By Rev. Dr. R I Ibitoye
PREAMBLE
“The King ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility. Young men without any physical defect, handsome showing aptitude for every kind of leaning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace…” Dan. 1:3-4
INTRODUCTION
I want to use this privilege to congratulate you once again on your appointment as a Commissioner in Kwara State, the state of harmony. Your appointment is coming at a very critical time when your innovation, expertise and skills are needed to move the State to the next level of greatness. Your unalloyed involvement is highly needed to move the affairs of the state to her greater heights.
I am writing this open letter to you as one of the major stakeholders in the state, and I crave your indulgence to take cognizance of the following points:
- Be diligent in your task- to be diligent is simply to be steady, earnest and devoted to your assigned tasks and duties. Through this I believe strongly that you will achieve your desired goal.
- Innovation- you are appointed by His Excellency, (the Executive Governor), so that you will bring in your new/fresh ideas, injecting your new methods so that the state will record unimaginable achievements through your immense contributions. Honorable commissioner! may I remind you that new ideas can only come through God and you need always to depend on Him.
- Shun corruption- it is a known fact that corruption has eaten deep into the entire fabric of Nigeria, but there are many individuals who have distinguished themselves in public places, such are men and women of proven integrity. May I remind you that you are being watched by people in the private and public agencies, who will assess your records after you might have left the office. Be a person of integrity who does not corrupt himself and have “resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine”.
- Be friendly and accommodate all- the state is blessed with diverse cultural ethnicity and religious backgrounds. You are now a public servant that must never be bias in the discharged of your duties. Be open and transparent to all. Though there is no way to please all, I pray earnestly that God will help and guide you at every critical moment in your dealing with difficult people.
- Be devoted to your God- always create time to serve and worship your God. Never run away from Church or Mosque, because of your new assignment. No matter how tight your schedule may be, make the worship of your God a top priority in your daily agenda. Remember “Jesurum grew fat and kicked, filled with food, they became heavy and sleek. They abandoned the God who made them and rejected the God their savior” (Deut. 32:15)
Finally, remember you have a limited time and your time to deliver starts now, so no waste of time. Arise and contribute your quota for the advancement of kwara State and Nigeria at large.
Once again congratulations.
Rev. Dr R I Ibitoye, Amb-P is an Administrator, Columnist, International Peace Advocate & Ecumenist.
E-mail – idowuibitoye@gmail.com