Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has allayed the fears of Christians in the country over the raging issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it was not done to undermine their influence or relevance, but simply a calculated political strategy by the party to win the Presidential election.

Dr Fayemi who stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Friday during a courtesy visit by the new executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Chapter led by its Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye, said the choice of a Muslim running mate for the APC Presidential candidate was not because there were no competent Christian politicians from the North as being erroneously peddled in some quarters.

While adding that there are so many competent Christians in the North and all over Nigeria, the Governor noted that the responsibility of the church where social justice is being preached should include looking at the challenges being faced by Christians and seeking how good governance can address and improve upon them.

He urged Christian leaders to eschew what he called "the theology of disengagement" and embrace politics by converting the current challenge to an opportunity to present a charter of demands to all political candidates based on irreducible minimum conditions acceptable to Christendom. “Many Christians see politics as a dirty game, and for this reason are disengaged from the political process. It's time for us to realize that there are compelling reasons for Christians to participate in politics. In my own opinion, whatever makes us good Christians makes us good citizens.”

“You raised a matter that is agitating the minds of many Christians particularly Christians who are not in politics but I can tell you that Christians who are in politics are equally concerned about the matter you have raised about the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Not so much because of faith but because of fair representation and representation in a multi ethnic, multi religious, multi- cultural setting is always going to be an issue of concern. But I have also had cause to discuss this with our political associates and our fathers in the Lord.

“But where we are now, my plea with Christians is to do that which is expected of us. Yes, the agitation must continue and on my part as a Christian, I have been talking to both the Presidential candidate and other leaders of the party that we need to take quick steps that we should have taken earlier by approaching the leadership in Christendom and explain the context of the selection that was about to happen. Even if they don't agree with our choice, they would have seen the sincerity of purpose and understood that the decision was not on ground of competence because we have competent Christians all over Nigeria but on grounds of strategic political moves, which is what we do in politics. We have to look at scenarios and calculate where the votes would come from, it is a game of numbers.

“I think it is time for Christians to move away from the theology of disengagement - the notion that politics is dirty and that it is not for a child of God. When serious Christians committed to the ideals of social justice and the common good turn away from politics, they open the door for unprincipled opportunists to take power. Fortunately, not all of us can or will be in elective office. Not all of us have to. What matters is for each of us to find our place in the move to build our nation and be faithful to the demands of that task.

The Christian leadership should use this current challenge as an opportunity to present a charter of demands to all political candidates, especially our party (APC), outlining the irreducible minimum conditions acceptable to Christians in the next political dispensation. A charter of demands that would represent those values you preach to us in church highlighting our concerns, stressing the place of Christendom in the Nigeria project and then placing our demands before the political leaders. I want the Church to organise debates around issues of concerns among all the candidates”. He stated.

This, he said, would bring out some advantages for the Christians in the current arrangement, rather than flogging the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket. "While it is desirous to see one of us on either side of the presidential ticket, I think it is important for us to look beyond the religious profession of the gladiators or even their ethnic or geopolitical origin."

Speaking further, Dr Fayemi commended CAN for its role in promoting peace and harmony both at the state and national levels and urged the association not to relent in its prayer for the peace of the country.
Earlier, the new Chairman of CAN in the state, Dr Aribasoye who had commended the Governor's generosity to CAN in Ekiti and his spirit of sportsmanship in stepping down for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the APC Convention, as a welcome development, however said the church was not in any way comfortable with the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the ruling party, describing it as a “cause for concern”
Dr Aribasoye gave kudos to Dr Fayemi administration for his giant strides in the state which included quick response to security challenges which had culminated into frequent arrest of criminal elements in the state, extensive infrastructural and educational development as well as his personal sponsorship of pilgrims to Holy lands.
He also highlighted some of the achievements of the administration to include prompt payment of workers’ salaries, construction of International Cargo Airport and peaceful conduct of Governorship election in the state. Dr Aribasoye used the occasion to invite the Governor to the National Convention of CAN taking place at the end of the month.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has restated his administration’s commitment to addressing workers' welfare, in particular by looking into the issue of deductions and promotion arrears in the state public service before the end of his tenure in office.

The Governor who stated this in Ado- Ekiti on Friday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State Chapter, led by it’s chairman, Mr Kolapo Olatunde, said government would also look into minimum wage adjustment for workers on grade level 14 and above, as well as payment of promotion arrears for 2019 and 2020.

Dr Fayemi however revealed that current cash crunch being experienced by many state governments, including Ekiti, is as a result of the global down turn of the economy which has resulted in zero- remittance by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federation Account in the last six months. Despite this difficult economic situation, he said his government had kept its promise not to owe workers’ salaries, hence the regular salary payment to workers in Ekiti.

He said that government would continue to do everything possible within available resources to address issues concerning the welfare and wellbeing of the workers, urging them to show understanding with government. He also urged labour leaders to sustain the ongoing industrial harmony between the state government and workers and as well extend such gesture to the in-coming administration.

The Governor commended the leadership of labour for their solidarity, support and commitment to workers’ welfare, adding that even though there are times both labour and government disagree on some issues which is inevitable, but commended the labour leadership for not being disagreeable at any time.

“So your point about deductions and promotion arrears is well taken and I believe we would do something before this administration completes its tenure in office.

On gratuity, the Governor expressed displeasure that this is one issue he is most unhappy about. "Unfortunately, our pensioners allowed themselves to be deceived when opposition elements distorted the objectives behind our promissory note and bonds scheme which would have enabled us clear a good number of pensioners' gratuities by now."

“So, we have had to continue with our N100 million monthly commitment for payment for gratuities to pensioners. Even that has now become difficult for us in our current economic circumstances.

“On promotion arrears, we’ve cleared 2017/2018, we have 2019/2020 that we have to come to terms with. Equally, I know minimum wage adjustment for level 14 and above is one of the issues on your table. We would keep trying to make sure that we make our workers happy and put the leadership of the workforce in a place where they can also hold their own heads high.

Earlier in his remarks, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Olatunde commended Governor Fayemi for prioritising workers’ welfare through prompt payment of their salaries and other emoluments in spite of the meagre resources in the state.

While commending the Governor for the implementation of 2017/2018 promotion, the labour leader called on government to fashion out modalities to defray the accumulated gratuities and remittance of outstanding salary deductions to cooperative societies. He congratulated the Governor for the peaceful conduct and successful outcome of the election in the state and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Monday sworn-in the state's new Head of Service, Mr Bamidele Agbede, charging him to think outside the box in building a responsive 21st century public service.

Agbede took over from Mrs 'Peju Babafemi, who retired last week after 35 years of meritorious service to the state.

Dr Fayemi, in his address at the ceremony, admonished Agbede to sustain government transformation agenda in the civil service.

The colourful ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Funminiyi Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Folusho Daramola; two former deputy governors, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko and Chief Paul Alabi as well as two former Heads of service, Sir Bunmi Famosaya; and Mr Deji Ajayi; traditional rulers and other dignitaries.

The Governor asked the new Head of Service to justify the confidence repose in him by aligning with government policies and programmes and also serve a source of stability for the incoming administration.

He urged him to sustain the feat of his predecessors and use his wide experience in public service to demonstrate capacity in rallying all civil servants behind the incoming administration.

As part of commitment to transparency in corporate governance, Governor Fayemi, disclosed that his administration has institutionalized a process driven structure to ensure meritocracy in emergence of best officers into top civil service positions.

He maintained that the seamless and rancour-free transition between the former Head of Service and the new one, has further reinforced his administration’s fidelity to professionalism, due process and deliberate intention to restore values, dignity and honour into public service.

At the colour event, Dr Fayemi also commended the meritorious service of the immediate past Head of Service Mrs Babafemi and for making appreciable progress in reforming the public service for effective service delivery.

He said, "I enjoin the newly appointed Head of Service to justify the confidence reposed in him, and align with the state government policies and programmes as boldly and expressly enunciated in our 5-pillar agenda. It is also expected that he woukd be a source of stability for the incoming administration.

"You are inheriting a very active public service that has keyed into the vision of this administration. I expect you to hit the ground running and make your impact felt.

"The restoration agenda is a continuous task that must be done. You are expected to sustain the transformation agenda, especially as it relates to the civil service. I know you to possess the capacity to think outside the box and no time calls for that ability more than now when a lot is expected from you in building a 21st century Civil service."

Responding, the new head of service, Barr Àgbède commended Governor Fayemi for developing passion towards the development of the public service through reforms and transformation strategies.

He promised to work with government in providing an enabling environment for Ekiti workforce and ensure prudent utilisation of the available resources in providing service to the people of the state.

Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on Friday visited three more prominent Ekiti indigenes in Lagos as part of his ongoing consultations before assuming office in October.

Those he visited included Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Human Right Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) and a former National Secretary, of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Dele Adesina (SAN).

Oyebanji, who met the three legal titans at their various offices, said the visit was in continuation of his earlier resolve to close ranks with passionate Ekiti leaders and carry them along as he pilots the affairs of the state.

"I started this consultation with my visit to the palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, after which I visited an elder statesman, Chief Deji Fasuan. I have also visited former governors; Adeniyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose and had quality conversation with them. Today, I have chosen to visit three of the legal icons in Ekiti, who are making us proud. I must confess, each of them made my day through the quality advice they offered and their willingness to support Ekiti State anytime the need arises.

"This is necessary because development and good governance can only be enhanced when every stakeholder contribute to nation building,"

Speaking during the visit to his Ikoyi, Lagos office, Chief Wole Olanipekun said Oyebanji's emergence as Governor-elect is not by accident, considering his (Oyebanji's) involvement in the struggle that led to the creation of Ekiti State and his 11 years experience in government of the State.

"The Governor-elect is a brother in whom I'm well pleased. He is a rare gift to our dear state and I'm not surprised that God in his wisdom has thrown him up to become our governor. I first met him many years ago, when, at a very tender age, he joined the Ekiti leaders and traditional rulers who championed the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State. I later met him when he was appointed into office by the first executive governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo. It didn't take me an hour after first conversation to know that he would go places.

" He's intelligent, brilliant, humble and sincere to a fault. Besides, having served in various positions in Ekiti for 11 years, I don't know any individual who can beat that record today and possessed those unique attributes I see in Abiodun. I'm happy for this visit and I have assured him of my support any day,"

Adesina, on his part, said Oyebanji's decision to consult Ekiti leaders at this preparatory level was the best decision anybody could take.

"The first advice I would have given our Governor-Elect is what he is already doing -consultation. He should make it a deliberate policy to bring Ekiti elites together and rub mind with them on what they could contribute. Gone are the days when government alone can bring about sustainable development. There are many Ekiti people out there who are not push over anywhere in the world and could contribute well to the growth of our state. Our incoming governor must involve them to contribute whatever they could contribute.

"The secret of it is that when idea comes from a particular set of people, they won't allow it to die. To engage our youths, I want to urge Mr. Oyebanji to invest more in technical colleges so that young men and women in Ekiti can acquire knowledge that can help them establish small scale businesses. This is necessary to re-orientate the Ekiti youths who have suddenly become the opposite of what we grew up to know," Adesina said.

At the GRA, Ikeja, office of Mr. Femi Falana, the fiery Lawyer, warmly received Oyebanji and urged him to carve a special niche through effective and pragmatic governance that would bring about value restoration and economic prosperity to Ekiti people.

Oyebanji said the ongoing consultation with Ekiti stakeholders and leaders would continue till his inauguration adding that regular consultation with stakeholders and leaders will be a major feature of his administration's Public engagement policy.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has given a seven-day ultimatum to roadside traders at Ọja Oba and other strategic places in Ado- Ekiti, the State capital, to relocate to Agric Olope and Awedele markets within the metropolis.

Dr. Fayemi, gave the order in Ado-Ekiti at a meeting with stakeholders including security agencies, market women leaders, transport union leaders, environmental sanitation officers, representative of government agencies, and chairmen Ado Ekiti local government and local council development areas, on Monday.

Apparently displeased with the congestion being experienced at Oja Oba and its environ the Governor said defaulters of the order would be prosecuted, according to extant environmental laws of the state beginning from July 4th.

The Governor also expressed displeasure at the indiscriminate disposal of refuse on the median of the dual carriage roads in the State capital, adding that enforcement agencies and mobile courts would be instituted in critical places in the state capital to arrest and immediately prosecute defaulters.

The Governor revealed that all the needed facilities to make Agric Olope and Awedele markets conducive had been provided in addition to adequate security, including Amotekun to secure properties and lives of the people in the area.

He charged the people of the state and environmental sanitation agencies to complement government efforts at making the state clean and healthy.

The Governor also ordered that relevant agencies, committees, local government council and other concerned groups to form a synergy and come up with a roadmap that would form the action plan for implementation within seven days.

Governor Fayemi disclosed that the ongoing bus terminal building in the State capital was part of government measure to address indiscriminate commercial car activities and make the road safe for all users in the state.

"I have just driven from Ilawe to government house and it is the same problem. This is 11 O'clock all the rubbish dropped in the median of the dual carriage way is still seating there as I speak.

"The major reason why I called this meeting is particularly about the problem at Oja Oba. I will give one week till July 4 for every single space around Oja Oba to be cleared. Those who are supposed to go to Agric Olope which will have cleared and made available or Awedele, if they don't leave Oja Oba and go there in the next one week, would be prosecuted.

"I want to plead with all that are concerned, the committee that Hon Commissioner for Work and Transport chaired, the one that Director General Office of transformation, Strategy and Delivery (OTSD) has been driving all these should come together after this meeting and develop a road map that will be the action plan for implementation within the next one week. If there are cost implementations let me have it and I will address that. Anybody who has no business in Oja Ọna should move to Agric Olope or Awedele markets." He charged.

Earlier, the Director General OTSD, Professor Mobolaji Aluko explained that the meeting was at the instant of the governor to address congestion at Oja Oba, sanitation of the state capital and other related matters.

emkz:
With this self-indictment of not carrying out due diligence which is an irritating lie, how did she make partner?

She wrote in her famous client-stealing email that Wole Olanipekun owns the law profession in Nigeria because he is the Chairman of the body of benchers. I think Wole should be removed, because it is clear he is one of the problems of the legal profession in Nigeria.

Wole Olanipekun, chairman of the Body of Benchers, has disowned a lawyer in his firm over an attempt to hijack a client of Henry Ajumogobia, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Adekunbi Ogunde, a partner in Wole Olanipekun & Co, was said to have written a letter addressed to SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd — Ajumogobia’s client — soliciting for brief.

[i]The company is currently standing trial on allegations of $130 million fraud at the Rivers high court brought by the Rivers state government against Saipem SPA, Saipem Nigeria, and others[/I].

In the said letter addressed to Francesco Caio, SAIPEM CEO, Ogunde asked the company to consider hiring the law firm to handle the case.

"I believe that you need a more influential lawyer/law firm to prevent a potential huge payout to the Rivers State Government and without a doubt, I believe that my law firm, Wole Olanipekun & Co., can help in this regard,” the lawyer said.

Despite being aware that the law firm of Ajumogobia is handling the matter, Ogunde said Olanipekun & Co has more “influence” with judges across courts.

“We are aware that another law firm is currently in the matter but you will agree that highly-sensitive and political matters require more influence. We are happy to work with the current lawyers to achieve the desired results,” she said.

“Chief Olanipekun SAN, OFR, in the matter will significantly switch things in favour of SAIPEM. Chief Olanipekun SAN, OFR is currently the chairman of the Body of Benchers, which is the highest ruling body in the Nigerian legal profession, made up of supreme court judges, presiding justices of the court of appeal and chief judges of all state high courts, including the Rivers state high court.”


Reacting to the development in a letter addressed to Olanipekun, Ajumogobia said the move “could not be more egregious in its breach of this essential mandatory rule, especially in its acknowledgement that the defendant companies had already retained counsel”.

“That I and my firm of Ajumogobia & Okeke were retained in the matter, was a matter of public record and was personally known to you and your firm, since you had asked me about the matter during our Unilag Law Faculty Alumni dinner at Harbour point in February,” he said.

In another letter dated June 24, Olanipekun apologised to Ajumogobia, adding that he did not authorise the attempt to hijack his client.

“The letter was brought to our attention by H. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, OFR, a respected colleague of ours, and a close ally of our principal, chief Wole Olanipekun, OFR, SAN. We appreciate the candor of the learned senior advocate and his thoughtfulness in bringing the letter to our attention promptly,” the letter reads.

“First, let it be known without any equivocation that the said letter was written without the instruction, authority, mandate, approval or consent of Wole Olanipekun & Co.; it was also not brought to our attention by the writer.

“Second, it has never been the practice of our law firm to solicit for cases or clientele, and we shall never indulge ourselves in this disturbing practice and trend.

“In effect, the writer of the letter under reference was on her own, and we do wholly dissociate ourselves from the letter and its contents: while internal measures would immediately be taken to address and redress this very unfortunate situation.

“The writer never discussed her intention to write the letter or showed it to any person or counsel in the office, either before or after sending it to Mr. Caio.

“Put in other words, the letter is hereby retracted unequivocally: in spite of the fact that it was unauthorized and done without our permission, authority or consent.

“We unreservedly apologize to the highly respected H. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, OFR, and the entire law firm of Ajumogobia & Okeke for the embarrassment which the letter might have caused them; but let it be known that the letter has also caused us a lot of embarrassment as well.”

*Ekiti Government Constitutes Transition Committee, Advisory Council.*

In line with the Ekiti State Transition Law, 2019, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has approved the composition of a Transition Committee and an Advisory Council, following the election of Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as Governor-elect.

The Transition Committee. would among other tasks, study the state of affairs of the present administration, review the programmes and projects of MDAs and map out strategies for a smooth transition from the incumbent to the incoming government. The Advisory Council would address unresolved issues.

The Transition Committee and Advisory Council comprise members nominated by the state government and the Governor-elect.

Members of the Transition Committee are:
• Mr Foluso Daramola (SSG/ Chairperson)
• Mr Tolu Ibitola (Chief of Staff)
• Mr Wale Fapohunda, SAN. (AG/ Comm for Justice)
• Mr Akin Oyebode (Comm for Finance)
• Mrs Peju Babafemi (Head of Service)
• Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye, mni
• Dr Oyebanji Filani
• Mr O’seun Odewale
• Mrs Margaret Fagboyo
• Prof Bolaji Aluko
• Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Co-Chairperson)
• Mr Oluwole Ariyo
• Mr Deji Ajayi
• Senator Tony Adeniyi
• Mr Niyi Adebayo
• Engr Dipo Bamisaye
• Dr Habibat Adubiaro
• Mr Sunday Fatoba
• Prof Bisi Aina
• Mr Adejumo Feyisope

The Advisory Council members are:
• Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi (Chairperson)
• Prof Modupe Adelabu (Co-Chairperson)
• Surv. Abiodun Aluko
• Chief Jide Awe

The Committees are to turn in their reports within six weeks from the date of their inauguration.


Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
24-06-2022

Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on Wednesday pledged not to disappoint people of the state who gave him their mandate during last Saturday’s governorship election by remaining faithful to the full implementation of his campaign promises.

Oyebanji made the pledge in Ado Ekiti shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented him and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye the certificates of return as the Governor-elect and deputy governor elect respectively.

The event was witnessed by the Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Funminiyi Afuye, wife of the Governor- elect, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, husband of the Deputy Governor-elect, Mr Afuye; former deputy Governor Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, Ekiti APC Chairman, Barr Paul Omotosho, and party leaders.

Mr Fatoba Oluwole who won the bye- election to fill the vacant Sliti East Constituency 1 seat in the State’s House of Assembly was also presented his Certificate of Return to the newly elected at the brief but colourful event.

The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos States, Mr Sam Olumekun presented the certificates to them at the commission’s office, Ado Ekiti in line with the provisions of section 72(1) of the new electoral act.

Mr Oyebanji said he would put in his best to implement the six- point agenda entrenched in his manifesto which he earlier unveiled at the onset of his campaign.

He added that the victory given to him by Ekiti people at the poll was a testament to the sterling performance of the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration, adding that it was validated by the massive votes freely given to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Saturday’s election.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing a level playing ground for all the contestants to have a fair contest and test their popularity and acceptance during the election.

Mr Oyebanji also hailed INEC for doing a yeoman's job, describing the introduction of BIMODAL Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a “game changer” which made the process seamless, fair and transparent.

He commended security agencies and other security stakeholders for being alive to their responsibilities before during and after the election which cumulated in the peaceful conduct of the election.

He said, “Ekiti Kete we thank you all for investing your trust in us, in our party, what is happening today is historic in Ekiti State, this is the first time that the Government will be succeeding itself and I make bold to say that this is made possible by the sterling performance of Governor kayode Fayemi because June 18 was a referendum on Governor Kayode Fayemi as governor of this state and Ekiti State came out and validated the fact that he has done so well.

“I will do my possible best to ensure that we don’t disappoint you, we have a six point agenda which is a blend of what we are doing now and our ambition and we will remain faithful in its implementation.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC)in the state , Dr Adeniran Tella said the introduction of new technology and other features to the Ekiti governorship election which enhances its credibility reinstated the commission’s commitment to deepen electoral processes and further consolidate democracy in the country.

Canvassing for the support of stakeholders in electoral process, Dr Tella assured that the commission would continue to consolidate on its achievement and will not involve in practices that would compromise its standard.

In his remarks, Mr Olumekun, also assured that the commission would pay special attention to new challenges and delineate lessons learnt in the Ekiti Governorship election toward greater service delivery in management of future elections.
He said the commission was able to surmount all the hurdles that surfaced during preparation for the Ekiti election to conduct a credible, free, fair and roundly commended election last Saturday.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his victory at Saturday's governorship election in the state.

Dr Fayemi also congratulated the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the victory as well as the Ekiti electorate, whom he said made an informed decision.

The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) has declared Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and former Secretary to the State Government as winner of the election having pulled a total 187,057 votes in the keenly contested election.

Dr Fayemi in a congratulatory message in Ado- Ekiti on Sunday, described Oyebanji's victory as well deserved, adding that it was a befitting honour for a man who, in the last three decades, had committed his time, energy, talent and resources to the development of the state.

"Ekiti people have spoken loud and clear. The outcome of the election has shown that Ekiti people are honourable people, who always support and reward leaders who have served them diligently and faithfully.

"I have no doubt that the new Governor- elect will serve Ekiti people even more diligently, and create opportunities for other young people."

" Hearty congratulations to our own BAO, the Governor- elect, and a bigger congratulations to our party, APC. The biggest accolade goes to the good people of Ekiti State for their display of civility throughout the electioneering period.

Governor Fayemi also saluted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its innovations that made the electoral process seamless and effective and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

The Federal High Court has debunked claims that it had disqualified the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the Ekiti State Governorship election, Biodun Oyebanji.

“The attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to an online report in circulation on the above subject matter with a purportedly assigned Suit Number: FHC/ABJ/CS/528/22, claiming that Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo disqualified the APC candidate, Biodun Oyebanji from the Ekiti governorship election, less than 48 hours to the polls,” a statement by the Assistant Director Information, Federal High Court of Nigeria, Catherine Oby Christopher, Ph.D, said on Thursday.

“The Federal High Court hereby debunks the existence of any such case in its entire jurisdiction and indeed the Court Order as alleged”.

Read Also: Ekiti Guber Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of Poll

According to the court, there has been no such case before Hon. justice I.E Ekwo.

Christopher therefore, described the said report as unfounded, very mischievous and aimed at not only misleading members of the public, but also causing tension.

“It is worrisome that some media practitioners hasten to give false information to the public for their own selfish interests, thereby unduly heating up the polity.

“Professionalism and truth remain ethical values that should guide journalists in their daily reportage of issues.

“This spurious reportage sold out to the public is most unfortunate and unacceptable. It should be totally ignored,” the information director said.

Barely 48 hours to the Ekiti State governorship election, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has urged a Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti to nullify the emergence of Chief Segun Oni as the SDP governorship candidate.

The SDP said the suit was predicated on the fact that Oni did not participate in any valid primary as he was nominated by Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam and Dr. Olu Agunloye who were not legally and constitutionally recognized as the National Chairman and the National Secretary respectively.

The SDP is seeking an order of the Court restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Oni as the candidate of the party in the governorship election slated for 18th June, 2022.

The party also seeking a declaration that the primaries of the party organized under the supervision of Gabam and Agunloye which never held formally is wrongful, illegal null and void and couldn't have produced a validly nominated governorship candidate for the Ekiti poll.

The suit which was marked FHC/C/31/2022 and filed at the Court on 15th June, 2022 has the SDP as the 1st Plaintiff. Other Plaintiffs are Dr. Ishola Agboola (2nd), Mr. Tunde Alabi (3rd) and Mr. Kehinde Rufus (4th).

The Defendants in the suit filed by the Counsel, Mr A.O. Thomas, are Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam (1st), Dr. Olu Agunloye (2nd), Engr. Segun Oni (3rd) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (4th).
The Plaintiffs are seeking seven (7) reliefs of the court among which is an order setting aside and/or nullifying the candidacy of Oni (the 3rd Defendant) as the governorship candidate of the party for the Saturday's poll.

According to the Writ of Summons, the Plaintiffs claimed that the 1st and 2nd Defendants (Gabam and Agunloye) by reason of not having been elected at any National Convention or at any election forum of SDP are not substantive nor interim/acting chairman or secretary of the party and therefore wrongful for them to arrogate to themselves the power of the offices of the National Chairman and Secretary of SDP.

The Plaintiffs maintained that the national chairmanship status/position of the SDP having not been handed over to either of the 1st and 2nd Defendants by any National Chairman of the party they cannot claim to the chairman of the party whether substantive or interim/acting and therefore lack the capacity to organize any convention of the party for election of national officers of the party or primaries to elect candidates for general election.

They further seek an order of injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants from further parading themselves and/or holding themselves out as National Chairman and National Secretary or as officers of SDP.

In the Statement of Claim attached to the suit, the Plaintiffs averred that the 1st Defendant usurped and arrogated to himself the position of the National Chairman having not been elected or handed over to by a legitimate National Chairman of the party.
The Plaintiffs also averred that the 1st Defendant in a brazen and unconstitutional manner, in order to continue to arrogate to himself the status of a national officer of the party, swapped with the 2nd Defendant, the position of National Chairman, thereby assuming the position of National Secretary while the 2nd Defendant assumed the position of National Chairman.

While affirming that there is no provision for the swapping of offices or positions in the party's constitution, the Plaintiffs averred that the 1st and 2nd Defendants were never elected as national officers at any National Convention of the party in accordance with provision of the constitution of the party under any guidelines and supervision of the 4th Defendant.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday said the state has attracted about $500 million to prosecute various projects under the World Bank assisted programmes, within the last three and a half years.

Dr Fayemi stated this while receiving an award presented to Ekiti State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), for emerging the overall best in Tier- 4 of the World Bank project ahead of 22 other benefiting states.

The Governor, who commended the Ekiti NEWMAP for its exceptional performance in the World Bank Assisted Projects, listed some other World Bank Assisted Projects to include Nigeria Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), SEPIC, Third National Urban Water Project, European Union support, IDEAS, AGILE and SAWASH among others.

He noted that NEWMAP activities were visible in no fewer than nine communities in the state, with the construction of bridges and channelization of drainages adding that Ado and Efon projects would soon start because the state has been able to procure the European Investment Bank support to prosecute the projects.

The Governor promised to present the draft law of the Project to the state Executive Council for effective consideration and ensuring that it goes through the process to achieve its enactment into law by the state House of Assembly.

“No State has the number of World Bank supported projects that we have either during my first term when we were able to attract the SEPIC project for education and the third National Urban Water Project that we used in rehabilitating both the Ireje and Ikun Dams as well as the European Union support that helped us to rehabilitate the Egbe Dam.

“Since I returned in 2018, we have had NEWMAP, RAAMP, IDEAS for all our Technical Colleges, we’ve had AGILE for our women and Girl Child support, we’ve had SOMEO, we’ve had Malaria project for health and then we have SAWASH

“A lot of my colleagues are always asking, how come Ekiti is always doing projects, because people don’t believe that we don’t have money. We are able to attract these because we are resourceful and we are also able to convince these institutions that we will deliver on the money and we would ensure that these projects are done on time and on cost.

“And if you put it all together, we have received these four years almost $500 Million worth of project support from the World Bank in Ekiti alone. And ours is significant, people may not know the impact of that, for many of it, we have to put in our counterpart funding because they require us to do that to show commitment but every state wants to be on this programme but not every state has been able to make it. And when you put in this level of support, at least a third of it is grant-aided, its free money, two thirds of it is concessional lending to our state, its almost free money, because we have it in most cases with 5 to 10 years moratorium and when we eventually start to pay back, we are paying with 1percent interest rate.” He said.

Earlier, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Dr Akinyemi Akinyugha, expressed his appreciation to the Governor for ensuring the success of the projects in the state through his support right from the onset of the programme.

Dr Akinyugha however solicited for the enactment of the laws backing the activities of the projects as well as official recognition of every member of the team by way of commendation.

On 11th of June, 1963, a shining star was born in faraway Liverpool, the United Kingdom who would be a blessing to humanity. Fifty nine years down the line, Erelu Bisi Adeleye- Fayemi has lived up to the purpose God sent her to the world to fulfill.

The worth of a person is not defined by how wealthy the individual is, property acquired, academic degrees obtained, enviable positions attained and class of friends made but by the number of lives touched positively to make them useful to the society.

Though still relatively young, Erelu Fayemi is a legend in showing compassion to the less privileged, lifting the poor out of poverty, identifying with the so-called dregs in the society, feeding the hungry, empowering the economically challenged, giving hope to the physically challenged and fighting for the oppressed.

In all these, Erelu Fayemi has acquitted herself well as the First Lady of Ekiti State in a way that makes many to wonder how easily she mixes and feels very much at home in the Land of Honour, inspite of her privileged background. With her famed compassionate gestures and interest in giving hope to the hopeless, Erelu Fayemi had, within a few months into her husband’s tenure as Governor of Ekiti State, rightly earned herself a nickname - "Mother- General" of Ekiti.

For the greater part of her adult life, Erelu Fayemi has been involved in advocacy for the protection of the rights of women and children, giving economic empowerment to the less privileged and advocating for the involvement of womenfolk in governance and she has been unrelenting in pursuing these ideals.

Prior to becoming Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Fayemi had acquired continental and global renown for her role as a co-founder and Executive Director of African Women Development Fund (AWDF), a platform that has supported over 2,000 women's organizations in 42 African countries with million of dollars in grants thereby lifting many African women from misery, poverty and want.

Unknown to Erelu Fayemi, her gestures are being taken note of and she has been immortalizing herself in the hearts of the people, especially the poorest of the poor, whose lives she has positively touched with various unprecedented initiatives.

This woman of substance has brought grace, colour, dignity, candour and honour to the position she occupies as the First Lady and that is why many have chosen to refer to her as the "Mother - General" more often than her first nickname- Ochiorah- her Igbo honorary title. Erelu Fayemi has brought smiles to the faces of thousands of Ekiti men and women who daily benefit from her generosity of spirit.

During her husband’s first tenure (October 2010-October 2014), Erelu Fayemi used her position as the Governor’s wife to put in place policy frameworks that enhanced the status of women, ensured justice for the violation of their rights, led advocacy on the awareness of their rights and also sponsored legislations to protect the girl child, women and ensured punishment for the violation of such rights. She has however upped the ante since her husband returned to office in October 2018 for his second term, with more policies, programmes, activities and welfare packages that continue to enhance the value of women in Ekiti State. She is also at the forefront of women emancipation policies at the national level in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Wives' Forum.

In recognition of her efforts at supporting the vulnerable in the society, awards and honours have been coming in torrents since assumption of office. She scooped Woman Leader of the Year in commemoration of 2022 International Women’s Day which was jointly hosted by the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), UN Women, European Union, British High Commission and the Embassies of the United States, Germany and France.
She is a recipient of the prestigious Zik Prize in Leadership (Humanitarian Leadership Category) and was also honoured with the Fellowship of the College of Education, Ilesa, Osun State. These are in addition to a honorary doctorate degree from the Tai Solarin University of Education (TAUSED), Ogun State.

She has been honoured as the Erelu of Isan Ekiti, her husband's hometown; the Iyalode of Ilafon Ekiti; the Eye Ajiseye of Ado Ekiti; the Ochiorah of Imezi Owa in Enugu State and the Oluomo of Ilara Mokin, Ondo State (her hometown), just to mention a few.

It is remarkable that Erelu Fayemi has been recognized by the international community, the media, the academia and the traditional institution all within a short period of time and this bears eloquent testimony to her virtues of altruism, commitment to a better society, selfless service to mankind and untiring zeal for welfarism and egalitarianism.

All these accolades coming the way of Erelu Fayemi couldn’t have come by happenstance; they resulted from years of hard work and commitment to the cause of the less privileged and her steely resolve to leave Ekiti, Nigeria and Africa better than she met them.

It is on record that Erelu Fayemi during the first tenure of her husband influenced the passage of Gender Based Violence Law 2011 which has given legal teeth to bringing violators of women’s rights to justice. With the law in place, the deterrent factor has been established in Ekiti and the incidence has declined. Another law influenced by her office was the Equal Opportunities Law 2013 which has provided the template for the womenfolk to get what their male counterparts are getting from the system in the areas of political and economic empowerment.

It was also a period that the Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka Cancer Referral Centre was established in memory of a former Deputy Governor of the state to give women access to test and treatment of cancer. The centre has given relief to many cancer patients who hitherto travel long distances to receive such treatment.

The Ekiti First Lady is also renowned for the establishment of the Multiple Birth Trust Fund in Ekiti State, through which indigent couples who gave birth to multiple babies like twins, triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets are assisted with finance and materials to take care of their babies.

The second tenure of the Fayemi administration has also witnessed landmark policies and programmes which have bettered the lots of the women, children and the less privileged in Ekiti State and has won the First Lady admiration within and outside the country.

The Ekiti First Lady influenced the emergence of four female House of Assembly candidates who went on to win the seats at the last general elections and are now among legislators making laws for the state. She also influenced the nomination of a female House of Representatives member. She.also supported three female local government chairmen, 14 vice chairs and 44 councillors in the last local government election in the state.

Under Erelu Fayemi’s watch, Ekiti State now has a Sexual Assault Response Centre (SARC) which was commissioned in 2020. It is a centre established to give succor to victims of rape and other forms of sexual abuse. It has been receiving victims of abuse not only from Ekiti State but also from neighbouring states.
The centre provides services that include psychosocial (counselling support), legal service (informal, alternative dispute resolution and formal prosecution of offenders), shelter service (women intervention and economic empowerment) and general rehabilitation services. The facility has doctors, nurses and psychologists to give medical support to victims and a resident lawyer that will help in seeking justice for the victims. The professionals are always on ground to assist the victims overcome trauma of sexual violence.

With Gender Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019, Ekiti is now a no-go area for rapists, paedophiles and sex predators. For potential sex offenders and violators of women and children's rights in Ekiti, the fear of Erelu Fayemi has become the beginning of wisdom.

Erelu Fayemi also ensured the construction of the Family Court to facilitate dispensation of justice in family disputes in the state. She also instituted the Pad Bank to assist female students in menstrual hygiene and Return the Girls Back to School Initiative to give more access to qualitative education to the girl child. She also established Obirin- Kete, a multi- purpose economic empowerment network for Ekiti women in all 177 wards with approximately 3,500 members.

Also from her stable is the Ounje Arugbo, a food support initiative to the indigent aged people across the length and breadth of Ekiti State with the benefiting senior citizens of the state showering prayers on the First Lady for her benevolence, magnanimity and generosity. It was through the Ounje Arugbo scheme that a centenarian, Mama Jolaade Oso, was discovered. The old woman who had lost all her children with nobody to take care of her was discovered in Ikere Ekiti. The First Lady paid her a surprise visit, rented a house for her and ensured provision of her needs till she died. And when Mama Oso died, Erelu Fayemi sponsored, celebrated and participated in all her funeral rites as an adopted daughter. In fact, she was passionate as if the old woman was her biological mother to the suprise and admiration of Mama Oso-s kinsmen who never expected her to get such an uncommon gesture.

Thousands of women in Ekiti have enjoyed empowerment in forms of finance, working tools and facilities to help them set up their businesses thereby contributing meaningfully to the grassroots economy in a way never seen before in the history of the state.

As the Ekiti First Lady turns a year older this Saturday, we join all her admirers and beneficiaries of her generosity to say Happy 59th birthday to the "Mother- General" of our time, destiny helper of many and champion of women emancipation, Erelu Bisi Adeleye- Fayemi.


**Ogunmola who is the Special Assistant (Media), Office of the Deputy Governor, wrote in from Ado Ekiti*

Ekiti State Governor and Presidential Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, received a hero’s welcome on Wednesday on his return to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after the party’s Special Convention and presidential primary.

A large crowd of enthusiastic party supporters, artisans and commercial motorbike riders received Dr Fayemi at Igbara-Odo, a border town between Ekiti and Ondo State with songs and drumming and followed him to the Fajuyi Pavillion, Ado-Ekiti, where another large crowd had converged to receive the Governor with “Fayemi for Nigeria” slogans.

Dr Fayemi who was one of the leading aspirants of the party had stepped down for the eventual winner, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged the state delegates and his supporters across the states to vote for the former Lagos State Governor during the APC primary.

Addressing party supporters at the rally, Dr Fayemi said the unity of the country was a major consideration for him in taking the decision to step down for Asiwaju Tinubu, whom he described as a leader, mentor and a great fighter for democracy and Nigeria.

Dr Fayemi disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari, the APC Presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Tinubu, the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, APC governors and other critical stakeholders will be in Ado-Ekiti next Tuesday for the party’s mega rally in support of the Ekiti State Governorship Candidate, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

He said the APC will win the June 18 governorship election in the state convincingly and use it as a springboard for the many electoral victories that would follow at the state and national level.

He said the electoral victory of the party’s presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu will start from the success of the party in the coming Ekiti gubernatorial election.

The Governor who gave an insight into his decision to step down for Asiwaju Tinubu at the APC Convention, said his action at the convention was honourable and expected of a typical Ekiti man to support intentions geared towards the progress and prosperity of the region. He said he was happy over the outcome of the convention, adding that it has further strengthened and solidified the unity and cohesion of the party against predictions from some quarters that the APC would collapse at the convention.

He thanked all Ekiti traditional rulers, Ekiti elders, party members and Ekitis home and abroad for their unalloyed support for his presidential aspiration. He also charged party members, people of the state and lovers of Ekiti to work assiduously for the election of Mr Oyebanji, the APC candidate in the June 18 election.

He said: “There can be victory in what appears to be a loss. There can be success in what others call failure. We had to act in unity and cohesion for the manifest destiny of Nigeria to arrive, for the unity of Nigeria to be consolidated and for the success of our party to be whole.

“Before we went into the convention, the story was that APC will collapse, that we will come out of the convention in smattering, that everything will go haywire. We have come out of our convention stronger, victorious and better consolidated. We have come out of our convention energised to ensure that the ‘poverty developers party’ do not come back either in Ekiti or in Nigeria and all other pretenders who are running helter-skelter, pretending that they have what it takes to govern, they will meet their waterloo right from June 18 right to the presidential election in March 2023, and we shall win and we shall be victorious.”

Ekiti State Governor and APC Presidential Aspirant, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his emergence as Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 general election.

Dr. Fayemi also congratulated the party leadership and the convention planning committee for the successful conduct of the special convention and presidential primary, as well as President Muhammadu Buhari for superintending over a free, fair, and credible process as national leader of the party

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Dr. Fayemi said Asiwaju Tinubu’s emergence represents the collective wish of the vast majority of members of the APC, adding that the former Lagos State Governor has proven his dedication and competence to lead the country at such an important time in history.

Dr. Fayemi who stepped down and endorsed Tinubu at the convention, described the APC flagbearer as a "long distance runner", who has the capacity to lead the country to greater heights come 2023.

"It is a great moment for our party. I congratulate Asiwaju Tinubu for the well deserved victory and the leadership of the party as well as the convention committee members for a great job.

"Collectively, we shall move from this convention venue with greater determination to strengthen the party and work assiduously for the success of the party in the 2023 elections."

Nigeria is at a critical crossroads as the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), is now set for the special convention to determine the party’s candidate for the 2023 general election. The primary election is of interest to most Nigerians who look to the APC for the emergence of a credible flag-bearer who could possibly be Nigeria’s next president.

At a time our country faces increasingly worrisome challenges, there is a sense that we cannot afford to get it wrong in choosing President Buhari’s likely successor from amongst the shortlisted candidates, including Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the current governor of Ekiti State, and chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), who most informed stakeholders and analysts consider best fit for the presidency at such an important period in our history.

Amongst other aspects of his reputation and public records, Fayemi’s legacy as Governor of Ekiti State is an indicator of the possibilities that abound for Nigeria if he emerges, just like former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, became president after serving two-terms as Governor of the small landlocked state of Arkansas, and chairman of the National Governors Association. It is therefore expedient to revisit the basis of the critical acclaim Fayemi has earned on account of his stewardship of the small agrarian state.

He does not have a loud and boisterous nature and he is prudent to a fault, hence his lack of interest in self-aggrandisement and going overboard to blow his own trumpet, but at the heart of his efforts as governor lies Fayemi’s moral compass. He is first a man of deep convictions driven by concrete social democratic principles. His motivations and vision for the Nigeria Agenda are well documented in books he has authored before and during his sojourn in public service so far, and his big ideas have found expression in a comprehensive and integrated manner in the policies, programmes, and projects implemented in Ekiti State. For example, Governance which is the first pillar and the mainframe for governmental functionality has taken a positive direction under his watch.

Clear evidence of how serious the Fayemi administration treats good governance can be seen in a tremendous improvement in transparency and ease of doing business indices which have placed the state among the best in Nigeria. Recently, the state was adjudged the second most transparent state in public procurement and financing. The state has also soared high in the Disbursement Linked Indicators mileage of the World Bank/FGN backed State Fiscal Transparency Accountability Sustainability (SFTAS) scheme aimed at improving probity, accountability, and transparency in public expenditure. It is no wonder that in spite of very lean revenue accruable to the state, it has continued to be a frontline state in school enrolment, public health coverage, social security, gender equality, ease of doing business, and social amenities. Ekiti has the highest life expectancy in Nigeria, the lowest out-of-school children, and the best social investment strategy.

Similarly, the administration has done well in infrastructure development with the completion of a number of critical roads such as Oye-Iye-Otun road, Aromoko-Erinjiyan-Ikogosi, Agbado-Ode-Isinbode-Omuo, New Ado-Iyin, Ilawe-Igbaraoke, and Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo-Ijan. The government has also commenced the rehabilitation of Ado-Ifaki road and Ikole township roads, in addition to massive restoration of Ado-Ekiti metropolitan roads.

The government has delivered the Oja Oba Market at Erekesan. It has completed the magnificent Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Center which is a multipurpose structure designed to accommodate shopping malls, a cultural center, cinemas, amphitheater, library, museums, halls, e.t.c. It is one of the first of such purpose built buildings in Nigeria. The government has also delivered the biggest water corporation headquarters in Nigeria and undertaken a total overhaul of three major water dams in Ero, Egbe, and Ujere with the installation of power sources, main pipes, and reticulation of hundreds of kilometers of pipes to towns and villages in about ten local government of the state.

In education, in fulfillment of the overall vision to develop manpower needs for sustainable development in agriculture as well as science and technology, the administration established the Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, and the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti. In an effort to expand access to secondary education, the administration has constructed five new model colleges, with three others being built in the three senatorial zones. Over 900 blocks of classrooms have been rehabilitated with sanitary, water, and fencing facilities, just as all schools in Ekiti have been supplied with furniture and instructional materials. It is noteworthy that education is free and compulsory for all children up to senior secondary school level.

In addition to the state’s free health care programme, the health sector has received a tremendous boost with the rehabilitation of all the primary health facilities across the state. The General Hospitals are also undergoing massive rehabilitation and equipping. The state’s tertiary health facility, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital has witnessed phenomenal growth in terms of expansion and building of structures to host the different departments of the hospital. More importantly, the administration saw to the full accreditation of the institution.

In terms of the big ideas to reposition the state as one of the most viable and economically self-sustaining states, the Fayemi administration began what is clearly an audacious journey to prosperity. The strategy is anchored on the areas of economic advantage as an agrarian state. In addition to a number of successful public-private partnerships such as the Ikun Dairy Farm now being run by Promasidor Limited, and the Ire Burnt Brick which has been revamped and given to a competent private sector operator, the administration created a thriving agric-processing zone in the northern senatorial district with massive agricultural processing industries springing up and smallholder farmers emerging.

The game changer Fayemi embarked on to help farmers have access to international markets is the construction of the agric-cargo airport that will be delivered by August, 2022. The vision is to make Ekiti the ultimate destination for the vegetable and allied produce market globally. Though landlocked, the airport will change the status of the state to an international destination without boundaries. The project is envisaged to create an agro-business hub and serve as both a national and international cargo gateway to Nigeria with the ability to attract both cultural and medical tourism. It will also be an international free trade zone. Technically, the runway can carry aircrafts as large as the Boeing 747 with a 3.6km usable runway (3.2km runway with overrun of 400m). The airport would also be useful for our national air defense system. When completed, the airport will have a night navigation system that can make 24 hours landing possible as well as bulk fuel installation for aircraft to stopover to refill while on transit. It will also serve as a major craft maintenance hub that will relieve local airlines of the humongous cost of maintaining their craft offshore. These are some of the unique offerings of the airport when completed.

Another big idea that Fayemi’s midas hands are touching is the Ekiti Knowledge Zone which is aimed at turning the people’s passion for learning into a viable economy. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is a smart city, a piece of information, and communication technology (ICT) hub, and an innovation city where content creators, ICT experts, programmers, innovators, soft and hardware engineers can ply their trade. The vision is to make the EKZ a go-to place for all manner of innovative solutions destinations.

While Fayemi appreciates the importance of physical infrastructure as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, he is quite aware that the ultimate operating system for any society to work remains the values upon which the society is constructed. It is for this reason that he undertook a comprehensive values orientation project that saw to the development of Ekiti Values Education as a compulsory subject in Ekiti public schools. This is a major legacy to ensure that the future generations are brought up on sound ethical principles.

There are many more phenomenal achievements of the Fayemi administration in Ekiti State that are well documented, including his efforts in improving security in the state, extensive civil service and public sector reforms and facilitating the legal framework that would ensure no one is discriminated against on account of their religion, gender, tribe, age, or physical ability. In Ekiti State, there is a zero tolerance policy for Gender Based Violence, a law to protect and empower differently abled people, and a law to ensure women are given an equitable percentage of appointive political offices. Fayemi has fought to ensure no one is left behind, and his template of inclusive governance is needed at the federal level to heal and unite all Nigerians again.

In conclusion, it is necessary to touch on Fayemi’s tenure as Minister of Mines and Steel Development. Fayemi drove the formulation of a sector roadmap unprecedented in its scope, ambition and buy-in, which is what is now being used by his successors. The reforms in the sector required a dogged public official able to rally all the stakeholders, and Fayemi fit the bill. Using a decisive yet consensual leadership style, he secured the cooperation of a disparate range of industry actors in charting a new course for the sector. If his transition from state governor to federal minister and then back to governor was seamless, it was due to Fayemi’s consistency.

In bringing all the sector stakeholders together, Fayemi was applying the same philosophy of participatory governance that has defined his public service career, and which Nigeria desperately needs now – a detribalised nationalist and proven technocrat with the expertise, experience, and network of relationships across the country, to build consensus on the imperatives for rebuilding a new Nigeria.

History has placed on the APC stakeholders and delegates the responsibility of choosing a candidate that is best positioned to move Nigeria forward – and we hope they make the right choice in the person of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, for a New Nigeria.


*Akin Rotimi writes from Ado-Ekiti*