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Tag: Dr. Kayode Fayemi

  • Fayemi pays N24m administrative charges for WAEC candidates

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has approved the payment of administrative charges of over N24million to schools principals.

    Fayemi approved the funds for 13,390 candidates, who will be writing the April/May 2019 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in the Public Secondary Schools in the State.

    In furtherance of his free and compulsory education policy, the governor had earlier paid WASSCE fees for all students in the state’s public schools.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ayodeji Ajayi, who disclosed this on Friday, in Ado Ekiti, the state’s capital, added that the government has decided to completely change the face of education.

    He disclosed that Vice Principals that have served for over 20 years would henceforth be engaged in supervision of certificate examinations in the state.

    He said: “The state government has paid the sum of N1,850 per student for 13,390 candidates, to take care of administrative charges and incidental expenses during the examination.

    “Any school involved in examination malpractices would be punished in accordance with the law,” he warned, adding that, the state government has a zero tolerance for examination malpractice.

    Ajayi, therefore, advised principals in the state, not to collect money from any candidate seeking to write the examination since government has taken care of all expenses.

  • Fayemi dedicates victory to Ekiti people

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has declared that Monday’s judgement of the Ekiti State Election Tribunal affirming his election as the validly elected Governor of the State is a re- affirmation of the wishes of the vast majority of Ekiti people.

    Fayemi, who described the judgement as another proof that the wishes of the people will always prevail, said he is forever grateful to Ekiti people for electing him as governor for a second term and by standing by his government.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi said:” It is a victory for all Ekiti people. This is democracy at work. This is a reflection of the wishes of our people and I dedicate the victory to our people”.

    The Governor also urged his main challenger, the PDP candidate, Prof Olusola Eleka, to join hands with him and the rest of Ekitis in redeeming the hope of the people and taking the State to the next level of development and prosperity.

    “It is a great day for democracy. And the judiciary has proven again that it is the last hope of the common man.

    “We shall now continue with the task of rebuilding our state and restoring the core values of our people without any iota of distraction,” he said.

    Fayemi also urged his supporters to be magnanimous in victory and celebrate in moderation, saying that he remains the Governor of all Ekitis regardless of party affiliation.

    “It is a victory for all of us and together we shall restore the state’s lost glory.

    “Our desire is to bring back peace, progress and prosperity to Ekiti State. The journey has just begun.

    “I call on the PDP candidate, Prof Olusola Kolapo, who is an illustrious son of the state, to join us in the efforts to take the State to the next level of development and prosperity.”

  • Fayose left N155 bn debt – Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Thursday said former governor Ayodele Fayose left a total debt profile of over N155.79 billion for the state.

    This is as the governor signed into law, the N129.9 state budget for 2019, as part of events to mark his 100 days in office.

    The governor said while giving account of his stewardship in Ado Ekiti, that the debt profile included local loans and other debts.

    He gave the breakdown of the debts as; Loans, N57.694 billion; Unpaid Salary Arrears, N16.777 billion; Outstanding Leave Bonus to workers, N4.402 billion; Pension and Gratuity Arrears, 39.775 billion; Outstanding Corpers’ Allowance, N28.883 million.

    Others are; Outstanding Subventions to institutions, N4.770 billion; Outstanding Contractors’ Claims, N28.575 billion; Outstanding Furniture Allowance, 470.2 million; Outstanding Severance Allowance, N586.144 million; Monetized Vehicle Arrears, N101.243 million: Outstanding Warrants, N386.777 million, Outstanding FIRS Obligation; N184.2 million;, Traditional Rulers Arrears, N150.214 million; Judgment Debts, N95.214 million, and other Outstanding Liabilities of N1.792 billion.

    NAN reports that Fayose had dismissed the claim as frivolous and evasive.

    Fayose’s Media Assistant, Lere Olayinka said in Ado Ekiti that the claim was a “spurious” claims by the governor to cover-up alleged failure by his government to embark on any meaningful project since assuming office.

    The former governor, however, failed to state how much he left as debt for the state.

    On his part, Fayemi insisted that his administration inherited a state that was in total chaos, with a people severely disoriented under a “suppressive government that had raised and promoted deceit into a state
    craft”.

    According to him, “the last 100 days have clearly shown to us, in a very practical manner, that with clarity of vision, the resolve to push through and the unflinching support of the people, there are endless possibilities in our capacities to steer our state on the path of progress.

    “Despite the meager resources at our disposal, we are meticulously delivering on our promises to the people through our various short, medium and long term socio-economic intervention programmes

    “We must examine our tortuous path with a view to charting a new course for a prosperous destination, not only for us, but also for our unborn children”, he said.

    NAN reports that the governor condemned borrowing to finance what he called “white elephant project” by the past administration, describing it as unproductive, self-serving and grossly unpatriotic.

    He explained that the many successes stories recorded by his administration within a spate of 100 days in office was made possible as a result of his genuine resolve to serve the people diligently and passionately.

    He called on all Ekiti people for support and cooperation for the administration to build on the gains of the past three months.

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    “All hands must be on the deck to move Ekiti forward economically, socially and politically.

    “I also enjoin you all to keep supporting us, especially in the areas of tax payment and selfless suggestions on how to jointly move Ekiti State forward.”

    NAN reports that earlier, the Governor  had signed into law the  2019 appropriation bill and promised that the state would experience progress
    and development in the next few years.

    The event included the flagging off of construction work on the abandoned 41-year-old New Iyin road, and an empowerment training for 6,300 women and youths in the state.

    In his speech, at the empowerment training, Director General, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Dr. Nasir Ladan, described Fayemi’s 100 days in office as impressive.

    He called on the women and youths in the state shortlisted for training in various skills by the NDE and State Government to commit themselves to the exercise.(NAN)

  • Fayemi okays N227m WASSCE fees for 13,390 pupils

    Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has approved the immediate release of N227 million for the registration of about 13,390 SS3 pupils in public schools, who will be writing the May/June West African Senior Secondary Certificate Exammination (WASSCE) this year.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Ayodeji Ajayi, made this known at a meeting with the leadership of Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)  in Ado-Ekiti.

    Ajayi, who reiterated Gover Fayemi’s commitment to the provisions of free, qualitative and compulsory education in the state urged teachers to redouble their efforts in imparting academic and moral knowledge to pupils to compliment government efforts in restoring and improving on the standard of education in the state.

    Ajayi appealed to teachers to instill discipline in their pupils by living by example.

    Earlier in his address, Chairman, Ekiti State NUT, Mr  Segun Olugbesan, appreciated the government for promptly and regularly paying workers’ salaries. He, however, urged the government to recognise the promotion recently given  to teachers by paying them with their new Grade Levels.

    He also called on Fayemi to address shortage of personnel in both primary and secondary schools in the state. Olugbesan pleaded with government to allow teachers with first degree certificates, but working at the Primary School level, get promoted to Grade Leve16 just like their secondary school counterparts.

    He praised Fayemi for appointing teachers as Education Secretaries to man the 16 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in the state.

  • Ekiti to establish six secondary schools

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has approved the establishment of six new secondary schools in Ado- Ekiti.

    This is to reduce population explosion in existing secondary schools in the state capital and ensure effective learning.

    The government said in a statement that the new schools would alleviate the financial burden on parents in transporting their wards to school far from home.

    It also said it would reduce the attendant risks in travelling long distances daily.

    The schools are to be located in the following neighbourhoods: Government Estate along Ikere road; Ilokun area, along Iworoko road; Emirin junction along Federal Polytechnic road; Old Iyin Road; Afao Ekiti road, and Omisanjana/Sije road.

    The Ministry of Education in a release said it had started collaboration with the Ministries of Lands and Housing, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Office of the Surveyor-General to start processes that would facilitate the acquisition of land.

    All these efforts are to ensure that four of these schools take off in September 2019 while the remaining two will resume in September 2020.

    Each school is to start with a block of six classrooms and a five-room administrative block.

  • Fayemi names new Education Secretaries

    The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has approved the appointment of Education Secretaries for the 16 Local Government Education Authorities in the state.

    A statement by theChief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, noted that the appointment is coming about one month after Fayemi redeployed the former occupants of the positions.

    The newly appointed Education Secretaries are:  Mr Adewale Egbeyemi  (Ijero), Mr Sunday Agbekorode (Ido-Osi), Mrs Eunice Adeyeye  (Oye), Mr Lasisi Oguntuase (Ikole), Mr Samuel Fagbohun (Ekiti S/West),  MrFalola Adebayo Julius (Irepodun/Ifelodun); and Mr Sunday Adegbaye (Ekiti West).

    Others are: Mr Omotoso Oluwatoyin (Ado), Mrs Adegboyegbe Comfort Kehinde (Efon), Mr Ibrahim Femi Gbenro (Ikere), Mr Benson Ayegbusi  (Ilejemeje), Mr Tayo Ogunremi (Emure), Mr Osanyintade Oluwadare Ojo (Gbonyin), Mrs Kotila Omoniyi Cecelia (Moba), Mr Alonge Temitope Odunayo (Ise-Orun), Apalowo Olutayo Sunday (Ekiti East).

    The appointments take immediate effect.

  • Fayemi approves retirement of Ekiti Head of Service

    …Two reinstated Perm Secs retire voluntarily

     

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has approved the retirement of the Head of Service, Dr Gbenga Faseluka, from the State’s service.

    The retirement which was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, and dated November 30, 2018, is with immediate effect.

    Read Also:Fayemi closes case at election tribunal

    Dr Faseluka is to hand over to the most senior Permanent Secretary, Mrs Peju Babafemi.

    Mrs Babafemi is to function as Acting Head of Service pending the appointment of the substantive holder of the post.

    Also, the Governor has approved the immediate redeployment of all Education Secretaries from the 16 Local Government Education Authorities.

    The affected Education Secretaries are to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective local government education authorities.

    A new set of Education Secretaries will be appointed in due course.

    In a related development, Governor Fayemi has also approved the voluntary retirement of two of the recently reinstated Permanent Secretaries- Mr Akin Osho and Mrs Funke Falodun, following their letters of notification of voluntary retirement from the service.

    The duo, in their letters of notification, appreciated Governor Fayemi for their reinstatement alongside four other colleagues earlier in the month. They described the development as a proof that Ekiti’s core values of fairness, equity and justice are being restored in the state.

  • How my wife sealed a deal preventing me from marrying another woman

    • Traditional ruler of Fayemi’s hometown

    Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, the traditional ruler of Isan-Ekiti, the hometown of Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, doubles as a chartered tax practitioner and Head of Ado-Ekiti office of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The monarch, who has just been inducted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), shares with KUNLE AKINRINADE the drama that occasioned his ascendance to the throne and how he has managed to joggle his roles as a serving public servant and a first class traditional ruler.

    What were you doing before you became an Oba?

    I was chosen as the king while I was working as a civil servant at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Benin.

    How have you adjusted to life in a rural community like Isan-Ekiti after living in a cosmopolitan city like Benin?

    By the grace of God, since my position as an Oba was divinely ordained, I have been able to adjust and acclimatise to life in Isan-Ekiti, since I had also not been too far away from home before I became king.

    You said your ascension to the throne was divinely ordained. Does that mean you had the premonition that you would one day become the traditional ruler of your community?

    There were lots of prophecies that came my way in my youthful days about me wearing the crown in the future. Also, God had already placed it in my heart that such a thing would happen in the future. But within me, I felt that I would have become too old to become a monarch because the immediate past Oba was a young man. We were almost in the same age bracket, so I felt that even if it was to be my turn to become the town’s monarch, I might have probably become too old. But the former occupant of the throne passed away unexpectedly and I was chosen as the monarch.

    Was there any struggle for the throne in spite the seemingly divine arrangement?

    As a first class monarch and a leading Oba in Ekiti State, there is no way the vacant stool would not have attracted a lot of struggle. There was so much struggle (among contestants) for the throne. In my Ilomi Ruling House, 16 of us were nominated, out of which five of us were shortlisted. But it was a tug of war before I emerged the preferred candidate. On the day scheduled for final selection, some contenders for the throne bombarded my house with thugs armed with guns and other weapons of war and destroyed my vehicles. They hurled stones and fired shots in a bid to eliminate me, but the entire community stood by me. The race was so tense and tough, but for me, it was not a do or die affair, because I have a job as a Tax Manager on Grade Level 13, and I am comfortable.

    How did you escape when thugs came for you?

    They had earlier invaded my house in the afternoon of that day, throwing stones at my building. They left only to return in the night armed to the teeth in their desperate bid to take me out of the race. One of the people that came even went to the police after they inflicted machete cuts on one of my security guards. But God saved the guard. In a bid to implicate me, the thugs took the guard to the police to make a false report. The police and operatives of State Security Service (SSS) visited my house and saw that I could not have fomented the attack, so they left me alone.

    Although some people urged me to arrest the people behind the attack on me, I refused to do so, because it might be used against me later. I did not want to be seen as being vindictive, as that could jeopardise my chance to become the king of the town.

    How well have you tried to reconcile with those who fought against you in the race for the throne?

    I have made a lot of efforts. Immediately I finished the traditional rites as the Oba-elect, I attended a meeting of Ajo Agba (Elders’ Council), where the elders also asked me when I would reconcile with other contestants, and I told them that the reconciliation would start from that day. As soon as the meeting was over, I visited all the houses of my co-contenders. Some of them shut their doors against me, but I didn’t bother. I still went ahead to visit them about three times, using different contacts and emissaries to reach out to those who lost out in the race.

    The strongest contenders are still adamant and they have shunned all reconciliation efforts, but we are not relenting at all in our bid to ensure that we broker truce with them. Even up until last Saturday, as I left the town hall, I still went round to seek their participation in our activities. I believe that God will touch their hearts.

    What was going through your mind when hoodlums invaded your home?

    Nothing was going through my mind, because I have a huge fence fitted with security wire surrounding my house. Also, my house is quite a distance to the fence, so, it would take some time before anyone could get to my house.

    Ironically, the very day I slept in the house was the day we received the sad news of the former king’s death. So, I viewed the incident as a sign that there was probability of me becoming the town’s monarch. Some of my friends drew my attention to the incident as an opportunity for me to join the race despite my initial reservation about contesting for the stool. But when we prayed about it, it was revealed that we should go ahead with the race, and here we are.

    Was there a time you felt like quitting the race because the heat on you was too much?

    I wanted to quit a number of times because the antagonism was too much, particularly when I lost two of my key backers, who died mysteriously in quick succession. But, thank God, I have a very strong wife who would usually encourage me by reminding me that God had already said yes to my ambition to become a monarch and that I should not disbelieve God’s word by saying no. It got to a point that my wife vowed to prepare one of my sons for the throne if I withdrew from the race (laughs). We thank God that everything turned out well.

    What specific role did your wife play in your ascension to the throne?

    When the race was about to commence, chieftains of my family felt that it might be difficult to convince me to contest the stool, so they first approached my wife to convince me that I was the one chosen for the throne. So, they used my wife to lure me into the race and to the throne. The first question she asked them was if they could assure her that I would not take a second wife (laughs) and they gave her their word that she would not have a rival. It was after then she went for prayers to know if I should vie for the stool. Then she told me that members of my family had asked me to contest the stool, assuring me that I would become the Oba.

    So, are you saying that age and circumstances cannot make you take another woman as a wife?

    No. By next year, one of my children would become a university graduate, and others are doing well in top schools in the country. What else do I need another woman for? Although, traditionally, in my community, customs demand that an Oba must take a young lady as Aboko, who may become the Oba’s wife in future, in my own case, that is not possible, because the daughter of my younger brother was deliberately chosen and there is no way I can marry her. So the issue of having another wife is foreclosed. So, that’s a kind of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) I entered into not to have another wife (laughter).

    You are a king, but you still work. Why that?

    Well, immediately I became the king, I wrote to my office, asking to be transferred to Ado-Ekiti area office, and it was granted. In my place of work, if you voluntarily leave without attaining the age of 50, you won’t have any retirement benefit or pension, and this accounts for why I am still in service to date, even after I had become a king. This is necessary because I have served for more than 20 years. I celebrated my 48th birthday a few days ago. I have about two years left to attain the age of 50, which would enable me to be eligible for the retirement benefits and pension, in accordance with the conditions of service in my organisation.

    How do people relate with you in the office?

    Thank God, I am the boss in my office, hence I have the freedom to do whatever I want. The only boss I have is the zonal coordinator, but as Kabiyesi (king), he would have to prostrate if he wants to talk to me (laughs).

    Do you go to the office in your regalia?

    No. But I keep my agbada in my car. I only wear a kind of ceremonial cap on my corporate outfit when I am in the office, without heavy royal beads.

    What kind of sport do you do?

    I don’t do any sport. I am an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Akure, Ondo State, before I became a king. I was ordained a deacon in 2002 and a pastor in 2003. So, my life revolves around series of church activities. In few days from now, my church members in Akure would do a send-off for me.

    As a king, some of your activities required traditional rites, some of which may be at variance with your pastoral background or Christian faith. How do you reconcile them?

    You know that God created heaven and earth and also created believers and unbelievers, and He manages everyone. Therefore, as a representative of God on earth, particularly in my community, I have learnt to manage everyone irrespective of their religious beliefs. Even traditionalists in my community, called Aboba, I have learnt to cope very well with them. They would tell whenever they want to stage any festival. Although, I don’t join them, they pray for the peace and progress of the community at all times. Also, during Muslim festivals like Ileya, I usually kill a ram and hand out gifts to show my love for Muslims in my town.

    Do you really partake in traditional rites?

    No, I don’t partake in their rites. What looks like my participation is not really something to write home about because those who undertake the rites would only dance to my house whenever they celebrate their festivals or rites.

    Were there no traditional rites that negate your Christian belief while you were placed in seclusion, which the Yoruba call Ipebi?

    I cannot remember a time they killed a ram or a fowl during the period of seclusion. Ipebi is a period of training for kings. The traditionalists would tell you what to do and what not to do as a king. For seven days, I was made to sit down in a particular spot. That prepares you for the stool because you will have to sit all day attending to your people. I was not placed on any unpalatable condition. There are Muslims and Christians among the traditionalists, and all they do is to pray for the king and the town. And we can see the positive effects of their prayers.

    Are there taboos in your town that you must not violate as king?

    Of course, as an ordinary person, there are things that you can do which you cannot do if you become a king. For example, as an ordinary person, you may decide to join a fight in the street. But you cannot do that as the king. I hope that answers your question (laughs).

  • Parade of colours at Fayemi’s inauguration

    There had been inaugurations in Ekiti State in the past but that of Dr. Kayode Fayemi as the new governor on October 16 was unprecedented. It was a day Ekiti people at home and in the Diaspora were looking forward to.

    Hours rolled into days, days into weeks and weeks into months until the D-day.Then the zero hour finally came. Before then, much effort, time and resources were deployed into preparations to make the day memorable.

    The last two days before the inauguration proper witnessed the men of the state police command holding preparatory parades at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where the governor would be sworn in.

    The police officers performed marchpast, drills, did simulated stunts with their hardware and trained police dogs.

    Anybody who entered the state either as a visitor or passer-by would see the excitement in the air. Guests poured in from within and outside Nigeria; hotels fully booked with the local economy bouncing back to life.

    On the inauguration, Providence blessed Ado-Ekiti with a favourable weather. There was rain in the early hours of the day which ceased less than an hour after it began.

    Some residents were of the belief that the rain that drizzled earlier in the morning of the day was a sign of divine favour on the new government and the people which bodes well for the land.

    Members of the Commercial Motorcycle Riders’ Association and Tricycle Riders’ Association conveyed passengers free to the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion which they said was their own modest contribution to the success of the event.

    When asked what motivated the gesture, the okada men and tricycle operators said the free ride to the venue of the inauguration was in appreciation of Fayemi’s empowerment and support for them during his first term.

    The sight of men, women, boys and girls wearing two sets of aso ebi (commemorative clothes) for the inauguration was a common sight.

    Vehicles that conveyed people who wanted to witness the inauguration live poured into Ado-Ekiti.

    Traffic to Secretariat Road/New Iyin Road where the venue was located was heavy. The entire stretch of the road and other inner roads were lined with vehicles of various makes.

    There were live performances by musicians at many spots in Ado-Ekiti.

    Security agencies which had a torrid time controlling the crowd were civil in their approach. Special arrangements were made for entry and exit to prevent stampede and other untoward situations.

    Security for the day was coordinated by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Habila Joshak. Two police helicopters were hovering over the pavilion apparently to warn potential troublemakers to keep off.

    The crowd had started trooping into the arena as early as 7:00 a.m. to take vantage positions to view the historic event and the razzamatazz of the day.

    There was another huge crowd outside that was viewing what was going on inside through giant screens mounted at strategic positions.

    There was plenty to eat and drink with caterers positioned in various places to serve those who attended the inauguration.

    Medical personnel were also on ground to attend to any emergency while means of conveniences were also provided for the crowd.

    Sellers of various items such as food, drinks, snacks, magazines, books, CDs and all forms of souvenirs with APC logo made brisk business.

    The line-up of policemen and women in their ceremonial uniforms inside the arena was eye-catching. Cultural dancers, itinerant drummers would not allow anybody else to beat them to their game.

    It was a parade of colours inside the arena which was draped with all manner of banners on which Fayemi’s and his deputy, Otunba Egbeyemi’s pictures were emblazoned. The banners carried various messages such as “Time to build Ekiti has come,” “Let the restoration of our values begin,” “Congratulations to JKF and Egbeyemi,” and “New dawn has come,” among others.

    There was no dull moment at the pavilion with local musicians and artistes that came from outside the state thrilling the crowd.

    Ekiti Kete House of Arts Band, Duduyemi, Walawala and Sese Alhaji were in their best. Hip-hop musician, Zee Gold, who sang Fayemi’s campaign song, “Legbegbe,” Fuji stars, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Adewale Ayuba and Ekiti-born Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola added colour to the show.

    Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi, arrived at the arena at 10:45 a.m. and went round to appreciate the crowd before heading to the state box to take their seats.

    The opening prayers were said by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Most Reverend Felix Femi Akajaye and the Grand Imam of Ekiti State who also doubles as the President of League of Alfas and Imams in the Southwest, Edo and Delta states and Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello.

    They prayed for God’s wisdom for Fayemi and Egbeyemi to successfully steer the ship of the state and for peace, progress and prosperity of Ekiti State.

    Then came the moment everyone was waiting for-the swearing-in ceremony. At 12:06 p.m., Egbeyemi stepped out alongside his wife, Margaret for the swearing-in.

    The oath of allegiance and the oath of office were administered on him by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, who was assisted by the Ekiti State Judiciary Chief Registrar, Mr. Obafemi Fasanmi and Deputy Registrar, Mr. Johnson Apuabi.

    Egbeyemi, who wore a white agbada with red cap to match, appended his signature to the oath. He was congratulated by the Chief Judge and other dignitaries as he returned to his seat.

    The man of hour, Fayemi, stepped out with his wife at 12:19 p.m. to have the two oaths administered on him. The ritual lasted about 12 minutes and he was congratulated by Daramola and other VIPs in the state box.

    By 12:31 p.m., Fayemi stepped down from the podium to wave to the crowd to and to perform another gubernatorial inauguration rite: riding the already decorated police Land Rover round the arena.

    The governor, who was singing the song, “Olori oko si n bowa” was joined in the ride by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Ahmed, the Parade Commander, SP O. Dennis and the Aide-de-Camp, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu.

    After stepping down from the ride round the arena, Fayemi stood to take the salute of the policemen who marched round and performed some special drills.

    Their dexterity in the march and footwork dazzled the crowd who asked for more. The band was also on top of its game, dishing out various tunes.

    Fayemi later addressed the people of the state in his new capacity as governor. He unfolded the policy thrust of his administration in the next four years.

    The governor paid tributes to patriots who fought for the creation of Ekiti State, saying their sacrifices are well appreciated.

    Fayemi, in his speech assured Ekiti people that the challenges ahead would be surmounted, even as he pleaded for their understanding, patience, prayer and co-operation in the task ahead.

    He identified the four pillars of his administration to include Social Investments, Knowledge Economy, Infrastructure and Industrial Development and Agriculture and Rural Development.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

    Other members of the Federal Government delegation are the National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

    The APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu led other party leaders to the inauguration. He was cheered by the crowd and party loyalists.

    Governors who graced the occasion included Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Ogun), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Osun State governor-elect, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.

    Former governors at the inauguration were Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua (old Ondo), Chief Bisi Akande (Osun), Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), Alhaji Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    Others were former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani; Senator George Akume, Senator Ayogu Eze, wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; wife of former Ekiti State governor, Erelu Angela Adebayo; Lagos APC governorship candidate, Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu; Delta APC governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru and APC Southwest Zonal Women Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson.

    Traditional rulers at the event included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo; Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, who is also the chairman of Ekiti State Council of Obas, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju and other traditional rulers.

    Religious leaders were led by Bishop Ajakaye and Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello.

    The inauguration was also witnessed by members of diplomatic corps, officials of international development agencies, senior civil servants, labour leaders, community leaders, market women, students and youth bodies.

  • ‘We’ll protect monarchs from enemies’ attacks’

    The Aare Ogboni-designate in Ekiti State, Chief Emmanuel Ayodele Famodimu, has promised to use his position to ensure unity, peace and progress of Ekiti land and also ensure the preservation of culture and tradition.

    He spoke while receiving members of the Ogboni Confraternity in Imesi-Ile as part of the rites for the new traditional position as the generalissimo of the group in Ekiti land.

    Famodimu said one of the roles of the confraternity under his leadership is the protection of traditional rulers and palaces to prevent the repeat of the killing of the Onise of Odo Oro, Oba Gbadebo Ogunsakin, who was stabbed to death by one of his subjects.

    He also predicted a successful tenure for Ekiti State governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, even as he urged him to evolve people-oriented policies and programmes and should also identify with the masses.

    “As the new Aare of Ekiti, I pray for Fayemi that he will succeed as the Almighty lives. He should right all the wrongs that have been done in Ekiti.

    “He should draw closer to all Ekiti people, especially the common people who have voted overwhelmingly to bring him back to power. He should fix all our bad roads and also revive all factories that have gone under,” Famodimu said.

    Speaking about his achievements as a reputable traditionalist and well known priest of Osanyin, a Yoruba deity respected for making accurate predictions on any area of life, said his past deeds in the circle of traditionalists, have put him in better position to emerge as the next Aare Ogboni Ekiti.

    Famodimu said: “I have been the Oluwo of Ekiti for 14 years. I have also been the Asosoyin of the Ara-Ijero of Ekiti who keeps the deity called Osanyin. l have been doing this for more than 33 years.

    “We will ensure that there is peace and stability in Ekiti. I will work with the monarchs to ensure that they have cordial relationship with their subjects and the government of the day.”

    On why he still retains his baptismal name, Emmanuel, when he actually practices traditional religion, Famodimu said he does not discriminate on religious matters, adding that the Almighty God is supreme over all beings and situations.

    He explained: “I was born into the family of traditional worshippers but while growing up, I had a stint in Christianity and was baptised. With that, I was named Emmanuel.

    But when I came of age, I realised that I would be trading off my heritage as a traditionalist so I returned to my roots. But this has not stopped me from supporting Christianity. One of my children was ordained as a Servant of God recently.

    “My grouse with Christians is that they have placed Jesus Christ above the Almighty God.  They are always giving honour and glory to Jesus Christ and downplay the Almighty Father. Don’t you think that the Almighty Father would be angry with that?

    “Jesus Christ was born of a woman, just as all of us were born of women, although, some are super beings. But the Almighty God has created all things, including all humans,” he said.

    On the killing of the late monarch of Odo-Oro, Oba Ogunsakin, Famodimu assured Ekiti monarchs that he would use his good offices to protect them from evil plans of their enemies.

    “Everyone has his own faith, some are Muslims; others are Christians while others still hold unto the tradition of their forefathers. But my advice to all is that we should always rely on the Almighty God. Only He can do things right for us.

    “During my tenure as the Aare Ogboni of Ekiti, I will ensure that the monarchs are protected against any onslaught from their enemies so we won’t experience the kind of tragedy that befell the deceased monarch of Odo-Oro.

    “I will work closely with all monarchs in Ekiti land to ensure that they are protected,” he said.