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Tag: Ekiti 2018

  • Ekiti 2018: Yar’Adua loyalists plot to upset PDP, APC

    Loyalists of the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in Ekiti State have come together to seek ways to upset the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the July 14 governorship election.

    Investigations revealed that the politicians who were members of the late Gen.Yar’ Adua’s Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) are aligning with the Labour Movement and Coalition of New Nigeria (CNN), led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to forge a common front at the Ekiti poll.

    It was gathered that 18 out of over 40 APC governorship aspirants and four PDP governorship aspirants who believe that they may not realise their ambition in their parties are holding meetings with the Yar’Adua political family on the way forward.

    The new group, which describes itself as the “Third Force,” was working on the theory that Ekiti voters are tired of both the PDP and the APC and want to explore and give power to a neutral platform in the coming governorship poll.

    A competent source told The Nation that a meeting to that effect was held at the country home of former PDM national chairman, Chief Bode Ajewole, in Iroko-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    A former deputy governor in Ekiti State has been appointed as the state coordinator of the Third Force while a two-term commissioner has been appointed as director of organisation.

    A source who was part of the meeting told The Nation that one of the resolutions was the immediate constitution of structures in all the 16 local government areas, 177 wards and 2,195 polling units. The source said: “A meeting was held at Chief Ajewole’s house in Iroko-Ekiti and it was aimed at rescuing Ekiti people from the bad governance of both PDP and APC.

    “We, members of the Gen. Yar’Adua political family, are coming out with the Third Force political movement, an alternative to both PDP and APC. The Third Force comprises the Labour Movement, Obasanjo-led Coalition of New Nigeria and the Yar’Adua political family.

    “I can confirm to you that eighteen aspirants from APC and four aspirants from PDP belong to our group because of what is going on in their parties.

    “Already, some people have been mandated to set up structures; seven protem executives in each of the polling units, seven protem executives in each of the ward and seven protem executives in each of the local government areas. An Elders’ Committee was also constituted.”

     

  • Ekiti 2018: Buhari will ensure transparent poll, says Oyegun

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said President Muhammadu Buhari will ensure that the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State is transparent, free, fair and credible.

    The party chairman also said the election would be a “must-win” for the ruling party at the Federal level.

    He assured the party’s aspirants that a credible, free, fair and transparent primary would be conducted to choose the party’s flag bearer.

    The chairman stressed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration would not compromise the integrity of the ballot box, despite the party’s quest to regain the governorship seat in Ekiti.

    He promised that the APC structure in the country will mobilise resources to assist party members in Ekiti to win the governorship poll.

    Odigie-Oyegun spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during his one-day official visit to Ekiti State for the membership mobilisation drive into the party.

    The APC National Chairman registered new members at the state secretariat on Ajilosun in Ado-Ekiti.

    Some members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including the National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, joined the chairman.

    Odigie-Oyegun and his team made a stopover at the state secretariat where thousands of party members mobilised by governorship aspirants had waited to receive the team.

    The train later moved to Eagle Hall on Ikere Road where another crowd of party faithful gathered.

    The National Chairman, Ekiti State APC Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, State Working Committee (SWC) members and governorship aspirants sauntered into the hall at 1.15 p.m to a rapturous ovation by party supporters.

    Odigie-Oyegun said the kick-off of the nationwide registration of new party members was brought to Ekiti to show the readiness of the APC to win this year’s governorship poll in the Southwest state.

    He said: “We did not choose Ekiti to kick-start this event (new membership drive) by accident. Ekiti is facing an important election that will happen in this nation.

    “God has put it in our hand; God has put it on your laps and God has chosen Ekiti to be a major factor in the politics of this country in July 2018.

    “We in the National Executive have decided that the coming election in Ekiti is one we will work as hard as possible to win. No stone will be left unturned: it is a must-win election.

    “As you know, the Muhammadu Buhari administration will not compromise offering voters a level-playing field. The Buhari administration will not compromise having a free and fair election.

    “It means whether we are in power at the federal level or not, we must all work hard to deserve the victory that belongs to us.”

    Odigie-Oyegun also reeled out some guidelines to ensure that aspirants and their supporters conduct themselves with decorum and ensure that the party organises a transparent primary.

    He added: “The aspirants should not campaign as if there is no tomorrow. Don’t campaign with enmity because there should be no discord in the party. Anybody who wants to fly the party’s flag must sign an undertaking to maintain decorum.

    “We at the national headquarters, having guaranteed a free and fair primary – because there cannot be peace without justice – will guarantee a free and fair primary.

    “We must not have bad losers. All aspirants must collapse their structures into the person that is chosen at the primary. There must be no division and factionalisation in the party.

    “No officer (in the State Exco) should join the campaign bandwagon of any aspirant, whatever position you hold. The moment you do that, you have factionalised the party.”

    On the rumour to impose a candidate, Odigie-Oyegun said: “I want to assure that in Ekiti State, we will have free, fair and credible primary. We will provide security at the primary. It will be an open event and will be covered and recorded on television from the beginning to the end.

    “There will be proper identification of delegates to prevent impersonation. Once the delegates’ list is out, every aspirant who pays the prescribe fee will be given the delegates’ list.

    “At the voting point, party chairmen of the local government (chapters) and wards will stand at a distance away, but they will ensure that those who will vote are bona fide delegates. Anybody found impersonating will be handed over to the police.

    “A formidable group of (APC) governors will be mobilised to superintend, guide and ensure that the election is totally free and fair.

    “Finally, as far as Ekiti governorship election is concerned, we are going to mobilise the entire country, the entire APC structure, to ensure that you (Ekiti APC) are not alone and that all the resources you need for the election are made available to you.

    “At the end of July, Ekiti will be APC.”

    Governorship aspirants at the parley included Chief Segun Oni, Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mr. Kola Alabi, Mr. Victor Kolade, Dr. Bayo Orire, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Captain Sunday Adebomi, Dr. Mojisola Kolade, Chief Diran Adesua, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, Senator Ayo Arise, Dr. Wole Oluleye and Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi.

  • Ekiti 2018: Aladejana joins gubernatorial race

    Ekiti 2018: Aladejana joins gubernatorial race

    THE increasingly crowded field battling to replace Ayodele Fayose as the next governor of Ekiti State, just received a different kind of aspirant. Almost all who have indicated interest in the governor’s seat have been male, now a new female challenger has tossed her hat into the ring.

    She joins the likes of Dr. Mojisola Kolade of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who has formally declared interest. In the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Biodun Olujimi’s posters have been sighted around the state  although she is yet to formally state her intentions.

    But real estate consultant and media entrepreneur, Princess Oluwatoyin Aladejana of the Aladejana royal family of Iworoko-Ekiti, is leveraging on more than her gender to make a case for suitability for the office of governor.

    The businesswoman who is aspiring on the platform of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) has this to say about her aspiration in a piece titled ‘A Heartfelt Proposal to My Beloved Ekiti’:

    ‘I do have aspiration for that section of Nigeria called Ekiti. You may enquire: “What manner of aspiration does she have?”

    My simple answer is this: I aspire to see a certain kind of Ekiti. New;  Reborn;  Prosperous; Peaceful… And that is just the beginning. The vision is as clear as daylight before my eyes. Yes, I do aspire for an Ekiti of my dreams.

    I long for an Ekiti that is purposefully optimistic, solution-persuaded and courageous; an Ekiti that will not relent until her people attain spiritual, social, economic and psychological fulfillment.

    I picture an Ekiti of decently-grounded folks, tempered by a deep sense of responsibility towards the success of our collective, phenomenal heritage; with patriotic individuals who would therefore seek after her good, and only her good.

    I desire an Ekiti of intellectual achievement “firsts”; a state that maintains her cerebral soundness: that replicates the kind of brainy unassailability which caused the late Chief S. L. Akintola, Western Nigeria’s Deputy Premier in the heady First Republic, to acknowledge and assertively proclaim in the midst of his political campaigns that: “O ba di’we EKITI O ka o…” Translation: Par adventure a human being transforms into a book, the Ekiti indigene would read that individual.”

    I dream, yes, of an Ekiti where unemployment and lack are viewed as the inconveniences of our distant past, because the comparative advantage in natural and intellectual resources have been effectively harnessed; enabling each local government to be an independent economic hub that is self-sustaining –  by providing trading opportunities, employment and commercial prosperity to her immediate environment. This economic reality will be achieved through well-thought out public-private partnerships with patriotic, indigenous investors and their foreign partners.

    Igbemo Ekiti then becomes the incontrovertible rice milling and distribution center of Nigeria’s South-West, and her neighboring nations.

    I see a fountain of knowledge that encapsulates Igbole as the “Silicone Valley” of Sub-Saharan Africa. The irrefutable hub of innovative inventions and ever evolving brilliance…

    In truth, who could put a price tag on Ekiti life, or measure her ingenuity in fiscal terms? Our mind, our spirit, our imagination, our overall worth is priceless. We are fearfully and wonderfully crafted by God Almighty! We keep evolving in indisputably, superior leaps and bounds. We are unstoppable!

    I aspire for an Ekiti where the rule of law conscientiously subsists as the “Rule of God;” A place where her people can boast of stability in every facet of the life… administration in, and administration out.  After all we only change administrators not the constitutionally enacted systems…

    An Ekiti that fearlessly elects her own leaders without pecuniary considerations, but rather with patriotic zeal, integrity and love – knowing that the fate of generations to come depend on the quality of the choices they make.

    An Ekiti where love triumphs over all prejudices, where God’s limitless grace, our unconditional affection for one another, and zealous cooperation cause us to rise victoriously above our daunting challenges

    O! What delight it would be to live in an Ekiti that recognizes the futility of pointing accusing fingers at the failings of our leaders, but rather embracing their strengths, however minuscule; remembering that these great men and women, practically put their very own existences and that of their families on the line to ensure that our interests as “Ekitians” are substantially served.

    I fully subscribe to an environmentally conducive, bountiful Ekiti; whose luxuriant soil defies drought, desertification, and famine. The Ekiti with an unending row of trees set to capture harmful carbon dioxide, leaving us with wholesome air to breathe.

    I envision the awesomeness of living in an Ekiti where even a toddler understands the life redeeming benefits of recycling and, therefore, practices it as he tosses his empty coke can into the neighborhood recycle bin.

    How refreshing would it be, waking up to an Ekiti whose lush and lofty hills have become the majestic domain of sky high windmills with rotational prowess’ that call forth electrical power; to behold a “Fountain of Knowledge” where The Creator’s solar that keeps humanity warm is transformed by technology into energy that powers the day and illuminates the night. I could go on…

    Mere dreams? Not likely, if we can promptly snap out of our apathy and take the bull by the horns. If we can embrace with fierce urgency the needs of Ekiti now! How? By taking our own destinies in our hands. By firmly and decisively grasping the fast approaching relay baton from the hands of professional rogues masquerading as politicians and proceeding with precision to determine the sustenance of our prestigious heritage.

    Finally, precious folks! I propose a resounding toast to an Ekiti whose latter day glory far exceeds the former – in reach, depth, width and length.

    Ekiti a ro wa l’orun; ni oruko Jesu! Amin.

  • Ekiti 2018: Group backs consesus option in apc

    Ekiti 2018: Group backs consesus option in apc

    An interest group in  the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, ‘Ekiti Kete Good Citizens Association,’ has said it would support the emergence of a flag bearer through the consensus option.

    The body said the consensus option would mitigate the post-primary crisis in the party after the exercise.

    The party has 32 official aspirants vying for the governorship ticket, with others still secretly lobbying to plunge into the race.

    A chieftain of the party and president, Ekiti Kete Good Citizens’ Association, Hon Ayodeji Babatola,  paid a courtesy visit to the State Working Committee, led by the State Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, at its secretariat in Ado Ekiti  on Monday.

    Babatola while addressing the leaders of the party, represented by its State Secretary, Hon. Paul Omotoso, advised that should the party fails to get a consensus candidate that it should conduct  a free, fair and credible primary for the party to be strong enough to defeat Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    He said the group has visited the state prison and Erelu Angela Adebayo Babies Home at Iyin Ekiti to donate to inmates as part of the ways to promote and propagate the ideal of good governance the APC was renowned for.

    “APC can’t afford to lose Ekiti, because that can affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection bid. The PDP will have their candidate from the North and that will deplete the APC’s votes, but once the southwest is strong to be able to deliver, of which Ekiti is part of, the job will be easier .

    “We are ready to partner with the SWC to promote and  sell  our candidate and to manage the post primary crisis in our dear party provided the right things are done”, he said.

    Speaking earlier, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Fatai Adeyemo and a chieftain of the body, Hon Femi Amogbonjaye, described APC as the only hope for Ekiti, saying Fayose has bastardised governance and reduced Ekiti people to mere street beggars in the name of stomach infrastructure.

     

  • Ekiti 2018: Bamidele holds declaration rally March 7

    Ekiti 2018: Bamidele holds declaration rally March 7

    Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, will formally declare intent to contest for the governorship of Ekiti State on March 7.

    Bamidele, who is a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports and later Information and Strategy, hopes to use the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to realize his ambition.

    His campaign organization is already planning a big rally and declaration ceremony at the APC secretariat located in Ajilosun area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Director General of Opeyemi Bamidele Campaign Organisation, Hon. Ropo Ige, explained that Bamidele’s supporters in all the 16 local government areas will witness the event.

    He also explained that some guests from outside the state who believe in Bamidele’s vision for Ekiti transformation are also expected at the ceremony.

    According to him, Bamidele will unveil a manifesto to transform sectors like agriculture, security, tourism, housing, mining, human capital development, infrastructure development, good governance, among others.

    Ige said Bamidele has the capacity to win the governorship seat for the APC if fielded by the party as the flag bearer for the July 14 poll.

    He noted that Bamidele has acquired experience in governance for twelve years in Lagos State from Special Adviser to Commissioner before representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II in the Lower Chamber for four years.

    Describing Bamidele as a “man of the people who have the interest of the masses at heart,” Ige disclosed that the ex-federal lawmaker attracted 88 projects to his constituency 49 of which were completed before leaving office.

    Ige stressed that Bamidele remains the only aspirant that has cognate experience spanning the three arms of government as a lawyer in the temple of justice, a lawmaker in the legislature and a commissioner in the executive.

  • Ekiti 2018: Church general overseer joins guber race

    Ekiti 2018: Church general overseer joins guber race

    A popular Pentecostal preacher based in Ekiti State, Reverend Tunde Afe, has declared intent to vie for the governorship seat in the July14, 2018 poll.

    Afe, who is the Founder/General Overseer of House of Faith Christian Centre with headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, said he was joining the governorship race to make the difference in the life of the people.

    Addressing a news conference in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Afe declared that he would not contest on the platform of the two major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to him, the two big parties have woefully failed Nigerians during their time in power. Afe promised to disclose the platform he would use to contest as soon as he concludes consultations.

    The cleric also promised to field a Muslim as his deputy governorship candidate to have religious balancing and to send a signal that Nigerians are one in spirit.

    According to him, time has come for Nigerians who mean well for the country to rise up and take leadership positions, to prevent total collapse of the system due to activities of corrupt politicians.

    He said: “I didn’t receive any special direction before taking this step, because every Nigerian knows that the country is in dire need of good leadership and as a man of God who believes that things must be done properly, I have no reason to sit back while things degenerate.”

    Afe continued: “Look at what is happening in Nigeria today. I mean killings everywhere and the best way to address this is by using Ekiti as a launch pad for good governance in Nigeria. All those that had ruled Ekiti did their best, but I think I can do better because I won’t take whatever that doesn’t belong to me as a benefit in government because I fear God.

    “Let me say this: if all the governors and those occupying leadership positions take what are legitimately due to them alone as benefits, Nigeria will be far better than this and that is exactly what I am going to use my aspiration to teach.”

     

  • Ekiti 2018: APC governorship primary to hold May 6

    Ekiti 2018: APC governorship primary to hold May 6

    The flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for this year’s governorship election in Ekiti State will be elected on May 6, The Nation has learnt.

    The date has been picked for the conduct of the party’s primary where the candidate will be elected by delegates at a yet-to-be-determined venue.

    The party’s proposed schedule of activities, which our reporter obtained yesterday, shows that APC will begin the sale of its Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to governorship aspirants on April 6.

    The commencement of expression of interest forms to aspirants is exactly one month to the shadow election.

    After the conduct of the primary on May 6, hearing of appeals arising from the shadow poll will start on May 8 and end on May 11.

    The electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed July 14 as the date for the governorship election.

    Voters in all the 2,195 polling units, comprising 177 wards and 16 local government areas will go to the poll to elect a new governor.

    Governor Ayo Fayose, who won the June 21, 2014 election, is expected to leave office on October 15.

    According to the schedule, Osun State APC governorship primary will hold on July 7.

    The sale of nomination forms to aspirants jostling to succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola will start on June 25.

    Hearing of appeals arising from the primary will hold between July 9 and July 12.

    The Osun State governorship election will hold on September 22.

    According to the schedule, the APC national convention to elect members of the National Working Committee (NWC) will hold on June 30.

    The congresses for electing ward officers will hold on March 3 while appeals arising from the ward congresses will hold between March 5 and 9.

    March 17 has been picked as the date for the conduct of local government congresses while appeals from aggrieved aspirants will be heard between March 18 and 25.

    State congresses to elect officers of the State Working Committees (SWC) will be held on April 14 while appeals arising from the state congresses will be heard between April 16 and 20.

    Party members will elect zonal officers at the zonal congresses on May 12 while aggrieved candidates will table their appeals between May 14 and May 18.

    Houses of Assembly’s primary will hold on September 15; House of Representatives primary on September 19 and the Senate primary on September 20.

    Appeals arising from legislative primaries will hold between September 17 and 30.

    The states’ governorship primary (except in Kogi, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun) will hold on September 22 while appeals will hold between September 24 and 27.

    The national convention to ratify a presidential candidate, according to the timetable, will hold on September 29.

    INEC has scheduled the 2019 presidential and National Assembly polls on February 16, 2019, while the governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on March 2, 2019.

     

     

  • Ekiti 2018: Fayose is playing God

    Cracks have appeared in the camp of Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, barely six months to the governorship election, following the resignation of one of his  aides, Chief Segun Akinwumi.

    Akinwumi has resigned his appointment from the Fayose administration after over three years in office following the adoption of the deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, as his successor.

    He was appointed as Director General/Special Adviser on Procurement Matters where he served for three years before he was later appointed as Special Assistant on General Matters.

    The politician, who also served as Commissioner for Water Resources during Fayose’s first tenure, accused the governor of “playing God with the way he has been handling the politics of succession in Ekiti PDP.”

    Akinwumi said he doubted Fayose’s claim that God spoke to him on Olusola’s choice.

    But, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, said Fayose has the right to support any aspirant of his choice among those jostling for the PDP ticket. He also denied that Fayose is playing God.

    Akinwumi, who is also a former Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, tendered his resignation via a letter dated December 29 last year, which was addressed to Fayose. He did not give any reason in the letter for throwing in the towel.

    The five-paragraph letter reads: “I hereby tender my resignation with immediate effect.

    “Sir, you would recall that on 24th October, 2014, you appointed me Director General/Special Adviser on Procurement Matters in your government, the position I held until I was redeployed as Special Assistant, General Matters, till today, 29th December, 2017.

    “I thank you most sincerely for giving me the rare opportunity to serve at both appointments. Please accept the assurances of my kindest regards.”

    Akinwumi said he took the decision to protect his integrity and the good name he has built over the years in politics.

    He claimed that Fayose had first told him and other aides to work for former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi and later former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso as successor

    Akinwumi said:  “I am a product of establishment for the past 39 years and under the tutelage of Baba Awolowo. People were brought in under establishment, it was Baba Ayo Fasanmi that brought us into politics.

    “Bringing somebody from nowhere, bringing somebody from the sidelines will not work. It is someone within the system that we want in the PDP.

    “Fayose should stop playing God in our party, let the national leadership and people that matter tell him not to play God again in our party because you cannot mock God.

    “Fayose had told us that he would serve out his tenure together with his deputy. No God has spoken to anybody about it, no one can play God no matter how highly placed and anyone that plays God will become an ex-person.

    “This was a man (Fayose) that said in public glare on April 24, 2014 that Owoseni Ajayi should not contest to be deputy governor but a governorship material.

    “Fayose also promised before the whole world that when his tenure finishes in 2018, he and his deputy, (Olusola) Eleka would leave the Government House together.

    “Eleka should be advised to dust his papers and go back to classroom because imposition won’t work in our party. Politics has not got to a level in which somebody will be begged to contest the governorship in which the whole state is your constituency.

    Ogunsuyi said: “Chief Akinwumi will not be the fist person to resign from government on personal grounds. The reason he adduced in his resignation letter are personal.

    “It is not true that the governor is playing God, he is playing governor because he has a record of being on the streets and as a man of the people.

    He added: “Right now, the governor has not left office and as a democrat, he has the right to support any candidate and the endorsement of the deputy governor was a bold action.

    “The governor was saying by that action that he has found in the deputy governor the man he can hand over to. We wish Chief Akinwumi well in his future endeavours because he has served the state in various capacities.”

     

  • Ekiti 2018: APC prays for victory

    Ekiti 2018: APC prays for victory

    Leaders and members of Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday held a prayer session for God to grant their party victory in July 14.

    The prayer meeting, which lasted about two hours at the party’s secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the capital, was also used to pray for the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, peace and stability in Nigeria.

    The Christian prayer was led by Pastor Gbenga Agbeyo; the Muslim prayer was led by Mr. Tajudeen Akingbolu and the traditional prayer by Mrs. Abiodun Adesina.

    The first lesson of the day from Psalm 100 was read by the APC Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye; the second lesson, II Chronicles 7: 9 – 18, was read by Mr. Femi Fakorede.

    Agbeyo, who read from Leviticus 27 Verse 24 and 1st Corinthians 15 Verse 57 urged party members to trust God for victory in the poll.

    Speaking on the topic: Ask For Your Portion, Agbeyo said: “The APC is able to take over the Government House at Oke Ayoba with the efficacy of prayers.”

    Addressing reporters after the prayer, Mrs. Olaleye said it was meant to seek God’s help to heal Ekiti and give power back to APC at the poll.

    The deputy chairman said the prayer was also meant for a peaceful, credible and successful primary in April and May.

    She said it would be replicated in the 16 councils.

    Mrs Olaleye urged party members to be law-abiding in APC’s quest to win the poll.

  • Ekiti 2018: Aspirant hosts young entrepreneurs

    A Governorship aspirant on the platform of the Advanced Progressives Democratic Alliance (APDA) in Ekiti State, Mr. Tope Adebayo, has promised to turn around the economy of the state, if elected.

    The governorship election holds on July 14 next year.

    Speaking during a round-table dialogue with some entrepreneurs in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the legal practitioner said his government will create jobs and wealth by reforming the civil service and empowering the Small Scale Medium Enterprise (SMEs).

    The entrepreneurs cut across various field, including Agriculture, Fashion and Beauty Therapy, Event and Catering Management, Interior Decoration, Photography, Website Design and Programming and Shoe Making.

    In his response to questions posed to him on his economic blueprint, wealth creation, youth empowerment through entrepreneurship and human-capital development, Adebayo said his government will invest on skills acquisition and capacity building.

    He said if pursued; standard training of artisans and entrepreneurs in Ekiti will not only create wealth but increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

    Adebayo blamed the high level of poverty and under-development in the state on lack of quality leadership, stressing that Ekiti people will remain stagnant economically if the state continue to rely solely on the monthly allocation from federation account.

    Emphasising the role of entrepreneurs as wealth and job creators, Adebayo said his government will work with young entrepreneurs with the intention of maximising the potentials in agriculture and its value chain, fashion industry, social entrepreneurship etc to create wealth and jobs in the state.