Lessons from Governor Futuyo’s administration
Last week, the governor of Western Equatoria State Governor, Alfred Futuyo Karaba, released SSP 100 million for the education sector. The money would be divided into SSPs at a rate of $10 million per county.
He also donated 20 motorcycles to county education directors and 100 bicycles to county paramount chiefs in Western Equatoria.
According to the Futuyo, the motorbikes were meant to provide transport for the education directors to facilitate their work in monitoring education programs in the country. The bicycles are to help paramount chiefs sensitise the communities on education.
This is a great job by Governor Futuyo. He has made an immense contribution towards service delivery for the citizens of Western Equatoria State, and there are only a few leaders who can do that. Despite the fact that it was not his personal money, such good actions can only be demonstrated by leaders who are dedicated and know why they are leaders.
A leader is supposed to serve his people and ensure their needs are met, just like a shepherd who looks after his flock. He looks for good pastures to feed his animals. A good shepherd looks after his flock, and he knows when they are hungry, sick, or tasty.
The five-year war had deprived the citizens of many services. It is time to provide them with basic services to realise the dividend of this revitalised peace agreement. Most of the implementation of the peace agreement is centred mainly on the leaders’ formation of the unity government, legislature, and now the graduation of forces that, in many ways, do not directly benefit the citizens.
Leaders and citizens have to survive alongside each other. Therefore, as the parties to the agreement continue with the implementation of the chapters in the peace agreement, it is important not to forget service delivery to the citizens because it seems everything is left to the NGOs to do.
Most of the time, when there is a crisis of basic needs, citizens are quick to call on NGOs and humanitarian agencies for aid because they have taken on the role as the sole providers compared to the government.
Governor Futuyo has proven that we cannot make our citizens entirely dependent on NGOs for every simple thing. He is a reflection of what the country and the leadership in the states are capable of delivering to the citizens. We have to provide services to our citizens to enjoy the peace dividend and realise the importance of this revitalised agreement.
There is need for more service delivery and more people who can deliver to the citizens. It is all about being a good shepherd.
