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Tag: Fayemi

  • Amosun, Fayemi for Adefarati’s 10th year remembrance

    Amosun, Fayemi for Adefarati’s 10th year remembrance

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Minister of Solid Minerals Kayode Fayemi are among dignitaries expected to grace the 10th year remembrance of former Ondo State governor Adebayo Adefarati.

    The event will start tomorrow and ends on Saturday.

    Adefarati ruled the state from 1999 to 2003 but died on March 29 2007, few weeks to the 2007 presidential election.

    At the time, he was the presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity Committee for the event, Gbenga Omole said the programme will start with an holy communion service at The Chapel of Peace, Adefarati Estate, Akungba Akoko tomorrow at 8am.

    He said on the same day a friendly football match between the football teams of The Federal University of Technology Akure and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo will take place at the Akure Sports Complex by 11am.

    The statement reads “The Deputy Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Agboola Ajayi will be the Special Guest of Honour.

    “On Thursday, there will be a memorial lecture titled: “Justice and Fairness a Panacea to Peace to be delivered by Dr Kayode Fayemi at the International Events Center, the Dome, in Akure by 11am.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is the chief host. The special guest of honour is Amosun and the Chairman of the occasion is Senator Titus Olupitan.

    “The grand finale which is the memorial thanksgiving comes up on Saturday by 11am at The Holy Trinity Anglican Church Akungba Akoko.”

     

  • Bane of mining sector, by Fayemi

    Bane of mining sector, by Fayemi

    Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has identified lack of geological data and proliferation of illegal miners as some of the challenges facing the mining sector.
    Fayemi also pointed at multiple taxation as another issue affecting the sector.
    The sector, according to him, has the potential of taking Nigeria out of economic recession, if effectively harnessed.
    He spoke at the weekend during the town hall meeting with stakeholders in the mining sector at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
    The former governor of Ekiti State declared Nigeria as a mineral nation but regretted the God – given resource was not being explored to the fullest.
    Fayemi spoke just as Governor Ibikunle Amosun lamented federal government’s “injustice” to Ogun state despite huge revenue being generated through mining activities.
    The minister said mining sector is on exclusive list and frowned at the tension between many states and FG over taxation on mining activities.
    “Exclusivity remains, but participation is allowed,” Fayemi said.
    According to him, states with high rate of mining activities may get 13 percent of generated revenue.
    Fayemi added auditors from mining states would meet with officials of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on adoption of modalities on the percentage of derivation to be paid.
    The minister also sought for tariff and tax incentives for operators in the steel sector to encourage private participation and contribute to the industrialisation agenda of the current administration.
    The minister also declared the sector would not witness any major development unless the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited is revived.
    Fayemi said: “We need to look at local content on steel. The company (Ajaokuta) has the capacity to produce 1.5m metric tonnes and can be expanded to 3m metric tonnes.
    “Today in Nigeria, we consume about 7m metric tonnes but we produce about 3m. That means that the remaining 4m metric tonnes are being imported.
    “I think we need a combination of tariff and tax incentives in our steel sector. We cannot achieve industrialisation unless we conquer steel.”

  • Fayemi’s lessons

    In a few months’ time, it would be five years since faith trusts the writing of this column at me. Painful as the circumstance was – and will always be – I’m so glad today that the central goal of late Ngozi (the beautiful lady who birthed the dream) is being realised. Her desire of having the opportunity and platform to positively impact a generation of Nigerian youth through the infusion of key values and knowledge skills that would enable them take their destinies in their hands was met. Today, some are award winning entrepreneurs and job creators breaking down barriers and boundaries. They will tell their inspiring stories someday.

    It is against this background that I found the lessons encapsulated in the 2017 University of Lagos (UNILAG) Convocation lecture delivered by Dr. Kayode Fayemi – Minister of Mines and Steel Development- quite instructive and in sync with we do and practice here. Of course, it would be difficult to firmly capture the entire thoughts in a short piece like this, but I’ll give it my best shot.

    “The Successor-Generation: Reflections on Values and Knowledge in Nation Building” couldn’t have come at a better time; in it, Fayemi provided insights that would benefit our successor-generation – both within and outside the walls of UNILAG. An alumnus of UNILAG, his thesis is anchored on his belief that “knowledge alone is not enough; neither is character by itself sufficient. A fit and proper UNILAG graduate is one that has successfully straddled the obligations of being found worthy in both ‘Character and Learning.’”

    In all, I find Fayemi’s “six key lessons and life skills …” relevant, especially to graduates who are entering an uncertain world which in some instances has been disrupted beyond recognition. The message should be clear; it’s a tough world out there like it has never been. Tough as it may be, those with the right set skills and character would certainly navigate the labyrinth and make positive headway. That should be a message of hope.

    The university offers the opportunity for serious minded young people to acquire knowledge, our lecturer noted; in essence “Knowledge is Power.” The centrality of academics to university life is anchored on the ability of students’ to prove that they have learnt what they ought to, in accordance with the curriculum, the singular criterion for progression from level to level. However, the danger in this is that some people mistake passing exams for acquiring knowledge – they are two different things.

    This has been the bane of our education – reading to pass examination only! Fayemi’s first lesson to “learn how to learn” should be crystal clear. Students should meditate on new information and study more deeply and widely, allowing what they read and discover to truly illuminate their mind. “Sometimes, new information dislodges dated ones in your mind, at other times; it reinforces what you already know, and gives you greater depth of perspective – one thing it never does is to leave you the same. As futurist and philosopher Alvin Toffler once wrote: ‘the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”‘ Thought provoking!

    The centrality of the next lesson: “Discipline – Master Yourself” cannot be discountenanced. He reminded us that without discipline, knowledge is useless. In the world today, with the advancements in civil liberties, democratisation and freedom of speech, we operate in a freer world with increasingly less constraints placed on individual conduct. Now, anyone can do almost anything, at anytime. The impetus is therefore on discerning individuals to self-regulate and be disciplined enough to do what is right, and at the right time, if they want to be successful.

    We’re further reminded that the university offers the opportunity to learn self-discipline which is very important for productive living. The academic environment promotes the development of crucial work ethics needed later in life. “In the university, you have set targets that you must deliver in defined formats and before strict deadlines. Nobody would babysit you to know how you would deliver, nor would anybody celebrate your efforts or listen to your excuses, you are simply required to deliver results.”

    Dovetail to the next lesson “Adaptability – Be Flexible and Dynamic,” then you understand the essence of interaction. “The university environment is a universe of itself. It offers the unique opportunity to interact with different people from different parts of the world – people of different cultures, faiths, political persuasions and material circumstances. University students are not only expected to learn with others, but also learn from them.”

    A great mistake any student can make, Fayemi pointed out, is to become so hermitic in the pursuit of excellent grades that he/she fails to robustly interact with other students and learn from them. The reason for this is that we never know what life would bring our way, and we always have to be in a position to adapt to whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. In the world today, our adaptability quotient is just as important as our intelligence quotient and emotional intelligence. Some people are just so stuck in their ways, and cannot see beyond the restrictive boundaries of their academic disciplines and socio-cultural backgrounds.

    Citing a 2016 World Economic Forum article which pointed out that some of the most profitable and employment creating jobs today did not exist 10 years ago, Fayemi charged the students’ to “Follow Your Passion” in the fourth lesson. Jobs like App developer, social media manager, cloud computing specialist, drone operator, sustainability manager, millennial generational expert, big data analyst/data scientist, etc didn’t exist 10 years ago. It further reports that estimates suggest “65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that aren’t on our radar yet. That is however not to say studying the traditional professions of Medicine, Law, Accounting, Architecture, Engineering and the Humanities is bad, it is just important that students’ to find their passion and follow it.

    “Take Andela for example, the start-up recruits young talented technologists from across Africa and trains them to become world-class developers through a four-year technical leadership program. The enterprise has accepted over 200 young engineers since it was founded about two years ago, out of a pool of more than 40,000 applicants. Andela which was founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, a 26 year old Nigerian, recently attracted $24 million dollars in funding from a consortium led by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg.”

    The good news is that technology hubs like Andela and Co-Creation Hub are on the increase in Nigeria, despite low internet penetration and limited infrastructure. They are creating the future because they have dared to find their passion and pursue it. The testimonials of the founders of many of these start-ups indicate that they faced uphill tasks convincing their parents of the paths they had chosen in life.

    “Seize the Moment – and Just Do It!” the fifth lesson bemoans one of the failings of our society which do not give young people enough room to explore their creative abilities and make mistakes early. Equally as bad is the fact that young people don’t optimally take advantage of these opportunities where they exist. Universities as a microcosm of the larger society ought to be the grounds for students to explore and make mistakes in a protected environment. A person in his youth will have only one rival, that is his own potentialities; and he will have only one failure, that is, failing to live up to his own possibilities.

    The final lesson “Quit Whining – No One Owes You Anything,” is as direct as they come. “The last lesson I want to talk about is the debilitating entitlement mentality that is commonplace among young people today. The earlier we realize that no one owes us anything, the better for us, and the more prepared we would be to face life’s challenges.”

    Fayemi challenged the new graduates to be prepared for surprises and disappointments because life is bound to hand out a couple. “The only guarantees you have in this life is what you do for yourself with the grace God has bestowed on us all.”

  • Fayemi: Celebrating an innovator at 52

    Just as his most recent lecture “The Successor- Generation: Reflections on Values and Knowledge in Nation Building”, delivered at the 49th Convocation ceremonies of his alma mater, the University of Lagos, has become a subject of diverse interpretations, analyses and appraisals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, is seen by many from different perspectives.

    While some see him as an ever smiling and easy going man, some see him as one stubborn, ex-NADECO chieftain. Yet, for some, he is simply that tough and principled administrator with very rigid stands on issues of integrity and due process. And while some see him as that deep and diplomatic fellow, others see him as somehow too forthright and unable to hide his feelings. To some, he appears too refined for the murky waters of Nigerian politics, while some see him as a dogged fighter able to play on any turf.

    But whichever way one considers his politics and administrative style, Fayemi’s principal concerns centres round effective leadership, integrity, excellence and provable result. He is ever concerned about how transformational leadership can replace transactional politics. How institutions of state can be strengthened and positioned for effective service delivery. To him, public service is about trust and a leader must necessarily earn the trust of the people and should never trade it for silver or gold. He believes an activist in government must make a difference.

    Needless to say Fayemi’s principled stand on matter of governance and public policy has earned him friends and foes alike. Those who know him well would attest to the fact he is not likely to slow down on this, even as he turns 52 today. He believes that a man must stand for something, otherwise, he falls for everything. As a leader, he believes truth remains a necessary ingredient of justice, and that justice must be done (always) “though the heaven falls”.

    Fayemi subscribes to the school of thought that believes that leadership is not a popularity contest. He believes that a leader must be courageous enough to tow the path of truth- which he says is the path of honour.

    These are some of the philosophies  that define JKF, as he is fondly called by his teeming admirers. And these are the principles that sometimes make him a complex book devoid of easy comprehension. But therein lies the strength and courage he brings to bear on every assignment given to him. Consequently,  the success he has recorded in his private and public life, so far, can be traced to the effective application of this philosophy.

    It is in this context that many have come to see the current growth being experienced in the mining sector since he took over the leadership of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in November 2015. The National Bureau of Statistics attested to this when it declared recently that there has been a record of consistent and remarkable growth in the mining sector. The NBS, in its last quarterly publication, put the growth in the mining sector at seven per cent.

    What is now known as the “Fayemi magic” in the mining sector started when the minister ordered the application of the  “use or lose” clause in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, early last year. The enforcement of the directive increased activities in the sector as many dormant mining licences were revoked while the serious ones got theirs revalidated with payment of appropriate fees. Also, Fayemi, through collaboration with relevant security agencies and the Ministry of Interior took the issue of security of mines a step further. Today, operatives of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps are being deployed for better security surveillance of mines. This, coupled with the current ease of doing business in the ministry, have helped in restoring investors’ confidence in the country’s mining sector.

    The strategic manner he got state governments to embrace mining as a sure way to take advantage of the mineral deposits in their domain is seen as a master stroke, a win- win situation for states and the federal government. Apparently wearing his conflict management cap, Fayemi worked out a strategic partnership arrangement with the states, which encourages state governments to set up special purpose vehicles to invest in mining without violating any of the existing laws. This has helped in no small way in resolving the age-long acrimony between the two levels of government regarding who owns what and where.

    And through constant strategic engagements with various stakeholders in the sector, he has been able to get their support for the several innovations that are being put in place.

    Based on demonstrated seriousness and commitment, several doors of funding have been opened  for the sector. For the first time in recent years, the ministry got N30 billion intervention fund from the solid mineral component of the National Resource Fund. It also received a World Bank support for $150 million, which would provide funding for artisanal and small scale miners.  Added to this is the technical partnership with some frontline mining nations, including Canada, Australia, China and South Africa, which has been of tremendous boost to the sector.

    Getting the work done without any excuse remains the hallmark of Fayemi’s public service right from his days as governor of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014, where he pioneered a lot of developmental projects including the now famous Social Security Scheme for Elderly citizens; free and compulsory education for children from primary to junior secondary school; the computer-per- child initiatives in secondary schools; free health services for the vulnerable citizens (i.e. pregnant women, elderly citizens above 65, physically challenged citizens.), among others.

    It was during his tenure that investors were attracted to the Ekiti State in view of the state’s rating, then, as “investor friendly”, based on its level of peace and security as well as the relevant laws put in place to protect investments. Many believe that the high level of prosperity recorded in the state during his tenure is in sharp contrast to the crass poverty and economic woes that currently stare the citizens in the face.

    Whereas critics of his administration faulted some of his policies then, paradoxically, the results of  those policies are now earning the state accolades from many institutions, including the National Examination Council (NECO).

    Regarded as a workaholic, by his close associates, JKF has a knack for working quietly, conscientiously and strategically. His belief is that there is no place for excuses, especially in assignments that would lead to the public good.

    To Fayemi, it does not really matter whether the assignment is a community issue in Iropora-Ekiti or a mining issue in Muye Kafinkoro, Niger State. It does not matter if the task is about leading government delegation in an investment meeting in Johannesburg  or coordinating his party’s strategy session in Akure or attending to some developmental matters in Okposi Okwu. In as much as it will be beneficial to the people, it must be done with every jolt of his energy, and with outstanding result.

    Born on February 9, 1965, Fayemi earned degrees in History, International Relations and War Studies, which adequately equipped him with the intellectual skills needed to proffer solutions to life’s hydra-headed challenges. But of great significance to him, also, are the trainings he got outside the confines of the classrooms.

    As a little lad, he served as an altar boy in the family Catholic church. As a student activist, he was secretary of the Eni Njoku Hall, at the University of Lagos, which also made him a member of the Student’s Senate. He also served as Secretary of the Youths United in Solidarity for Southern Africa (YUSSA) as well as the Secretary General of UNILAG’s chapter of the All-Nigeria United Nations Students Association (ANUNSA). He was also a volunteer in the Lagos, Nigeria office of ANC/SWAPO liberation movements.

    As an activist, he was involved in a number of social causes, notably as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), where he coordinated the Radio Kudirat and Radio Freedom. A detribalised Nigerian, JKF maintains a network of friends that cut across many strata.

    Today, as he clocks 52, this outstanding scholar, public servant, activist, intellectual, politician, innovator, strategist, loving husband and devoted father, can look back and count his many blessings. It is indeed a toast to 52 impactful years.

     

    • Oyebode is Special Assistant (Media) to the minister of mines and steel development.
  • Ekiti Assembly issues arrest warrant against Fayemi

    Ekiti Assembly issues arrest warrant against Fayemi

    APC: joke taken too far

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has described the arrest warrant issued against former Governor Kayode Fayemi as a joke taken too far.
    In a statement by its spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the party described the lawmakers as a “set of idle certificate forgers”, who are controlled by Governor Ayo Fayose.
    “Most of them are in hiding in the Government House because security agents are looking for them to answer charges on certificate forgery.
    “This is the kind of Assembly you get when characters such as the present members who are handpicked by Fayose.
    “The APC wishes to state that Dr. Fayemi is too busy and focused in his national assignment to be distracted.
    “We warn that any attempt to embarrass him would not be taken lightly by the party.”

    The Ekiti State House of Assembly has urged Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, Commissioner of Police Wilson Inalegwu and security agencies to arrest former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
    It said Fayemi must appear to answer questions on alleged diversion and mismanagement of funds during his tenure.
    The lawmakers said they issued a warrant of arrest because the former governor failed to honour three summons.
    At the session presided over by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, they said their action was predicated on Section 129 (b) of the 1999 Constitution and the need to recover the funds.
    The motion to arrest the former governor was moved by Majority Leader Tunji Akinleye (Oye 2) and was seconded by Ojo Ade Fajana (Ekiti East 1) after which the Speaker banged the gavel.
    Before the resolution was passed, Deputy Speaker Segun Adewumi (Ekiti West 1), Sina Animasaun (Ekiti West 2), Dayo Akinleye (Ijero), Wale Ayeni (Ikere 1) and Mrs. Titi Owolabi-Akere (Ikole 2) and Samuel Omotoso (Oye 1) spoke extensively during the debate on the issue.
    The lawmakers accused Fayemi of alleged diversion of N852 million Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds and illegal withdrawal of N2.1 billion from the accounts of Local Government and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to pay contractors.
    They alleged that the UBEC counterpart funds were withdrawn on October 8, 2014 eight days before Fayemi left office on October 15, 2014.
    During a question and answer session with reporters, the lawmakers added a comical dimension to the drama when Akinleye said: “Tell Fayemi that I am ready to arrest him and bring him to the House to answer questions.
    “I will apprehend him. I am very serious about this. I am not joking.”
    Omotoso, who is also the Committee on Information Chairman, urged reporters to help the Assembly arrest Fayemi anytime they see him.
    He said: “Even you reporters can help us arrest Fayemi anytime you see him.”
    Omotoso’s comments made his colleagues and reporters laugh.
    During the question and answer session, Omotoso said should security agencies fail arrest the former governor, the Assembly may take a legal action and use the Order of Mandamus to ensure his appearance.
    Omotoso said the the libel suit by the former governor cannot prevent the Assembly from performing its functions.

  • APC: Fayemi arrest threat a joke

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has berated the House of Assembly for threatening to arrest Minister of Mines and Steel Development Kayode Fayemi.

    The party described the  threat as a “panicky measure and arm twisting tactic to divert public attention from the libel suit filed by Fayemi against a lawmaker, Samuel Omotoso and  Lere Olayinka”.

    The APC contended that since allegations for which Fayemi was being invited were the same allegations  which made the minister institute a libel suit, the Assembly should go to court to establish its case.

    In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the party described the lawmakers as “idle lawmakers who cannot raise any bill except the ones brought by Governor Ayo Fayose.”

    The APC spokesman noted that not less than 12 members have alleged certificate forgery cases to answer at the Department of State Services (DSS) and have not honoured the DSS’ summons.

  • Fayemi’s hard truth for graduates

    Fayemi’s hard truth for graduates

    From the reaction on social media, not many youths were happy with the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for his charge to graduates that they should stop whining because nobody owes them anything.

    In his 2016 convocation lecture at the University of Lagos, Fayemi, himself a graduate of the institution, had spoken on some life’s key lessons that are available within a university, which he said are enough to prepare the graduates for life after graduation.

    Speaking on what he termed debilitating entitlement mentality that is commonplace among young people today, Fayemi said the earlier they realise that no one owes them anything, the better for them, and the more prepared they would be to face life’s challenges.

    “We need to get off our high horses, quit whining and start doing – for ourselves and for our country. If something angers you so much, instead of whining, think hard about possible solutions and do something about it. Doers have a way of finding each other out, and before you know it, you are in good company with progressive minded people that exude positive energy – comrades with whom you can challenge the status quo, fight together, and succeed together,” Fayemi stated.

    For many fresh graduates, Fayemi’s charge amounted to saying that the government does not owe them the responsibility of providing jobs or creating the enabling environment to accomplish their goals and aspirations.

    Many felt scandalised that the minister was not sympathetic to the plight of youths who sacrifice so much to get education and end up without jobs. The lecture, they noted in their social media postings, was yet another typical unjustified youth bashing.

    Instead of taking offence by Fayemi’s advice, the lecture should be regarded as a frank and honest wake-up call for graduates who want to overcome the challenges ahead of them.

    Unlike a typical government official who would have painted an illusion of the reality the graduates will face on graduation, he chose to warn them about the danger of the entitlement mentality which has made many not to take their destinies in their hands.

    The real essence of the point he made about no one owing the youths anything is that they should not expect much from the society or government. Instead, they should utilise the education they have acquired to contribute their own quota to making Nigeria and the world a better place.

    Based on the various observations he made at the lecture, Fayemi is not in any way blaming the youths for the situation they have found themselves or excusing the government from its role of providing functional education and opportunities. The government and universities as Fayemi noted definitely have to do more than they are currently doing to secure the future of our youths.

    However, Fayemi’s advice at the occasion, among others, is to “dispense some hope about the bright prospects that the future holds, and offer some useful advice that would guide them going forward.”

    Fayemi and other government officials can be blamed for contributing to the not-too-impressive social and economic situation in the country based on their actions or inactions, but graduates have to come to terms with what lies ahead of them and what they have to do about it.

    The minister should know better having had to overcome similar challenges, including driving taxis and working as a security guard, amongst several other menial jobs he said did in the past to survive before attaining his present status.

    Truth sometimes may be bitter and offensive, but it still has to be told like Fayemi did.

  • Fayemi slams Fayose for ‘doomsday’ predictions

    Fayemi slams Fayose for ‘doomsday’ predictions

    Minister of Mines and Steel Development Kayode Fayemi has berated Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose for his doomsday predictions about the nation in 2017.
    Fayemi assured Nigerians that 2017 will be a year of greatness, buoyancy, fulfillment and accomplishments for the country and its inhabitants.
    He said “Fayose risked being a beneficiary of his latest unsavoury predictions”.
    The minister spoke after a special Christmas thanksgiving service held at St. Martins’ Catholic Church, Isan-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area.
    On Friday, the governor revealed 22 shocking predictions he claimed to have received from God after praying on a mountain.
    He predicted that a former Head of State/President would die and that there would be more hardship and poverty in the country.
    Fayose also said the performance of the 2017 Budget would be the worst in history, adding that more ministers will lose their jobs, a dollar will exchange for N600, a major political party would emerge to dislodge the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power, among others.
    Fayemi contended that it was insincere for Fayose to roll out his purported 22 predictions without foretelling anything good about a country.
    He said: “If someone has made 22 predictions about his own country and none is positive or good, you can be sure the predictions are for the person making them.
    “For me, 2017 will be a year of astounding buoyancy, greatness, fulfillment and accomplishments.
    “It is true recession has made things difficult for everyone , but we can see that is already giving way to noticeable stability which will soon yield results across all sectors of the economy.”
    Fayemi said the Federal Government is working hard to fix the economy and make life easier for Nigerians.
    He assured Nigerians that his ministry would make appreciable progress not only in terms of revenue generation but in respect of creating well-charted and steady path for the country to source income through non-oil resources of the country.
    Fayemi explained that the ministry would execute policies in the solid minerals sub-sector that will generate thousands jobs and breathe life into the economy.
    At the service were Fayemi’s wife, Bisi, their son, Folajimi, and other political functionaries of his administration.

  • Fayemi congratulates Christians, urges peaceful co-existence

    The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has urged Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love, charity and peaceful co-existence that the Christmas celebrations symbolise, even as he congratulated Christians in the country for witnessing this year’s celebration.

    “As we celebrate, we should continue to extend hands of love and live as one big family irrespective of our social, political and religious leanings, and trust God for a better tomorrow and a greater country,” said Fayemi in a goodwill message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

    Fayemi said the Christmas season commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ who is the symbol of Christianity and the harbinger of peace, love and good tidings, adding that  there is no better way to celebrate the season than to demonstrate love, humility and generosity towards one another.

    Noting that God used the birth of Jesus Christ  to demonstrate His love for mankind, he said that being alive to witness another Christmas should be seen as a privilege, judging by the prevailing situation across the world. This, he said, calls for celebration.

    He also urged the citizens to be vigilant during the yuletide season and celebrate moderately, “as we look forward to a more prosperous nation in 2017”.

  • Fayemi gives rice to Ekiti residents

    Fayemi gives rice to Ekiti residents

    Minister of Mines and Steel Development Kayode Fayemi yesterday distributed bags of rice to 6,000 residents in Ekiti State to celebrate Christmas.

    The exercise was carried out by the John Kayode Fayemi (JKF) Centre, an advocacy centre, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, and 15 local governments.

    Speaking with reporters at the main distribution point, Director of JKF Centre Biodun Omoleye said the gesture had no political undertone, explaining it was humanitarian.

    According to him, the centre, in June, distributed food to civil servants, labour unions, teachers and local government workers, following unpaid arrears.

    Omoleye explained the centre gave priority to indigent people, widows, orphans and the needy.

    He said: “Our patron (Fayemi) identifies with the people because no serious-minded individual will look on while the people need help. We are in our little way alleviating the suffering of our people.”