Hello,

How are you doing today? I hope you are doing your best to cope with life’s challenges.

It’s that time of the week, again, when I share my reading for the month and talk about the business of governance. First, let me talk about my reading for the month.

I have chosen to read a new book this month. Something unique about this book is that it has different titles in the United Kingdom and in the United States of America. So whichever title you pick up to read along with me, it is the same book. 

I have the UK edition titled Worth Dying For: The Power and Politics of Flags. The American version is titled A Flag Worth Dying For: The Power and Politics of National Symbols (Book Two of the Politics of Place Series). The book is written by American Journalist Tim Marshall.

The book has nine chapters. According to the introduction, it takes us through the flags of various countries and draws a thread through them. The underlying truth is that flags are “invested with meaning, even if the meaning is different for different people.”

Since getting this book, I have wondered what the Nigerian flag means to the majority of Nigerians. I am sure that during international sports competitions, the Nigerian flag brings out the pride, passion and nationalism in us. But what about in our day-to-day life? Does seeing the Nigerian flag inspire anything in you? It would be great to have your thoughts on this. Please, share by replying to this email.

On a different note, it is almost campaign season, and from October 12, other politicians and I who want your votes for the gubernatorial elections will be out there to canvass for them. I believe that here in Oyo State, we have done a great deal in the past three years and have earned your trust so that we can unashamedly and with dignity ask that you give us four more years. But I do know that there are areas that you would want us to work on.

We have already identified some areas where we need to focus on, but as usual, we would like to hear your thoughts. So, given the opportunity to make an input into our agenda for the next four years, what areas would you want us to prioritise? Again, you can always reply to this email with your response.

The business of governance requires a great deal of focus. It is so easy to be distracted by politics. I believe this is why even the Bible says that citizens should pray for their leaders. So please, pray for us.

I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail—more of this in my next newsletter.