? He holds integrity on a high esteem. He guides his name and future jealously. He has constantly moved afar from blemishing activities. No issue of bankruptcy, corruption or abuse of power traced to him nor his family line. What an incredible milestone! This, he will install in Oyo State. His policies and plans will allow changing from crookedness to newness, which in turn will engender socio-economic turnaround.

POJ is a man of actions. He acts promptly. He is ready to move more , if more resources are for him. He has done this in private entities with a hallmark until now. This he vowed to deliver if elected. “Distance makes one unrecognized.”, POJ is here to serve, give him a try, if positive actions are not greatly vehicled for all?

POJ is a man of Empathy. He usually hardens himself to ease others. Practically, people around him covet his personality trait, but it has never been easy to try. They are not naturally built for it. He is a core Ibadan man. He loves people around him live well, where it fails, you easily see this in him. A raw grassroots politician. He tells us he goes where his people go. He is ever empathetic. This is a man needed for the next governance seat from 2027 for greater turnaround in Oyo State. Salaries, pensions, allowances, promotions, infrastructure for all, youth empowerment capitally, security, conducive business environment are his top gear without leaving pain singularly on any citizen. A talk-and do-man. A core religious politician. A Godfearing politician. He will never outstretch himself to displease the Oyo State Citizens. Let us allow his leadership. He will relieve many from untold pains, hardships and gruntled economies.

POJ loves Communication. He will tell you the way. He will not abandon you for Abuja-A home of comfort. He will speak and expect responses before actions. He will hold timely public engagement and media stakeholders interface. No propangada. Everything will be popularly created. What a needed personality in Oyo State!

POJ will give room for Accountability. This is the climax of democracy. He will permit criticisms where policies are wrongly shot. He will not shut the people. You will see him in the public and chat, even if piloted by mobile security agents. He will not pocket the local government administrators. He will permit the grassroots leaders to deliver to the masses’ choice, where it fails, the public will hold them to book. I just believe we could with prayers, love and insistence advocate for POJ’s emergence as the next governor of Oyo State on the Platform of the All Progressives Congress. He is a man of  the culture. He is a current family head of his clan-Mogajiba’adan.

In general, effective leadership is not a final destination; it is a continuous journey of learning, growth, and self-improvement. Great leaders earn trust, inspire action, and adapt to challenges by consistently demonstrating the right mindset, habits, and behaviours. As we need POPOOLA OLUKAYODE JOSHUA, so also he needs us.