Ekiti State Governor and APC Presidential Aspirant, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Monday took some time off his campaign trail to visit and commiserate with survivors of Sunday’s gunmen attack at the St Louis Catholic Hospital, Owo, where some of them were receiving treatment following the attack.

Dr Fayemi also visited the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Olowo of Owo kingdom, HRM Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin and the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev Jude Arogundade, at the Bishop’s Court, Akure.

Accompanied by former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibkunle Amosun; Dr Fayemi who urged the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime, also announced a donation of N50 million naira, on behalf of the NGF, to the Catholic Diocese to cushion the pains of the gruesome attack, which led to the killing of no fewer than 21 people with scores sustaining varying degree of injuries.

Dr Fayemi said all efforts would be made to ensure that the perpetrators were apprehended and brought to book, adding that state government would redouble their efforts at ensuring safety and security of lives of the citizens.

He lamented that the situation was capable of making the people afraid to going about their daily activities including going to their farms, pursuing their legitimate businesses and even going to places of worship. This he said calls for urgent attention to the issue of security in the country.

“All efforts towards ensuring the perpetrators are apprehended would be made, but this cannot bring the dead back to life. While we pray to God to intervene, we would also redouble our efforts and be more vigilant in our vicinity.”

The Governor later visited the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin at his palace where he commiserated with the monarch and the Olowo-in Council.

Thereafter, Dr Fayemi visited St Louis Catholic Hospital, where some of the victims were receiving treatment. Some of the victims managed to narrate the ordeal to the Governor and his colleagues.

Meanwhile, Governor Fayemi has directed Ekiti State Commissioner for Heath and Human services, Dr Banji Filani, to send medical and human resources to Ondo State to support the state medical team.

“Every death or terrible situation like this diminishes us. We know how disturbed you are now. Government at state and federal levels are working together to ensure that the assailants are apprehended and also to ensure an end to these spate of attacks”, he told the victims and the apparently bewildered relations who besieged the hospital.

Both Oba Gbadegesin and Bishop Arogundade called on the Federal Government to ensure the assailants were apprehended and to put measures in place to ensure safety of lives of the people.

The Governor of Ekiti State and Presidential Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, has condemned attack by gunmen in Owo, Ondo State, in which scores of innocent worshippers were feared killed during a Holy Mass on Pentecost Sunday.

Dr Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described the attack as vile, barbaric and callous, adding that there can never be any justification for the heinous behaviour of the assailants.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), also commiserated with the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the people of Ondo State over the sad incident.

He urged security agencies in the state to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law. He also tasked them to remain vigilant.

In solidarity with the sister state, Dr Fayemi also directed the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Banji Filani, to immediately send human and medical resources to Ondo State.

“The perpetrators of this dastardly act should not go unpunished. We call on relevant security agencies in the state to spring into action and ensure that they are brought to book.

“Our condolences to the Government and good people of Ondo State as well as families that lost their loved ones in the carnage.”

As the 2023 presidential election kicks off with parties now conducting elections to pick standard bearers, one party that has continued to attract intense attention is the governing All Progressives Party (APC). It is normal that the ruling party faces more challenges about how to pick its candidate where the incumbent is not seeking a return ticket having exhausted the constitutional limit.

During a transition like this, the intensity of contestation and complexity of intrigues can sometimes get to the breaking point for the ruling party.
One should therefore sympathizes with the APC at this time, even, as it is locked in a flux in the high octane of succession politics. With twenty-three aspirants jolting to win the ticket of the party, there is no doubt that the battle is going to be sulfuric, combustible and explosive.

In spite of the motley of characters pretending to be aspiring, simply because they could pay the one hundred million naira ticket fee, what seems to be too plain to ignore is that fact that the main contenders are about four of the lots. For me, the primary will revolve around Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Yemi Osinbajo and Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Of these major contenders however, it seems, destiny is waiting for the youngest of them to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.
Even as the days get closer, what is now apparent to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his fanatics is that he might not secure the ticket of the party, despite his dominant presence and larger-than-life posture. Nothing buttresses this position than his bare-knuckle but self-inflicting jibes that he threw in Ogun state on June 02, 2022.

Signs indicating all will not be too well with his campaign began to emerge when he ran through many northern states last week and he was told almost the same thing by almost all the governors he met, that, whomever the president supports and directs them to follow, they would follow. This practically devastated Asiwaju, irretrievably.
He had hoped naively that Buhari, who though, had not shown any commitment to him or to anyone, would stay neutral to allow the most “prepared” win. So, he had virtually become a traffic warder on the political streets of the northern states in the last one month. But all the hopes seemed to have collapsed with the choreographed answers he got whenever he went, including from the Borno state governor, whom many had thought was a forgone conclusion.

It was therefore an unexpected anti-climax when the president disclosed in a meeting with the progressive governors on June 1, 2022 that he would want to play a critical role in the selection of his successor. To many political observers, this was a major challenge for Asiwaju. This is because there was no doubt that Asiwaju and the president have not been best of friends since Buhari became president. Indeed, there had been instances when Asiwaju had had to publicly criticize the administration. One would even recall instances Chief Bisi Akande wrote bitter letters that clearly condemned Buhari and even asked him to resign at some point.
But, Asiwaju had another graver problem. He is not in the good books of most of the governors because of the annihilating politics he and Oshiomhole played going into 2019 election as part of his ultimate long-term plan to plant his sympathizers in all the states as governors, ahead of this day.

As a survival strategy, Asiwaju has been courting the national assembly and practically secured an alliance with them. In fact, the electoral law was amended to cure what Asiwaju thought could hinder him going into the election. So, many clauses were deliberately infused into the law to serve the political end of the NASS members and Asiwaju in particular.

Unfortunately, they were caught in their web of political conspiracy with the exclusion of statutory delegates from those eligible to vote at the convention. All their desperate effort to cure this grave self-infliction has been blocked by the president. As it stands now, the major electors at the primary will be national delegates who would have emerged from the political structure of the governors.
Worse still, to leave nothing to chances, the president seems to be interested in a consensus arrangement that will ensure a seamless process of candidate selection for the party.

So, when a frustrated Asiwaju spoke rather boisterously to the embarrassment of reasonable observers, it was obvious that he probably has gone for the broke. Much as his battalion of online supporters have tried to rationalize his intemperate speech, there is no doubt that it has caused an irredeemable damage that has eroded any possible clue for a makeup situation between him and Buhari.

For some unclear reason, the Tinubu supporters have made Osinbajo the focus of their acerbic campaigns and there seems to be the feeling that he is the only “real” challenge to Asiwaju’s passage. His sights generally irritates them and every of his steps is scrutinized bitterly.
Indeed, Osinbajo is a formidable figure in this contest. He has a lovable and easily ingratiating personality. His intelligence, charm and confidence can truly rankle a jealous competitor. Indeed, if the party ticket were to be decided directly by Nigerian generally, Osinbajo will be the undisputed winner of the ticket; however the politics of this particular primary election seems to be out of his pick for some factors beyond his control.

And this is understandable. Anywhere in the world, the primary election of any party is mainly a product of intense political horse-trading among the conclaves of party caucuses. In the Nigeria political environment, the governors of the ruling party are the most potent and dominant caucus. The National Assembly can sometimes provide a strong voice, but during a national election where their own political survival is at the local level, their ability to deploy their number to an advantage is grossly hampered.

In this particular instance, unfortunately, the NASS members have amputated and castrated themselves out of relevance. The Asiwaju factor, which Buhari usually tried hard to propitiate to, is, unfortunately now under a testy situation that only days can tell, if it has not completely lost its potency.

Consequently, those who would eventually decide who will be the party’s standard bearers are not those whose consideration would be the sartorial photogenicity of Professor Osinbajo or the monarchial carriage of Asiwaju, but cold power brokers who would negotiate to ensure their own continued relevance in the scheme of things.
According to analysts the ticket seems to be between Kayode Fayemi and Rotimi Amaechi. But the current political configuration of APC and the need to get the middle position may work for the former. According to some insiders, the two forces at play are the governors who want one of them to succeed the president and the inner circle of the president who seem to prefer Rotimi Amaechi for some obvious reasons.

Luckily for Kayode Fayemi, he also enjoys a good relationship with the so-called inner caucus of the Buhari administration. In fact, the Tinubu forces recognized this since 2016, when Fayemi led the political master stroke that produced Akeredolu in spite of all the machinations of Asiwaju to ensure Akeredolu never won the primary and the governorship election. Thereafter, the Tinubu forces started a barrage of media hostilities against Fayemi whom they first derided as a “traitor”, an “ingrate” and an “Akintola”, among other uncomplimentary expletives used to umbrage him then. All these they now direct at Osinbajo.

Similarly, Kayode Fayemi is a man personally loved by the president for his sound intellect, maturity and ability to build bridges and consensus among diverse interests. The president said this much in a speech he gave when Kayode Fayemi was quitting Buhari’s cabinet to re-contest for the Ekiti State governorship election in 2018.

Since becoming the Chairman of Governors’ Forum, Fayemi has steered the Forum from unhealthy acrimony and controversies that used to be its hallmark to that of potent policy peer-review platform that has worked cooperatively with the federal government on so many socioeconomic programmes. He has worked with uncommon maturity to ensure mutual respect between the federal government and the Forum without any major antagonism as it used to be.

What observers have come to the conclusion about is that Kayode Fayemi is the median candidate for all the converging factors. Being Yoruba will assuage the thirst of the South West and be easy to placate Asiwaju. His age, education, Teflon image and ability to build network will easily sell him across board. Even though there will be an initial shock and pushback, the emergence of Fayemi, will ultimately represent the finest hours of the political shift that the nation has been yearning for a long time.

Even those who have become so fanatical about some of the candidates will be easy to persuade to accept the compromised candidate because of his less problematic nature. It will be a ticket that the youths, the not too old, the old and many other interests can easily connect with.
Except if it is not God’s wish, it seems the Fayemi presidency has become inevitable. This will be Ekiti’s finest hour, even as we wait for the outcome of the APC convention over the next few days.

Alaba Osatuyi
Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor and Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has offered explanations on how he will tackle critical problems afflicting the polity if elected President in the 2023 general elections.

Dr. Fayemi identified insecurity, unemployment, epileptic public power supply, mounting public debts, oil subsidy, dwindling revenue, among others as major problems that will receive his immediate attention if he succeeds in winning the Presidency.

Dr Fayemi, in an interview with The Cable Online Newspaper, also unveiled what he described as his "Big Idea" for Nigeria which will provide panacea to critical problems facing Nigeria and take the country to the realm of prosperity

He explained that his big idea for a new Nigeria is one built on prosperity and harnessing the country's human capital, and improving productivity, creating safe, secure and Investment-friendly environment that encourages inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and entrenching a justice system that is fair and equitable.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) stressed what is most important is to deal with the socio-economic root causes of insecurity, bordering on economic opportunities, food security, national cohesion, equity and justice, amongst others.

In his bid to make Nigeria a more secure country, Fayemi noted that a key goal of his administration as President will be to evaluate every action we take within this context to ensure we address insecurity holistically.

While admitting that Nigeria still has some distance to go it can achieve the level of security its citizens desire, Dr Fayemi canvassed the need to build on some of the gains, especially improvements in the north-east, while also addressing the gaps that have seen a worrying trend growing in the north-west and north-central zones.

He said: "First, we must improve the effectiveness of policing, driven by an implementation of the new Police Act, assented to by President Buhari in 2021. The new Act will make our Police Force more accountable to the people, service oriented, and less militaristic.

"We must ensure the gains of the Act are maximized, my immediate focus will be to remove the bureaucratic hurdles that have prevented us from recruiting the required number of police officers required to effectively secure the country. Apart from the obvious need to recruit more police officers, there is a need to modernise our policing equipment by providing the required technology to support the boots on group.

"This includes the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), CCTVs, licence plate and facial recognition, and biometric records, amongst others. Some of these solutions are already being implemented in Ekiti state, and have helped us successfully respond to our internal security challenges.

"Secondly, we must also minimise the corruption in the security architecture, and I am pleased to see the Buhari government has commenced a holistic review of the conditions of service of police officers to undercut the incentive for corrupt behaviour. This must be supported by strong accountability mechanisms, especially in the area of public finance management, to ensure the funds budgeted and released to the police are utilised for the intended purposes, and that sufficient transparency allows for public verification.

"Thirdly, we will need to deal with the perception of the police service. No police accountability mechanism can be considered fair if it fails to inspire public confidence, and we must guarantee independent and fair investigations into public complaints against police."

On how his administration will revive the economy with the attendant problems of piling debts, dwindling oil revenue and skyrocketing prices of goods and services, Dr. Fayemi said his experience Ekiti governor will be valuable in tackling economic challenges facing the country. This, he said, was achieved with investment in critical infrastructure, attraction of investments and intervention in critical social sectors without increasing the debt portfolio he met upon assumption of office which was done by improving internally generated revenue, restructuring existing debt portfolio to improve cash flow and attracting private investors and development partners.

Speaking on his vision for job creation, Dr. Fayemi identified the need to ensure sustained economic growth which he believes will lead to an expansion of economic activities and focusing on creating incentives for growth poles for new jobs especially those driven by technology and digital economy

He added: "We must also address a major labour market failure driven by the skills gap in our economy. With our high unemployment numbers, it is important we minimize situations where employers cannot fill vacancies due to a shortage of skilled workers.

"A possible solution to this problem is a partnership between interested states and the federal government to development a national skills programme, supported by a Labour Management Information System that helps to place trained labour in available jobs."

To address the problems in power sector, Dr. Fayemi advocated the need to complement the existing national grid with a number of decentralized grids and a review of the regulatory environment noting that the ongoing constitutional review exercise provides for an amendment to allow states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

*CHARTERED FLIGHTS: Daily Trust Got it Wrong*

The attention of the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has been drawn to a news report by the Daily Trust Newspaper, May 20, 2022 edition, where the Governor was alleged to have squandered millions of state funds on chartered flight in the course of his recent political activities.

The unduly generalised report, titled; “Wike, Fayemi, Tambuwal, six other governors squander millions on private jets,” is not only inaccurate and misleading, it is bereft of facts, which made it fall short of the journalistic standard for which the Daily Trust is known.

One wonders how the newspaper arrived at the number of chartered flights purportedly taken by the Governor in the course of his recent political activities, which it put at 16. We also consider it poor journalistic work for the newspaper to assume that all the trips to the states mentioned in the report were via private jets.

For the avoidance of doubt, while it is correct that Governor Fayemi occasionally uses private jets to get to some difficult to reach places and when commercial flights disappoint, alternative arrangements are made for such trips, more often than not supported by friends.

It must be stated that Governor Fayemi does not use state resources for his personal or political trips, as these are distinct from official trips.

While we do not dispute the role of the media to inform the public, we are of the opinion that such should be done with due regard for fairness and accuracy of information.

We therefore challenge the newspaper to provide evidence that Ekiti State funds were used for private jets. Otherwise, we demand that the report be retracted.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, a man of high ethical standards, holds dear the tenets of financial discipline and accountability in his public service engagements.


Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekiti State
20- 05- 22

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has admonished property owners to obtain all necessary official documents to secure their properties.

The governor gave the charge while presenting Certificates of Occupancy to 237 property owners in the State.

He expressed hope that the concept will help in tackling the menace of land grabbers and other fraudulent practices.

Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode, the governor said the homeowners charter scheme where Cs of O are procured within three weeks after application, was introduced as a policy to accelerate the acquisition of land documents.

Fayemi said “part of the ways to achieve sustainable economic growth is for landowners to regularise their documents. With this policy, the government relaxes some of the administrative bottlenecks and reduces the required fees.

“It has been noticed that lack of proper title documents had impeded landowners from unlocking their property and creating capital. They can’t use it as collateral in banks and get loans. I am happy that these 237 people will now have their documents given to them having applied for their certificates”.

Fayemi said: “With this, you now have valid and legal documents that guarantee your ownership of this landed property and you can also use them to further your business interest”.

Apart from boosting business interests, Fayemi added that the issue of disputes over landed property will be minimised by the policy.

“You can also sell your lands at higher values, while it will compliment our digitisation of landed property policy and GIS programmes”.

The Chairman, Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Muyiwa Ogunmilade, said the land documents’ regularisation programme initiated by Fayemi, was a clear attestation to the governor’s avowed stand to propel businesses and vanish social unrest from Ekiti.

Ogunmilade expressed satisfaction with the level of contributions the programme has made in shoring up the state’s internally generated revenues.

“Getting these valid documents within a period of three months unlike before was clear evidence that Ekiti had overcome the bottlenecks being encountered in the acquisition of C of O.

“This policy helps in ensuring that we get our land documents cheaper, faster and in a less cumbersome way and a lot of people are now applying to regularise their land documents as a result of this programme.

“Those working at the Ekiti State University, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology and others are just waiting for us to make a success of the first batch for them to be filing their processes in droves likewise other citizens.

“The most important aspect of it is that It also helps in generating more revenues to the state because people are enthusiastic to apply once they can get it within three weeks they make their payments and present their documents on time”.


Also speaking, the Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Land Matters, Mrs Funke Falodun, stated that the programme was introduced by the government to boost businesses and expand the scope of people’s access to loan acquisition in banks.

Falodun, who is the Special Advisers for Land Matters, added that it would also have a spiral effect on the operations of land developers, architects, builders and other professionals in the system.

The attention of the Governor of Ekiti State and Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, has been drawn to a spurious allegation by a former National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that the Governor once asked him to rig an election in his favour.

The allegation, which was made on a national television, is not only false, puerile and laughable, it is a figment of the imagination of the former APC Chairman as Governor Fayemi has never asked Oshiomhole to rig any election for him or any other person and never had any reason to ask for such.

Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard the allegations by Comrade Oshiomhole, who apparently is still experiencing a post traumatic stress disorder on account of his removal as Chairman of APC.

It is on record, Dr Fayemi was not responsible for Comrade Oshiomhole’s removal as Chairman of the APC. He has his ward executives and the courts to blame for that.

The Ekiti State Governor has always considered Comrade Oshiomhole a friend and political associate even if they had fundamental differences over his kangaroo approach of disqualifying Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, from the APC primaries and his unconscionable autocratic management of party affairs whilst he was chairman of the party.

For avoidance of doubt, Governor Fayemi has no reason to approach Comrade Oshiomhole for favours for any election. Governor Fayemi has a stellar track record of being a consummate democrat even in difficult times.
Many Nigerians can easily recall his historic concession speech in 2014 in an election that was clearly lost to electoral sleight of hand at the behest of the then People’s democratic Party (PDP) –led Federal Government.

Others will also recall how he spent years in court patiently pursuing the retrieval of his stolen mandate between 2007 and 2010. He has demonstrated nothing but decency, decorum and fidelity to the rule of law in all his years in politics and public office.

We challenge Mr Oshiomhole to provide the public with independently verifiable evidence of his unsubstantiated claims, if true.

Governor Fayemi remains steadfast in the pursuit of his aspiration to get the APC ticket for the 2023 presidential election. No amount of mudslinging from disenchanted individuals would distract or discourage him.


Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekiti State
17-05-2022

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Monday announced the appointment of 39 years old , Mr Tolu Ibitola as his new Chief of Staff.

The Governor also named the Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Mr Foluso Daramola, as the new Secretary to the State Government.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the two appointments are with immediate effect.

Mr Ibitola, 39, formerly a Personal Assistant to the Governor, was until his elevation, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor. He takes over from Mr Biodun Omoleye, who recently resigned his appointment to pursue his political interest.

Ibitola hails from Usi-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He obtained an M.Sc degree in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from Robert Gordon University, Scotland, United Kingdom. Few years after his graduation from the University of Ado-Ekiti in 2004, where he bagged a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Political Science, he proceeded to obtain an Executive Certification in Advanced Negotiation from Harvard Law School (HLS), Harvard University, USA. He is an alumnus of Air Force Secondary School, Ikeja.

Before venturing into public service in 2010, he worked and collaborated extensively with the Corporate Affairs department of Ancient International Infrastructure, Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, where he outstandingly improved the course of the organization through provision of informed analysis and strategy on internal audit, external marketing, and communications. He transitioned from the private sector to public service due to his desire to be part of the critical mass that can change the course of democratic governance in Nigeria, starting with Ekiti State.

Tolu Ibitola has an approach to public service that is matched by exceptional commitment, creativity, intellectual foresight, and enterprise. He has demonstrated his foundational skills and fresh spectrum of ideas as Personal Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State from 2010-2014, and Personal Assistant to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development from 2016-2018. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. His roles include, among others, monitoring of the day-to-day activities of different departments within the Governor’s Office, ensuring that cross-departmental relations and output adhere to the wider framework of the administration’s vision and concerns are channeled to the appropriate quarters for prompt resolutions.

Tolu envisions a progressive society where public sector governance is driven by servant-leadership and sacrificial commitment to public good. He is married to Bolanle, and the union is blessed with children.

Mr Daramola, a retired Permanent Secretary and a member of the State’s Executive Council, was until the new appointment, the Overseer of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, a position he assumed following the resignation of Mr Biodun Oyebanji as SSG in December 2021.

A seasoned administrator, Daramola served as Permanent Secretary at different times in the Ministry of Information, Office of Special Projects and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology before his retirement from the state civil service. He joined the administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi as Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in 2019. He was assigned to oversee the office of the SSG after Oyebanji’s resignation in December 2021.

Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi will formally declare his intention to run for the position of President of the country tomorrow in Abuja.

The Wednesday’s declaration, tagged “Unveiling My Nigeria Agenda”, is the climax of the Governor’s extensive consultations across the geo-political zones in the last six weeks. It will also lay to rest speculations on whether he would run for the Presidency or not.

Dr Fayemi, had after discussing his plan to run for the number one office with President Mohammadu Buhari last month, sought counsel, guidance and support from traditional and political leaders across states in the federation.

Remarkably, Dr Fayemi kick-started the consultation in Owo, Ondo State, where he met with the Olowo of Owo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye. Owo is renowned as the seat of progressive politics in the country, being the birth place of the defunct Action Group (AG) led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Thereafter, Dr Fayemi met with Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, (who was his Secondary School principal) and other leaders, of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, including Chief Olu Falae and Chief Cornelius Adebayo in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The Afenifere leaders did a frank assessment of current trends in the country and concluded that the country needs a leader, a democrat with character, courage and compassion at this critical period. They scored Dr Fayemi high on these points and gave their blessings for his aspiration.

Determined to deepen the consultations, Dr Fayemi also visited the Osemawe of Ondo, HRM Oba Adesimbo Victor kiladejo at his palace in Ondo town and the Deji of Akure, HRM Oba Aladetoyinbo Ognlade Aladelusi at his palace in Akure. The consultation also took him to Ile- Ife, Osun State, the cradle of the Yoruba, where he met the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who accorded him a grand reception that lasted for hours, interspersed with prayer sessions and cultural entertainment.

Dr Fayemi also met with the Olubadan of Ibadan, HRM Oba Lekan Bbalogun; the Alake of Egbaland, HRM Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo; the Awujale of Ijebu ode, HRM Oba Sikiru Adetona; and the Akarigbo of Remoland, who is also the chairman of Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi in their respective palaces, where he got royal blessings.

Dr Fayemi’s consultation train later moved to the palace of Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, of the Opobo Kingdom and Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. He also visited and had talks with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mohammed Jega during the Sallah holiday and both leaders respectively expressed their admiration for his personality and capacity as a bridge builder and lover of peace.

He had earlier held a major meeting with members of Ekiti State Traditional Council in Ado-Ekiti, with over 110 Obas in attendance. The Ekiti Obas who were excited at the possibility of one of their sons becoming the next President of the country, pledged their unalloyed support for Dr Fayemi’s presidential bid. The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Aladesanmi; Ajero of Ijero- Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole and Owaoye of Okemesi Ekiti, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, who spoke on behalf of the Obas, said Fayemi is eminently qualified to lead the country in view of his exposure, education, experience and capacity.

Dr Fayemi’s engagements with political and traditional leaders went on side by side with consultations with his colleague governors, especially those elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). As at date he has conferred with and shared his vision with no fewer than 20 of the 22 APC governors, in the consultation process that is expected to run till the party’s primaries, later in the month.

The NGF Chairman said the engagements with the traditional rulers and political leaders provided an avenue to share and listen to their perspectives on the ideal approaches to building a united country based on justice, freedom, equity and the rule of law. The aggregate opinion, counsel and goodwill received during the consultation period will form the crux of his declaration on Wednesday at the nation’s capital city.

Born on February 9, 1965, Dr. Fayemi holds degrees in History and International Relations from the University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University respectively, a Doctorate in War Studies from King’s College, University of London and is a Fellow of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan. His research and policy development interests include: Natural Resource Governance, Democratisation, Constitutionalism, Security Sector Governance, Civil-Military Relations and Regionalism in the Global Context.

Dr. Fayemi was the founding director of the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), a research and training institute dedicated to the study and promotion of democratisation, peace-building and human security in Africa. As a central figure in the coalition of civil society actors that resisted oppressive military rule in Nigeria in the early 1990s, he was central to the founding and running of opposition radio stations while in exile. His role in the struggle to restore democratic governance in Nigeria is documented in his book Out of the Shadows: Exile and the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in Nigeria (CDD, 2005). His other publications include: Mercenaries: The African Security Dilemma, co-edited with Abdel-Fatau Musah (Pluto Press, 2000); Deepening the Culture of Constitutionalism: The Role of Regional Institutions in Constitutional Development in Africa (CDD, 2003); and Security Sector Governance in Africa: A Handbook (co-edited with Nicole Ball, CDD, 2004); Reclaiming the Trust (Amandla, 2012); Regaining the Legacy (Amandla, 2013); and Legacy of Honour and Service (Amandla, 2014). His most recent book, “Unfinished Greatness”, (which was unveiled in February), articulates his vision of a Nigeria Agenda that is inclusive, progressive, equitable and people centred

Dr. Fayemi is a prominent member of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and chaired the party's National Convention Planning Committee that produced President Mohammadu Buhari as Presidential Candidate for the 2015 general election. He also served as the Director, Policy Research and Strategy of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

He was Governor of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014. He served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development in the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 2015 and 2018. As Minister, he led the administration’s efforts in repositioning the Nigerian Mining sector to contribute optimally to the priority agendas of diversifying the country’s revenue base and creating jobs and economic opportunities for Nigerians. He resigned as Minister to contest the governorship of Ekiti State for a second term in 2018. He won the election and was inaugurated for a second term as Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2018.

He is married to Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the renowned women’s and children’s rights advocate, international development specialist, writer and social entrepreneur and blessed with a son. He has received several awards and recognitions at home and abroad, and holds the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).


Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, on Monday hailed the harmonious working relationship between Ekiti State Governor/ Chairman Nigeria Governors' Forum ( NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi and Sokoto State Governor/ Vice Chairman of NGF, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, describing it as a good example in leadership.

Sultan Abubakar stated this when the two governors paid him sallah homage at his palace in Sokoto, in celebration of the Eid Fitri, festival.

The Sultan who, in company of his chiefs and religious leaders in the sultanate, welcome both Fayemi and Tambuwal to his palace, said he loves and admires the way the two governors work together harmoniously at the NGF and other national assignments, despite belonging to different political parties.

"I admire the mutual love and respect as well as the excellent working relationship between the two of you. Leadership is about service- service to the people.

" The way the two of you work together as Chairman and Vice chairman of the NGF and relate like brothers, despite belonging to different parties, is a good reference point in exemplary leadership.

" At the end of the day, it is about progress and development of our country. I must say you are leading by example.", the Sultan said.

Speaking further, Sultan Abubakar thanked Governor Fayemi for visiting him in his palace for the Sallah celebration. He told his subjects present at the reception, that his relationship with the Ekiti State Governor predates his ascendance to the throne, adding that Dr Fayemi has always demonstrated his love for the country and the people.

Governor Fayemi, who brought greetings on behalf of his other colleagues at the NGF, also praised the Sultan for his interventions in conflict resolution and peace building initiatives in different parts of the country.

Governor Fayemi's visit to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Jega, also went in the same direction with the Emir praising the cordial relationship between the NGF Chairman and Kebbi State Governor and Chairman, Progressives Governors' Forum ( PGF), Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Both Governors were at the Emir of Gwandu's Palace in Birnin- Kebbi to celebrate the eid Fitri festival with him.

The Emir recalled his strong connection to Ekiti through his late Battalion Commander in the 1960s, Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi. The Emir, who retired from the military as a Major General, admonished the two leaders to always do what is right for the people without any expectation of praise or gratitude from them.

According to him, "it's in the nature of our people to be envious of those in leadership position, but I urge you to know that leadership is sacrifice, leadership is service to God and country, even if it's not appreciated".

He thanked Governor Fayemi for coming to celebrate the Eid Fitri festival with him and his people in Gwandu Emirate and wished him well in all his endeavors.

Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
02- 05- 2022

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has disclosed that his administration has disbursed over N1.8 billion as car and housing loans to civil servants, local government staff and teachers in the last four years as appreciation for their commitment and as a demonstration of government's committment to their welfare.

The Governor also revealed that his administration, within the period has paid a total sum of N2.9 billion as gratuity to retired civil servants and local government staff.

Speaking on Sunday during this year's May Day Rally held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, the State capital, the Governor assured that his administration is working out modalities for the payment of one month salary arrears ( owed by previous government) this month to commemorate the workers' Day.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Governor further assured that total clearance of the remaining arrears is being looked into having given approval for the cash implementation of the promotions of 2017 and 2018.

Dr. Fayemi said government has a duty to do more for workers admitting that inflation has eaten deep into the gains made by his first and second administrations in the last decade in which workers enjoyed wage increase not less than three times.

Recalling the suffering inflicted on workers by the immediate past administration, Dr. Fayemi said: "that is why we we cannot afford to go back to the dark era of non-payment of salaries, allowances and pensions. We are already out of the dark tunnel and we should resist every trick to take us backward as a state."

Speaking on the June 18 governorship election, the Governor urged workers to "consider where we are coming from, where we are now and where we are going as a people and as a state" urging them to join hands with his administration to build on the successes recorded on laudable programmes and policies.

Dr. Fayemi added: "In whatever we do, we should place the best interest of Ekiti State far and above other considerations. Things can only, and should only get better. Therefore, let us jointly make the right choice, not only for ourselves but for our future generations."

The Governor disclosed that N309 million, N339.2 million, were disbursed as housing loans to civil servants, local government staff respectively while N571.3 million and N41.3 million were disbursed as car and housing loans to civil servants and local government staff respectively making a total of N1.2 billion.

On what teachers benefited from the loan scheme, the Governor explained that while N287.3 million was disbursed as car loans to teachers, N299.8 million was disbursed to teachers as housing loans making a total of N587.1 million.

Giving a breakdown of gratuity paid since 2018, Dr. Fayemi revealed that over N2 billion has been disbursed to workers who retired from the civil service while N843.1 million was disbursed to retirees from the local government service totalling N2.9 billion paid as gratuity

He said further: "We did all these because we deliberately placed the welfare and wellbeing of our workforce, the engine that drives our 5-pillar agenda, in the front burner despite our limited resources.

"You will recall that at the inception of this administration, most offices were congested and not conducive for work. As a responsible and responsive government that values workers' welfare, we swing into action immediately by embarking on renovation of buildings and completion of the abandoned secretariat buildings.

"We have also provided office furniture and equipment across the MDAs. The state government also extended water supply to the State Secretariat.

"As a gender-sensitive government, we put in place a Public Service that is fit for the 21st Century,safe and gender-friendly for male and female workers to utilize their potentials for effective service delivery. I approved the first female Head of Service and the administration approved paternity leave for male officers and six months of.maternity leave for nursing mothers in Public Service."

He also praised the leaders of workers unions in the state "for their relentless engagements with the state government for the welfare of the workforce which demonstrates their resolve to advance the cause of workers at this challenging period."

The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, advocated the extension of minimum wage to workers on Grade Level 13 and above and payment of gratuity to workers who had retired since 2013.

Olatunde said workers are praying for a successful governorship election to produce a labour-friendly and focused leader that will benefit workers and pensioners.

The state Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun, urged the state government to work out a bailout package for subvented institutions to get them out of their present economic predicament.

Adigun also clamoured for gradual increment of subventions to such institutions in order to sustain their existence.

The TUC boss appealed to political gladiators to play the game with utmost sense of decorum "just as we know that irrespective of party affiliation, the winner of the election will definitely come from Ekiti, no position is worth shedding of blood of anyone."

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in the June 18 election, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has expressed his appreciation to APC leaders, party members and the people of the State for their massive support and show of love during the official unveiling of his manifesto and opening of campaign office in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday.

Following the unveiling of the six- point development agenda at a colourful event at the Adetiloye Hall, Oyebanji, leaders of the party and supporters had staged a carnival - like possession to Ajilosun end of the state capital for the opening of his campaign office.

Oyebanji, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed his appreciation to God Almighty for th e success of the event. Specifically, he thanked Ekiti State Governor and leader of the party in the State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu; APC State Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotosho and members of his excecutive for their support.

He also thanked National and State Assembly members present, women and youth wings of the party, leadership of the various unions, market women, artisans, drivers unions and commercial moricycles drivers and the BAO Independent Support Group for the massive support.

The APC Candidate said he was overwhelmed by the crowd and the fact they defied the scorching sun to take part in the road show from Trade Fair Complex to Ajilosun ( a distance of about 10 km) in solidarity with him.

While calling on APC members and his supporters to step up their mobilisation efforts ahead of the June 18 election, Oyebanji reiterated his promise to stand firm and follow to the letter all the developmental plans listed in his manifesto.

He also reassured Ekiti people that the APC campaign would be issued-based and devoid of any form of violence.

“Yesterday's events marked a significant part of our aspiration to provide quality leadership for Ekiti people. To say I was overwhelmed and impressed by the support I got from my leaders and people of Ekiti, who trooped out in large numbers to be part of the road show, would be an understatement. The demonstrated love and support for me, my deputy governorship candidate and the APC has further rekindled my conviction that Ekiti people are truly progressive minded and still prefer our party, APC, to other political parties.

"Having presented our manifesto, I promise, with all sincerity, to remain committed to it. I will not derail in my determination to sustain the developmental strides of Governor John Kayode Fayemi administration. Ekiti has shown us love and I want them to continue giving us the support to enable us win the June 18 election," he stated.


*Raheem Akingbolu*
Media Assistant

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has extolled the virtues of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, who passed on Friday, aged 83 years.

Dr. Fayemi said the departure of the revered monarch has created a big vacuum in the traditional institution in Oyo State in particular and Yoruba land in general.

The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said the late Oba Adeyemi was a bridge builder, a patriot, courageous leader, who contributed to the unity of Nigeria in his lifetime.

He noted that the late Oba Adeyemi was an authority in history and blessed with a sharp memory which added value and class to his royal duties and day-to-day interaction with people from different walks of life.

Dr. Fayemi said the deceased was a distinguished first class Oba, who brought dignity, respect and glamour to the traditional institution and made it relevant in the quest for a better society.

He said the late royal father operated an open door policy and always made his wise counsel available to political leaders irrespective of their party affiliations.

Describing the deceased as a man of many parts, the Governor noted that the late Oba Adeyemi never disappointed in the performance of his royal duties and other roles he was privileged to have played which spanned sectors like administration, politics, education, religious, sports, among others. He added that Oba Adeyemi earned much respect and accolade for his ability to speak truth to power, without playing to the gallery .

The Governor further credited the departed Oba with defending the culture and traditions of the Yoruba race which he did with panache and passion throughout his reign.

Dr. Fayemi commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the deceased urging them to be consoled by the good legacies he left behind and the positive impact he made in his lifetime.

"I, on behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, commiserate with the Adeyemi family , the Alaafin - in- Council, the people of Oyo town and the Government of Oyo State on the passage of our highly reverred Kabiyesi, Alaafin Oba Adeyemi. We pray that the Lord will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss."

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Christians in the state and Nigeria in general for witnessing another Easter season.

The Governor, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, urged Christians to emulate the sacrificial lifestyle of Jesus Christ who gave his life to save mankind.

Dr. Fayemi who felicitated Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, urged them to continue to intercede for the state and the country.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) noted that the Easter season is a period of sober reflection, which lessons should be imbibed and reflected on at all times.
He said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace, harmony and progress in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, death and resurrection.

Stressing the essence of the season, the Governor said Christ exemplified the virtues of selflessness, love and tolerance during his sojourn on earth. He urged Christians to use the season to reflect on their individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love, peace, harmony and progress in the country.

Dr Fayemi advised Christians to be modest in celebrating Easter, noting that the period is not for eating and drinking alone but to reflect on the past and hope for a better future for themselves and the State.

“We must see this period as a time that presents us the viable opportunity to reflect on how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity, by living peacefully with fellow citizens” the Governor said.
While noting that the gubernatorial election in the State is just two months away, the Governor urged Christians in the State to use the period to pray for peaceful conduct of the polls as well as offer intersession for peace, development and prosperity of Ekiti State and Nigeria in general.

Cizarr:
Reply me or contact me make I join you work in our dear state...since I'm from Ekiti State too

The Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 18, governorship election in Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has restated his commitment to issue-based campaign and peaceful conduct of supporters ahead of the Ekiti guber poll.

Oyebanji gave the assurance on Monday during a courtesy visit to the palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, HRM, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, as part of ongoing consultations preceding the his gubernatorial campaign.

The State Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi led the team, which comprised a few chieftains of the party and friends of the candidate, to the palace.

Oyebanji, who was received by Oba Adejugbe and his chiefs, said he would focus on issues that border on development and those that are of concern to the people of the State during his campaign, scheduled to commence after the Easter break. The APC candidate stated that he remains the candidate with the most public service experience having served in different capacities in the administration of Otunba Niyi Adebayo as well as the first and second administrations of Dr Kayode Fayemi.

The former Secretary to the State Government who recalled his first visit to the Ewi’s palace in 1994 as a young lecturer at the State-own University, lauded Oba Adejugbe’s leadership role in the agitation that culminated in the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.

“But for the struggle which was championed by Kabiyesi and other prominent citizens then, there wouldn’t have been anything like Ekiti State today, and nobody would be aspiring to be a governor or lawmaker in Ekiti State.

Responding, Oba Adejugbe lauded Oyebanji’s untainted public service record in the state as well as his role in the creation of Ekiti State, where he served as secretary of the Committee on the creation of Ekiti State, having been co-opted by the elders.

“You are a good person. You have promised an issue-based campaign, please ensure you stick with issues and ensure your supporters tow the path of peace.

“I have known you since 1994 when you first came here to discuss the state creation issue. And you have always demonstrated good conduct, courage and brilliance.”, Oba Adejugbe said.

The Traditional ruler prayed for Oyebanji and his team.

Earlier, Otunba Egbeyemi had said that Oyebanji would continue with the laudable projects and policies of the Fayemi administration when voted in.

Raheem Akingbolu
Media Assistant

Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated the newly elected national executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the chairmanship of former Nassarawa State Governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu on their emergence at the party’s just concluded national Convention in Abuja.

He also lauded the APC National Caretaker Committee headed by Yobe State Governor, Mai Malla Buni for organising a successful national convention, aimed at further strengthening the party ahead of 2023 general election, in addition to holding the party together for almost two years.

Dr Fayemi, in a statement shortly after the new executives were inaugurated in Abuja on Sunday, said he was happy the party’s convention held successfully, despite initial anxieties and divergent interests and opinions of members over what they considered the best way moving forward.

He congratulated the new National Chairman, Senator Adamu, the national Secretary, Otunba Iyiola Omisore and other elected National Working Committee (NWC) members whose elections were ratified at the convention, and wished them success in the task of repositioning APC as the undisputable number one political party in the country with attendant electoral fortune.

He urged the new national officers to look beyond the various opposition expressed by individuals or groups to their aspirations ahead of the convention, saying that was normal in any democratic setting. He also urged them to hit the ground running by reaching out to aggrieved party members and running an inclusive administration.

“Hearty congratulations to the newly elected national officers of our great party, APC. Their election at this crucial period in our national politics, no doubt, has placed on them an enormous responsibility.

“I have no doubt that they will make a success of the task, giving their pedigree as very resourceful men and women of proven integrity, ability and capacity.

“ I congratulate Senator Adamu, our newly elected national chairman and all the new national officers and wish them a successful and impactful tenure that would remain quite unforgettable in the annals of the history of our great party, APC and country in general.”


Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
27-03-22

The general public is hereby notified that a news story in circulation with the above headline is a misrepresentation of the views of the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Dr Fayemi at a policy dialogue organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in Abuja on Thursday, was quoted as rejecting the consensus arrangement President Mohammed Buhari reached with the Governors ahead of the party’s convention.

It must be stated, however, that Governor Fayemi’s presentation at the event was about democracy in West Africa and democratic reversal in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso and not about his party convention.


For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Fayemi in response to a question from the audience accusing the President of imposing a Chairman on the party at the forthcoming convention, stated that the President's priority was the unity of the party and he didn't know about the President endorsing any candidate for Chairman. But that if indeed the President has expressed such a view, the President that he knows is a democrat and those who do not share the view may of course contest.

Governor Fayemi is well known as a leader not given to frivolous and distracting talk.

Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
24- 03- 22