Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, on Friday visited a set of newly born triplets and their mother with a call on pregnant women in the state, particularly those with multiple gestations, to register with government hospitals for quality health care.

Dr Oyebanji visited the 22 years old mother of the triplets, Modupe Fagbemi, at Omuo General Hospital, Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government Area of the state.

The First Lady said early registration would enable expectant mothers to get adequate ante-natal care from qualified and experienced medical personnel during and after pregnancy.

She presented cash gift and other baby items including clothes, diapers, toiletries and foodstuffs to the triplets- one boy and two girls. She also gave gifts to other women who recently gave birth at the hospital.

Dr Oyebanji who doubles as the Chairperson, Ekiti State Multiple Birth Trust Fund, said the children will enjoy all the benefits of the Trust Fund as contained in the Ekiti State Multiple Birth Trust Fund Bill, recently passed into law by the State House of Assembly.

Earlier, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Ojo Abraham said that the mother of the triplets was rushed to the hospital on Sunday, October 23 and was able to take delivery of the babies naturally without the caesarean section.

He added that the babies weighed 2kg, 1. 6kg and 1.7 kg respectively at birth.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Kemi Adeluyi, appreciated the Wife of the Governor for her swift intervention and support for the babies and mother.

The 22 year old mother of the triplets, Modupe Fagbemi said that the babies were her first born.

She appreciated the Wife of the Governor for the visit and the gifts, praying that God would keep her and her family for a successful tenure.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed deep sorrow on the passing of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, who died on Wednesday, in Ado-Ekiti, aged 66 years.

The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said Afuye's death was shocking, sad and unfortunate.

Oyebanji said Hon Afuye's death was unbelievable because he was on the Governor's entourage during an inspection tour of some projects in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday and did not show any sign of illness.

The Governor said he was shocked when he got a call early Wednesday morning that the late Speaker was rushed to the hospital. The Governor said he was convinced that Hon Afuye would leave the hospital hale and hearty in view of the medical attention he was receiving when he paid him a visit at the EKiti State University Teaching Hospital ( EKSUTH) Intensive Care Unit( ICU), Wednesday afternoon.

"I was speechless when the news of Hon Afuye's death came later in the evening."

The Governor described Afuye as a loyal friend and party man, a patriotic Ekiti leader and a tireless advocate of good governance, who in the last 30 years had committed his time, energy and resources to the development of the State and the country.

Oyebanji who prayed God to console the family of the deceased and the entire Ekiti people on the irreparable loss, has declared a day of mourning for the departed statesman and directed that state functions including the swearing-in of the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government and the Attorney General, as well as a thanksgiving service earlier slated for this week be postponed indefinitely in honour of the late Speaker.

"Ekiti lost an illustrious son, a perfect gentleman and a champion of democracy and rule of law. My heart bleeds over the loss of this great leader who was a great friend and brother indeed.

"On behalf of myself, my wife, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Afuye family and the people of Ikere Ekiti. May the good Lord give everyone of us the fortitude to bear this loss", Oyebanji said.

The Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has appointed Dr Habibat Omolara Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government.

The appointment which was contained in a ststement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, is with immediate effect.

A university don and former Special Adviser (Women Affairs) to Ekiti State Governor, Dr (Mrs.) Habibat Omolara Adubiaro, was born in Igboora, Oyo State on November 6, I965. She had her primary and secondary education at Igbo Ora, before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where she bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1994.

She latter bagged her master’s and doctorate degrees in Chemistry from the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in 2004 and 2010 respectively.

She started her working career as a national youth Corp member at the defunct Odua Textile Industry in Ado Ekiti in 1994. She was retained after her national service and worked as a permanent staff between 1995 and 1999. She transferred her services to the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti in 1999 and in 2013 . She moved to the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, where she is currently an Associate Professor of Industrial Chemistry.

Dr (Mrs.) Habibat Omolara Adubiaro had served as a Special Adviser on Women Affairs between 2003 and 2004. She also served two terms as President (Amirah) of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) Ekiti State Chapter between 2014 and 2018, and was Vice Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUOYE Chapter 2017 to 2021.

A devout Muslim, Dr Adubiaro was conferred with the title, Osupa Adinni as a worthy Ambassador of Islam, by the United Muslim Council of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter in 2008. She is married with children.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday presented awards and letters of recognition to 13 outstanding Ekiti youths who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavour, including the 17 years old Master Idowu Jeremiah who made nine distinctions in this year’s May/June WAEC and had the highest score in the University Matriculation Examination (UME), held in May.

The Governor alongside the Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi, made the presentation during a Youth Forum and award ceremony at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Conventional Centre, Ado Ekiti, as part of activities marking the end of the second term of the Fayemi-led administration in the state.

The award titled “Outstanding Persons (Omulabi 2.0) Awards”, which was the second edition, was presented to 11 promising young men and women who have distinguished themselves in different categories including entertainment, academic, governance, agriculture, humanitarian activities, Activism, Gender Advocacy, ICT and digital research, Media and Sports among others.
The awardees are: Arewa Omoye (Entertainment (movie); Oluwaseun Ogunsakin (Sports), Ayobami Oluwatosin Durodola (Activism);
Ayotomiwa Morenikeji Ayodele (Advocacy); Olawale Kadri (Leadership & Governance); Titilayo Abigail Obileye (Communications/Media/Journalism); Mayowa Ekundayo (Enterpreneurship); Adedotun Moses Omoleye (Humanitarian Services); Ayodele Akande (Communications/Media/Journalism (Broadcast Journalism); Oluwatosin Adaraniwon (ICT & Research); Idowu Blessing Jeremiah (Academic Excellence).
Certificate of Service was also presented to Eyitayo FABUNMI, Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ekiti State Chapter and Rt. Hon Toba Fatunla. Speaker, Ekiti Youth Parliament, Ekiti State.

Responding to the question on why he appointed a large number of young persons to serve in his administration, during a panel discussion, Governor Fayemi explained that he found them demonstrating huge capacity, courage, commitment and integrity in their service to the State.

Dr Fayemi said he attached much importance to mentorship and would establish a school of democratic leadership to mentor and develop young persons in leadership positions after leaving office.

In his final words to young persons in the State, Fayemi said, "in everything you do convince yourself that you are doing the right thing. That conviction should not be from anticipated approval or adulation from those who will benefit from it. Because more often than not when you do good some of the beneficiaries, will hate you just ask your conscience, do what you think is right and leave the rest to posterity to judge

"Many of the young people that I have around me have also demonstrated capacity, they have demonstrated commitment, they have demonstrated competence, and they have a huge load of integrity,

"If we are to take the Chief of Staff who just turned 40 the other day. He has been with me since he was 27 when I became Governor in 2010, he started as my Personal Assistance, and then became my Deputy Chief of Staff, before he became the Chief of Staff to the Governor.

"He may be young but he has capacity and a lot of experiences and so many things I entrust into his hand he has been able to deliver on and his age doesn't even come into the picture, it is his capacity, his experience, his competence and his ability to oscillate within different spectrum; the young, his contemporary, and those who are older than he is and he has functioned effectively. You can say the same of the Commissioner for Finance, the Commissioner for Health and several of my other appointees.

"For me it is important to mentor because I have enjoyed a greater deal of mentorship, and that is why I always try within my view to always give opportunity to young people."

The Governor-elect, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in his words, assured the youth that he would build on the legacy of his predecessors by continuing to provide platform for youth who exhibit diligence, character, courage, competence, and compassion.

He added that his administration, just like that of Governor Fayemi, would expose the youth to opportunities that would improve their lives in their various areas of endeavour.

The event also featured the presentation of cash gift to winners of the 2022 JKF Annual Essay Competition, where Ilori Peace, a prospective Medical Student, came first in the Secondary and Post Secondary category. He received a cash gift of N450,000.

Also, Agbeyo Olugbenga from Federal University of Technology who came first in the undergraduate Category received N700,000 cash gift while Awe Similoluwa a Law graduate from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, under the Postgraduate and Graduate Category came first and received a cash gift of N1,000,000.

Others who came second and third depending on their categories received cash gifts ranging from N150,000 to N800,000.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Youth Forum engagement Committee, Moses Ademiloye lauded the contributions of Governor Fayemi to youth development in the State and expressed gratitude to the governor for providing the platform that enables youth to contribute their quota to nation building and development of the State.

Some eminent Nigerians on Monday paid glowing tributes to Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for his contributions to nation building and development of his state and the country.

The torrents of tributes came the way of the Ekiti Governor at the valedictory lecture and conference organised as part of activities marking the fourth anniversary of the Fayemi administration and the inauguration of the incoming administration of Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

Among the distinguished personalities who eulogized Dr. Fayemi were the Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors' Forum (PGF), Senator Atiku Bagudu; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one time Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and National Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Hon Wale Osun.

A common feature of the remarks made by the eminent guests was that Governor Fayemi still has greater roles to play as an important player to steer the country to the path of true federalism.

The lecture which was held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado- Ekiti was also attended by a former Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and United Nations Special Representative in West Africa and the Sahel Region, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas

Senator Bagudu hailed the contributions of Dr. Fayemi in both PGF where, according to him, the Ekiti Governor played a leading role and the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) which he chaired to the admiration of his brother governors.

"Governor Fayemi is unmistakably committed to the Nigerian dream; he believes that governance should be used to chart a new frontier for the development of our country and for the benefit of our people.

"I don't think President Buhari will allow him (Fayemi) to rest. Just last week, I knew the kind of comments President Buhari made about him. We are lucky that we have scholar-leaders like JKF who tell the world that Nigeria is an investment destination," Bagudu said.

Governor Zulum described his Ekiti counterpart as an "unconventional leader, a team player and an unrepentant believer in a better Nigeria."

Describing Dr. Fayemi as a great thinker who chose to organize a forum to reflect on issues affecting the polity like politics, governance, economy, among others rather than throwing an owambe party.

The Borno Governor lauded Dr. Fayemi for initiating a programme like Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development (YCAD) which has attracted youths to agriculture in Ekiti saying "such legacies are better than naming structures after oneself."

Prof. Zulum advised Ekiti Governor-elect, Mr. Oyebanji to emulate the cordial relationship between him and his predecessor (in Borno), Senator Kashim Shettima when he (Oyebanji) takes office, noting his relationship with his predecessor was built on mutual trust, humility and sacrifice.

He said: "It is not easy to preside over a (Nigeria Governors') Forum that has a Zulum, an El-Rufai. We are proud of the way JKF presided over NGF. He is humble and straightforward. His personality and integrity are not in doubt.

"BAO (Oyebanji), I hope you emulate the cordial relationship between me and my predecessor which was built on mutual trust and humility and above all, sacrifice. The Governor-elect, have time, you have to begin now."

Chief Odigie-Oyegun said Dr. Fayemi has become a pathfinder on Nigeria recalling that they became close when they were in trenches as members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

The former APC National Chairman commended Dr. Fayemi for assembling a team of crack technocrats who put together a team that produced policy papers which communicated the party's purpose to Nigerians.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun recalled the role played by the Governor in 2014 in ensuring the safety of the party's national leaders were safely evacuated from Ekiti during an unprecedented military siege on the state during the governorship election of that year.

While expressing satisfaction with the victory of the APC in the June 18, 2018 governorship election in Ekiti, he prayed that the party would remain in power under Oyebanji's leadership for a stretch of eight years to allow the state enjoy 12 years of continuity and stability.

Hon. Wale Oshun, in his comments, said Dr. Fayemi has done his best for Nigeria, urging him not to relent in agitating for a better Nigeria and playing the kind of role played by the 18th Century Ekiti warrior, Fabunmi of Okemesi "to put our country back on track."

He said: "Kayode has friends across the country, we have a country that is in turmoil of sorts. Our country must be on developmental road that will benefit everybody whether you are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities."

The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, lauded Governor Fayemi for respecting the legislative institution and granting the Assembly its well deserved autonomy.

The Speaker who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Hakeem Jamiu, attested to Dr. Fayemi's virtue of diligence in governance and commitment to the development of the state.

He said: "As a governor, he still writes books, he attends to exco files, he replies text messages, Dr. Fayemi is an enigma. He is always calm in the face of challenges. This is a kind of leader you must look up to."

Afuye also paid tribute to the wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, for complementing her husband in governance and putting in place policy framework that protects the rights of women and children.

The Head of Service, Mr..Bamidele Agbede, noted that the civil service in Ekiti has never had it so good in the history of the state noting that Dr. Fayemi has instituted a merit-based preferment in the state civil service.

Agbede said the continuity in governance achieved under the leadership of Dr. Fayemi would help the civil service to deepen the gains already made in the last four years.

Earlier, a distinguished scholar, Professor Wale Adebanwi of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadephia USA, had delivered the valedictory lecture titled ; " A Scholar in Power: Reflections on Democracy and the Future of Nigeria".

In September 2018, I was posted to Ekiti State for my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme with the Public Complaint Commission as my place of primary assignment. As someone with passion for development in the society, on October 16, 2018, I mobilized fellow corps members to the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, venue of the inauguration of Dr Kayode Fayemi as the Governor of the state. Aside the historic nature of the colourful event, I also considered it an opportunity to catch a glimpse of my long-term role model and “Shero”, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

Even though as of that time, I hadnt met Erelu Fayemi one-on-one, those close to me knew me as one of her ardent supporters and followers on social media. Having read her books and so many of her weekly Loud Whispers” column, I tried to dress like her, smile like her and even imagine myself as an Erelu in my own little corner. That is how obsessed I am with Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
As the swearing-in ceremony proceeded, I moved near the podium and was able to catch a good view of Her Excellency, seated beside her husband, beaming with smiles. I said to myself, finally Im able to catch a glimpse of the woman I have long admired. I also beamed a smile of satisfaction as I prayed and wished her and her husband a successful tenure. A security officer later asked me to leave where I was standing, and I went back to my seat where my friend, Amarachi gave me a hug for daring all odds to catch a view of Her Excellency on the podium.
Before the end of the ceremony, both His Excellency and Her Excellency walked round the pavilion waving and greeting the people. That gave me a better view of Erelu who was decked in aso oke with matching beads.
After the inauguration ceremonies, I went back to my place of primary assignment and commenced my Community Development Service (CDS). I had a few ideas of what I wanted to do in my CDS, but getting the needed funding was a big challenge. Anyhow, I started My CDS which I tagged #PadAGirl #Leadership #STEAM. My target audience were Secondary school girls. I wrote letters to some sponsors but didnt get any response. So, I wrote to some secondary schools, and I started visiting them talking to the girls on #Leadership and #SelfEsteem. At times, I will go with two packs of pen and give it to them as souvenirs. I was doing this and posting them on my social media pages.
In April 2019, a friend I met through Facebook approached me that we should plan something around #PadAGirl in her hometown and she wanted me to be the keynote speaker, to which I agreed. We planned the whole event together and I uploaded the flier on my Facebook page. That night, I got a call from a lady who introduced herself as one of Erelu Bisi Fayemis aides (she apparently got my number from the flier). The aide said the Governors wife saw the flier and asked her to reach out to me to see if I could do such programme in Ekiti State.
I instantly responded that it was doable, and told her I have been doing something around that in Ekiti, but I didt have a sponsor. She said the sponsor I was looking for have been found and that I should bring a letter to her Excellencys office the next day.
The first person I called to share the good news was my friend Amarachi, she was so happy, and we prayed together. The next day we both dressed up and went to give her the letter. When I got to the office of the aide, I told her all I needed to carry out the project was the materials- Sanitary Pads, and that they shouldnt give me money. It was few weeks to my Passing Out Parade (POP).



On May 30, 2019, we had the event at All Souls’ Secondary School along New Iyin road, Ado Ekiti. It was a day I will never forget. I had more than 1,000 sanitary pads supplied by Erelu Bisi Adeleye -Fayemi, thousands of toothpastes, my big sister also supported with Notebooks and pens. We had the representative of Her Excellency in attendance, NYSC representatives, School Principals and teachers with hundreds of students. I was overwhelmed with joy at the huge success of the event. The television and radio crew were all over the place to cover the event. It was in the news throughout the day and beyond.
June 11 was Erelu Bisi Fayemis birthday. As usual, I celebrated her on my Facebook page, then I heard the party will hold on 16th of June 2019 but I know it would be difficult to attend the party because it will hold within the Government House Complex. I wanted to attend the party so that I can eat, drink and dance to good music. I thought of who could help me secure an invitation to the party, then I remembered one of the committee members my colleagues and I worked with during the inauguration ceremony. I approached him for an invitation to the party. He said he would give me one pass because of my genuine love for Erelu and consistency on the social media. I prepared well for the party, had my dress and make up well made. Despite the card, it wasnt easy gaining access to the venue. I eventually entered, flashed my card and got in. I deliberately sat at a table towards the end of the hall for fear of being harassed by any security officials. It was a huge party- a lot to eat and drink.
At a point Her Excellency stood up and started greeting everyone from one table to another. When she got to my table, I screamed: “Her Excellency in my table?” Then I said “Im Precious Olofinyokun, and she screamed and said “WOW” and hugged me so passionately, held me for a few seconds. I became overwhelmed and started crying.
That day was another day in the history of my life that I will never forget, I cried so much then she said dont cry and she looked around and beaconed on one fair lady and told her to bring me to her office that same week. On hearing that I should see her that week, I started crying again. People around me at the party started calling me OmoErelu (Erelus daughter) It was like a dream come through. So, I exchanged numbers with that woman and when Erelu was dancing, I moved closer to the place then she sighted me again and beckoned on me and I joined her on the dance floor. I and Erelu on the dance floor.Hahhahahahah, I was so happy.
When I came out of the party hall, I saw the person that gave me the pass. And went on my knees and showered him with prayers because I knew how much disappointment Ive experienced each time I told anyone I wanted to see Erelu. I didnt bath that night when I got home nor remove my cloth because of the hug I received from Erelu; I couldn’t let it go like that. My best friend, Amarachi, was the first person I called to share the encounter with. After the party , I went to her house and she bought wine for us to celebrate the hug with a woman after my heart.
On June 17, 2019, the woman that got my contact called me and asked me to see her in her office. Her name is Barrister Oluwaseyi Ojo (of blessed memory), On getting to her office, she asked me some questions about myself, and I left that day then later in the night she called again that Her Excellency said I should see her on Wednesday June19,2019 by 12pm. My friend, Amarachi and I spent the night rehearsing how I will talk there. She acted as Erelu and I as Precious. As early as 10am in my full NYSC uniform, I arrived the office and waited until 12pm, the time I was given. I filled a form and immediately I was called into Her Excellencys office. I forgot all that I had practised immediately I entered Her Excellencys office. I went on my knees. She said have your seat dear. I remembered my first words were: Your Excellency ma, Precious is in your office. She said “Yes, and then we started the conversation. I told her about myself, gave her a recap of my lifes journey. She said “with this your story wa ti je ya gan o (You must have gone through a lot) then I echoed “Yes ma. Then Erelu said: I will still be in Ekiti for the next three years, after your NYSC, I will see what I can do concerning getting you a job. If you want to further your education, I will sponsor you and concerning your house rent I will pay for the next three years. Immediately I went on my knees again, crying and praying for her. I left her office with gifts of books and, of course, an envelope (If you know, you know). I was so happy, and I started appreciating GOD for meeting my long-term admirer.


June 27, 2019 was my POP and after I got a state award with six other awards then I uploaded it on my Facebook page and few hours after, I got a call from Barr Oluwaseyi Ojo and she said Good evening Precious, Congratulations on your POP. Meanwhile, Her Excellency asked me to call you to resume in her office on Monday. You now have a job”. The shock was so much, I started crying and praying speaking in language that only God understands, I was so happy.

On July 1,2019 I resumed work as Program Assistant and Gender Desk Officer at Gender and Vulnerable Persons Unit, Office of Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Adeleye- Fayemi, under the supervision of late Barrister Oluwaseyi Ojo, The following day, my boss accompanied me to Erelus office to appreciate her on my behalf and that was the beginning of it for me.

Remember its my first job after school and I studied Marketing, but with the help of Barrister Ojo, I was able to learn fast on the job. Unfortunately, in December 2019, we lost her to the cold hands of death. It was like my whole world has crumbled because we were so close. She took me like her sister.

January 2021, I got admission for a postgraduate degree in Gender and Development Studies at the Ekiti State University. I sent Her Excellency my admission letter and immediately she credited my account handsomely with my school fees. Meanwhile, she has paid my house rent till August 2022, as promised.
I started work at the office of Her Excellency Gender and Vulnerable Persons Units as a Program assistant and Gender Desk officer. This office is saddled with the responsibilities of handling Gender-based violence working with Sexual assault referral centre, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, Police and Non Governmental Organizations in the state. We handled various cases relating to gender-based violence and from 2019 till date, we have handled, more than three thousand cases of GBV including rape, domestic violence, child abandonment, Human trafficking, child Maltreatment, threat to life, among others. We equally had a lot of interventions coupled with series of empowerment programs by Her Excellency.



As a Program Officer of the Unit and Gender Desk officer , I got certified as a mediator after passing my professional exam from Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria. Again, the professional exam fee was paid by Her Excellency.
No doubt, I have learnt so much under her tutelage and from my job. I learnt from Erelu Bisi Fayemi Leadership ,Humility ,Forgiveness ,Good human relation, Good communication and an Unapologetic Gender activist. Moreover, above all she is wise, honest and candid. She is approachable, she is non-judgmental, she is Enthusiastic, she stays connected all this and more I have been able to learn from her. So, I dont only grow in my career but in all aspects of life, she has practically changed, inspire and impact my life greatly and I will forever be grateful for what God has used her to do in my life.
Like an angel sent from God to bless my life, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has fulfilled all the promises she made to me till date. She changed my perception about life, she changed my status and helped rebuild by confidence, making me a better version of myself. This is my Erelu Bisi Fayemi Story which is the genesis of my career development and her mentorship.

The Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has never left anyone in doubt whenever the debate is about holding tenaciously to patriotic stands. He might shift grounds and show understanding, when other considerations are put on the card. Certainly not when the collective fate of the country and her people is on the line.


President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision, at the weekend, to suspend the payment of $418 million as consultant fee in the controversial Paris Club Refund was though, a temporary victory for Fayemi, it is difficult to turn the tide against his position at the end of the day, having a full grasp of the issues.

Call it what it is: a conspiracy of the high and mighty to defraud Nigeria in the name of consultancy. Of course, this has been driven a long winding route in the name of many excuses, including slinging a lot of indignation in the way of Fayemi. He didn’t, however, falter but stood solidly on what he believed in.


Truly, if three presidents: Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan refused to pay the same money based on their convictions that it was suspicious, even when these people never hawked integrity or audaciously marketed anti-graft war, on what basis would Buhari say he paid off such humongous money as consultancy fee?

At the end of the day, Buhari not only listened to the voice of reason, but in a sense, showed that he could be a listening leader, contrary to familiar misgivings. Even more noteworthy is that Fayemi has proven worthy of representing both his colleagues and the Nigerian people, in a matter they could have easily disowned him if it had been messier.


Perhaps, those who had thought that Fayemi had an ulterior motive or would have switched position if the bargain was right, should know by now that the concept of Omoluabi is not a title everyone merits, and hopefully, the president too would shut down this desperate fraud against the nation for good.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi will on Thursday receive The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s Leadership Award on Human Rights as part of activities marking the Human Rights Day, as well as kick starting activities for the Commission’s silver jubilee anniversary celebration.

The award, according to the NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, is in recognition of the policy and institutional reforms initiated by the Dr Fayemi –led government to protect and promote the enjoyment of human rights.

Other highlights of the event, which holds in Abuja, is an international conference on the future of human rights to be attended by human rights practitioners, researchers and policy makers.

The Fayemi administration is reputed for the protection and promotion of human rights through policies and legal frameworks including the Gender Based Violence (GBV) law, Child Rights law; opening of sex offenders register as well as payment of monthly stipends to elderly citizens through the state’s social security scheme, among others.

The Government recently commissioned a sexual assault referral centre for victims of GBV and a vocational development centre for victims of domestic abuses.

Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor