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Tag: Fayemi

  • Fayemi to S’ West Leaders: Put aside party politics for regional integration

    Mr. Kayode Fayemi, has urged Southwest leaders to jettison party politics in the interest of the region for sustainable development.

    Fayemi said the region can only regain its pride of place in the country’s political configuration unless leaders never allow national politics to divide them.

    He stated that all efforts must be geared by the leaders irrespective of political affinity towards the development of South West region.

    He added that for desirous interest of Yoruba to be promoted and protected, there must be unity of purpose and togetherness.

    Fayemi, who spoke yesterday at a national retreat held by Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), disclosed that the All Progressives Congress governors in the southwest will work with the governor- elect in Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, in the interest of the region.

    The governor, however, said Yoruba race needs to be more tactical if it desires to actualise its advocacy issue of restructuring.

    He urged the proponents of the policy in the region to change strategy and reach out to other regions on how to actualise the dream of Nigeria being restructured economically and politically.

    Expressing regret over voter apathy in the southwest,  Fayemi said: “In the last presidential poll,  Ekiti registered 909,000 voters, only 381,000 voted; 0sun 1.67million registered, only 737,000 voted; Ondo, 1.8m registered , 586,000 voted; Oyo, 2.7m registered , 891,000 voted, 2.36m registered  in Ogun, 605,000 voted and Lagos with 6.3m, only 1.56m voted.

    “This might be caused by deficit of trust or fraudulent multiple registration, but whatever the case was, as long as we remain a constituent part of this country, ARG should reflect on this and act appropriately.

    “If it was as a result of deficit of voter education, then the ARG and governments need a lot to do. Religion also affected us, because some people were brainwashed to vote based on religious considerations.”

    The governors of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu and Osun, Gboyega Oyetola, said all the distinguishable traits of the southwest region initiated during the old western region must he brought back in the interest of the zone.

    Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, said what could be regarded as distinguishable attributes of the Yoruba people is the quest for development and good governance and that these should be sustained in the interest of the people.

    Oyetola, represented by his chief of staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, said: “the Yorubaness in us and those things that separated us from others are our developmental drives, our intellectual rigour, our brilliance, circumspection and those values however, have not really taken us to where we deserve.”

    Oyetola also appealed to the southwest governments to leverage on its human capital in the diaspora and bring them home for the benefit of all.

    Also speaking, Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by the Commissioner for Regional Integration, Prof Bayonle Ademodi, added that the southwest is also facing serious economic and political crises that needed to be addressed.

    “We have to be really worried that the instability and insecurity in the Sahel has started affecting us and we need to get worried.

    “We knew we had to think outside the box in the southwest on how to bring our own paradigm and we thought of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) to work on how to put us back on the right track.”

    Akeredolu said the act of using desperation to get into power is becoming high in the region, saying this has made it difficult for people to have control over their leaders.

    The national chairman of the group, Hon Wale Oshun, reiterated the issue of restructuring and advised that it should be taken back to the front burner to benefit the Yoruba race.

    Oshun said in spite of different decisions taken by the southwest in the last elections, the values of the Yoruba people remain the same.

  • Jubilation in Ekiti over Fayemi’s Appeal Court victory

    The Court of Appeal victory of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has sparked celebrations and solidarity rallies by various interest groups on Friday.

    Interest groups celebrating Fayemi’s judicial victory include members of Organised Private Sector, Okada Riders’ Association, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), among others.

    They had marched around the major streets of Ado Ekiti before taking their procession to the Government House amidst drumming, singing and dancing thanking God for the governor’s victory.

    The appellate court in Abuja had on Thursday night upheld the victory of Fayemi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 14, 2018 governorship election dismissing the appeal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola as lacking in merit.

    The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi while addressing the crowd assured that the victory of Fayemi at the Appeal Court in Abuja would spur him to double its efforts at delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the State.

    The Deputy Governor who was represented by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mr Tokunbo Adeparusi, maintained that there were various empowerment programmes for various groups and associations in the State.

    Egbeyemi assured that the APC government would continue to implement policies that will better the lives of the citizenry who gave their mandate.

    He said the court victory would serve as a motivation to use the mandate given at the last governorship poll to do more for the people.

    Egbeyemi revealed that the retirees in the State now enjoy a new lease of life as they are paid same time civil servants received their salaries.

    According to him; “Everyone would benefit from these government, those that did not get appointment will be empowered.

    You are all witness to the changes in the life of our retirees in the State, they now received their pensions same day salaries of workers are paid.

    “There is empowerment in different dimension for various groups in the State.”

    Speaking on behalf of the various group, the Chairman of Okada Riders Association, Mr Kunle Asaolu said the victory of Fayemi at the Appeal Court yesterday was a victory for all Ekitis.

    Asaolu explained that the judgement affirmed the choice of the people during the last gubernatorial election in the State.

    He expressed confidence in the ability of Fayemi to improve the status of the State and move it to an enviable position.

    Also in his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant on Mobilisation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Prince Tunji Ogunlola said the crowd was made up of various interest groups in the State who had come to identify with Fayemi’s victory at the Appeal Court Thursday night.

    Ogunlola revealed that the group had been on the street of Ado Ekiti celebrating before heading to the government house.

    The governor’s aide appealed to the crowd to maintain peace and shun any action that could provoke violence in the course of their jubilation.

  • Fayemi immortalises Afenifere leader, three others

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has named four newly established secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after four prominent citizens.

    The four secondary schools, which are billed to open for academic work by September, were established to cater for the dire need of the growing population of students in Ado-Ekiti.

    A statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said the four schools are to be named after four illustrious sons of the state, including Afenifere leader and Second Republic Senator, Pa Ayo Fasanmi.

    Others are: Chief Deji Fasuan, a former Permanent Secretary and Chairman, Committee for the creation of Ekiti State; Prof. Banji Akintoye, renowned historian and Second Republic Senator; and David Oke, a linguistic Professor and a member of the Senate during the Second Republic.

    The state government said the new schools would provide alternatives to secondary school students, who trek long distance on daily basis to attend school.

    The secondary schools are being established in critical areas of the capital city. One of the schools, Banji Akintoye Comprehensive High School, is sited on Emirin Junction, Federal Poly Road, Ado-Ekiti. The Ayo Fasanmi Comprehensive High School is situated on EKSU/Iworoko Road in the capital city.

    Also, the Deji Fasuan Comprehensive High School is sited on Old Iyin Road, beside Police Children’s School and the David Oke Comprehensive High School is located on Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti.

    Fayemi said his administration would keep placing high premium on education’s growth and do everything possible to restore the state’s lost glory.

    He added that his administration would also keep celebrating positive contributions of citizens – both old and young – to the state’s socio-economic and political growth.

    The governor, who has also given approval for the establishment of two additional secondary schools next year, has also commenced arrangement for the upgrading of three technical colleges in partnership with the World Bank.

    Fayemi urged parents to take advantage of his administration’s free and qualitative education programmes by ensuring that their children attend schools regularly.

  • Fayemi hands over abandoned Ado-Iyin road to Chinese contractor

    Ekiti State Government has formally handed over the new Ado-Iyin road project to China Civil Engineering Corporation Nigeria Ltd to begin work on the road, which was originally awarded in 1978 but was abandoned.

    Handing the project over to the contractor, Governor Kayode Fayemi said he was committed to fulfilling all his electioneering promises, especially in the area of infrastructure which is a catalyst for growth.

    The brief ceremony signified the beginning of work on the road project billed for completion within 24 months.

    Fayemi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi, said the 7.25km road project is the first phase of the construction work which will stop at the state’s boundary with Osun State.

    He noted that the dualisation project will be completed within 24 months.

    He added that the first phase of the project is the construction of the road from Ado to Iyin.

    The second phase, according to him, is from Iyin to Aramoko. The third phase will be from Aramoko to Itawure, he said.

    The governor expressed worry that the old Ado-Iyin road had become a death trap for motorists because of its unsafe, winding and undulating alignments, which had caused fatal accidents.

    Fayemi stressed that his government would not fold arms and watch citizens’ lives and properties lost to the road.

    “As a government, we understand and appreciate the importance of good road network to our economic development. Good road network will not only ease the stress of commuters, but will also enhance the marketability of our farm produce, which is the mainstay of most of our people.

    “Ekiti people should take it that our government would fulfil all our promises to the people, and infrastructure development is just a part of it.

    “All we need is that the people should cooperate with us. We will try our best to serve our people. The workers will continue to receive their salaries as and when due. The governor knows the people’s problem. Some weeks ago, some vehicles fell inside Akonasan ditch.

    “When this road is completed, it will bring an end to such unfortunate incidents,” he said.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Road/Transport and Infrastructure Sunday Adunmo said proper illumination would be accommodated in the N8.9 billion road so that commuters can travel any time without fears.

    Adunmo added that the Fayemi-led government would soon begin construction of some ring roads to reduce traffic in the state capital. He listed such roads as including Iworoko-Eyio-Igede road and Ago Aduloju  (Ado Ekiti) – Afao road among others.

    The Southwest Regional Manager of company handling the project, Sewell Zhao, said the company has begun the recruitment of workers for the project; stating that the company would accommodate local content by employing about 500 Ekiti people for the project.

    Zhao assured that the company would deliver quality job as it has brought new equipment that would make the project to be delivered in time for immediate usage.

     

  • Afenifere hails Fayemi over role in general elections

    THE Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation, Afenifere Ilosiwaju Yoruba, Ekiti State chapter, has lauded Governor Kayode Fayemi for restoring the values, which Ekiti people are known for.

    A statement issued to reporters after its monthly meeting in Ado-Ekiti and signed by its Chairman, Elder Yemi Alade and the publicity secretary, Chief Biodun Akin Fasae, also applauded the people of Ekiti for the peace during the period of electioneering activities.

    This, he said, was devoid of electoral violence, adding that there was not a single ugly incident recorded in the process.

    The group, however, urged the political class never to renege into the recent despicable political past in Ekiti, where any disagreement in political views would make enemies of otherwise good people and thereby resulting in political crisis among friends and relations.

    “Ekiti Afenifere particularly expresses gladness on the role being played by Governor Fayemi in tying the seemingly difficult knots across the country as a result of his leadership play outs in Ekiti.

    “The governor should continue to do the good job without let or hindrance as the good people of Ekiti are ready to support him. On the role of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Afenifere also lauded the electoral body for being firm and transparent in its conduct.

    It appealed to the political class to allow the commission to do its work, according to the law governing it.

    “Politicians should desist from making ugly statements about the electoral body only when they are at the losing side.”

  • Group faults MURIC’s position on appointments made by Fayemi

    AN interest group, Integrity Leadership Organisation (ILO), has faulted the stance of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola on the appointments made by the Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    The group, which described the position as unwarranted criticism that lacked content of validity, added that any statement capable of instigating religious violence should be censored.

    Akinola had in a statement earlier in the week criticised the Ekiti State government for appointing more Christians than Muslims in various positions.

    But, ILO, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Lekan Oyediran, said Akinola’s criticism was misplaced, stressing that merit and involvement in politics and community growth must be greater consideration in appointment than issue of religion.

    The group urged Akinola not to create religious crisis in Ekiti State through its unguarded statement.

    It added that Ekiti people were not known to differentiate between religions as the adherents of all religions see themselves as brothers and sisters.

    This, he said, had accounted for religious harmony and tolerance that the state enjoys.

    The group said that someone of Akinola’s calibre needed to understand that government’s appointments are based on the value that the appointee can add to societal growth and not religious or ethnic affinity.

    The group said: “It is disturbing to hear the MURIC leader make such careless statement, giving the impression that the Ekiti State Governor deliberately sidelined Muslims in the appointments made so far.

    “This is quite misleading. The fact is that the Fayemi administration had in the last four months appointed both Christians and Muslims into positions, including a former President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.

    “We know and believe the likes of Prof. Akinola should know too that appointments into offices are not based on religious affiliation but on competence and involvement in politics and community development.

    “The Muslim population in Ekiti State is about five per cent and the present administration has been fair in its dealings with the Muslim community, especially in the area of appointment.”

  • Fayemi appoints six advisers, revenue board chair

    Eiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has approved some appointments:

    This is in a bid to further position his administration for effective service delivery.

    The appointments are: Alhaji Afolabi Ogunlayi, Senior Adviser, Economic Matters and Chair, Economic Development Council; Paul Omotoso, Senior Adviser, Political Matters; Makinde Araoye, Special Adviser, Federal Matters; Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo, Special Adviser, Communications and Strategy; Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, Special Adviser, Investment, Trade and Innovations; Sunday Adunmo, Special Adviser, Road/Transport and Infrastructure.

    Others are: Prof. Fransisca Aladejana, Chairman, SUBEB; Mrs. Funke Fajobi, Commissioner, SUBEB; Tajudeen Wale Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Public Buildings and Infrastructure and Mr. Muyiwa Ogunmilade, Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue.

    According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, the appointments are with immediate effect.

  • Electoral victory a challenge to perform, says Fayemi

    •Governor, elected state, federal lawmakers attend thanksgiving service

    EKITI State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has said that the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in all elective positions contested in the state in the 2019 general elections has placed a burden of performance on the party.

    The governor said this yesterday at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, where a thanksgiving mass was held for the 26 House of Assembly members elected on APC platform in Saturday’s State Assembly election in the state.

    A similar thanksgiving was held at the chapel for the newly elected APC National Assembly members two Sundays ago.

    All the elected 26 members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly; and the elected members of the National Assembly as well as the party’s chieftains attended the thanksgiving service.

    Fayemi said the APC has no excuse for non-performance now that Ekiti people have demonstrated their confidence in the party by overwhelmingly voting for it in the just concluded elections.

    He emphasised that he and the federal and state lawmakers are accountable to Ekiti people for all the successes and the inadequacies of the next four years.

    Fayemi said: “I am grateful to God that we won all the seats but that also places a burden on us. We cannot blame anybody if things don’t go well in Ekiti. So, we have a burden to perform because we are the one in charge. We have all the seats.  We cannot pass the buck. We are accountable to Ekiti people for all the successes and the inadequacies of the next four years.

    “So, for that, we also have to be humble in success and ensure that we deliver the goods to the people. Our prayer is that those who have been given the mandate of the people will not disappoint but will be accountable to the people and serve the people with all their heart and commitment.”

    The governor, who thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the polls in Ekiti State, condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in other parts of the country; attributing the hitch-free and violent free election in Ekiti to the grace of God.

    He said: “First, we give glory and thanks to God Almighty for allowing a peaceful and hitch-free election in our state. In some other parts of the country where we have suffered losses of life, we pray for the repose of the souls of the dead and we pray that the families will have the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “Generally, I believe the election has been peaceful across the country. In our own Ekiti State, we have been exceedingly lucky and it is only the grace of God that we give the credit to for making it possible for us to have a hitch-free and successful electoral season.”

    Also speaking at the thanksgiving service, an APC  chieftain, Kayode Ojo, an engineer, traced the party’s victory to the rejection of the People’s Democratic Party by the people.

    “The wish of the people has prevailed. The last four years in the state was barbaric and the people didn’t want that anymore. They want sanity and development. That is why they voted for APC. The election conduct was peaceful. My message to the newly elected lawmakers is that they should focus on the people. If the people, who were there before, had focused on the people, probably majority of them would have been re-elected. What this means in Nigeria is that what you sow is what you will reap,” Ojo said.

  • Fayemi pays N24 million administrative charges for WAEC candidates

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has approved the payment of administrative charges of over N24million to school Principals.

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

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

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

    Ajayi, however, disclosed that Vice Principals that have served for over twenty years would henceforth be engaged in supervision of Ceritificate Examinations in the State.

    He said: ” The State Government has paid the sum of N1, 850 (One thousand Eight hundred and Fifty Naira) 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.

    The Permanent Secretary added that the state government has a zero tolerance for examination malpractice.

    He called on Principals in the state not to collect any money from any candidate that would write the SSCE Examination now that government has taken care of all required expenses.

  • Fayemi: Buhari’s victory, reward for sincere leadership

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his election for a second term in office.

    Fayemi said the re-election of the President is an attestation to the fact that Nigerians appreciate his efforts at making life more comfortable for the people of the country in the last four years.

    He described Buhari as a focused, compassionate and sincere leader with genuine concern for the overall good of the citizenry.

    He said voters have demonstrated that given a choice, they would readily choose a sincere leader who cares for their wellbeing above other considerations.

    According to him, the victory is a confirmation of the people’s trust in President Buhari and the APC-led government, adding that the President would not take the trust for granted.

    Read Also: Buhari condemns attacks in Sokoto, Kaduna

    Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, I heartily congratulate our President for this historic re-election as President for a second term.

    “No doubt, it has been a very tough battle, but the people of Nigeria have spoken in clear terms. They have chosen to reward Mr President’s sincerity of purpose with another term of office.

    “Regardless of what anybody might say, the Nigerian electorate has demonstrated a high level of sophistication. They have shown that they have the capacity to sieve through electoral promises and determine a leader that will serve their interest better.

    “The Nigerian people know President Buhari as a honest leader and have, through their votes, demonstrated their trust in his ability to take them to the next level of development and prosperity.

    “It is a new day and a new season and I congratulate Mr President for the victory and the entire Nigerian people for their courage and steadfastness and for their determination to deepen democracy in the country.”