The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fayemi

  • Osinbajo, Akeredolu, Fayemi grace OPC founder’s funeral

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday attended the funeral of late Dr Frederick Fasehun, the founder of Oodua Peoples Congress(OPC) at the Cathedral Church of Saint Stephen, Oke-Aluko, Ondo, Ondo State.

    The OPC chieftain passed on Dec. 1 at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH).

    Osinbajo was accompanied to the service by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Gov. Kayode Fayemi, among others.

    Former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko was also in attendance.

    In his tribute, Osinbajo said it was a great honour to be at the service to express his own condolence on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of Nigeria.

    He said that Fasehun was exceptional in everything he did as he was medical doctor, a sociologist as well as a versatile acupuncturist.

    “He studied acupuncture in 1977; and set up the very first acupuncture centre in Africa at LASUTH.

    “ He was such a brilliant medical doctor; one would have thought that he would just restrict himself to practice of medicine.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Soyinka, BBC, others move against fake news

    “Of course, many of us know he was the proprietor of Bestcare Hospital, which catered for the poor; so many people were able to receive medical attention.

    “But beyond that, I think that what he will always be remembered for is what he did with the OPC; of course, many of us know about the struggle.

    “He was not really a politician; his first interaction that we know within the democratic struggle was when he founded the Movement for Social and Economic Justice.’’

    Osinbajo said that when the deceased founded the OPC, he decided that it was not enough for the Yoruba people to be recongnised for their industry and for their enterprise, but to seek beyond that.

    He said that the first set of members of OPC were artisans, who Fasehun taught excellence and integrity and also at the same time, teaching them democratic principles and activism.

    The vice president said that he was happy that Fasehun lived a good life and knew God.

    In his tribute, Akeredolu said that Fasehun would be remembered for excellence and for championing the cause of the Yoruba nation.

    Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, the Archbishop of Abuja Province and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, prayed God to comfort the family of the deceased and all he left behind.

    Read Also: 2019: Okorcha charges the Military on credible polls

    Okoh, whose message was read by the Most Rev. Gabriel Akinbiyi, Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Ondo and Lord Bishop, Diocese of Akoko, also prayed God to give Fasehun’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    In his sermon, Akinbiyi said that from the tributes from family members and friends, it was evident that he impacted on lives.

    He said that Fasehun remained faithful and committed to serving God in spite the post he held.

    The bishop prayed that God would give Nigeria a leader after God’s heart as the “nation goes for elections.’’

    He said that one of the lessons from Fasehun’s life was that one could face trials and difficulties and still maintain standard.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also sent a condolence message.

  • Fayemi denies plot to frustrate Atiku’s campaign in Ekiti

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has refuted the allegation levelled against him by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he dienied the party access to Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.

    The opposition alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Dr. Fayemi deprived it the use of the venue for the campaign rally of its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    Atiku’s campaign team is set to storm Ekiti on January 14 to canvass for votes ahead of the February 16 election.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the PDP State Chairman Gboyega Oguntuase said it was disrespectful of Fayemi to have allegedly refused the opposition the use of the stadium the party requested to use as a venue for its campaign.

    Oguntuase said the action attested to the widespread fear by the opposition that the APC was desperate to manipulate the poll and subvert the popular will of the people in this year’s elections.

    But the Director of Administration and Supplies in Ekiti Sate Sports Council, on behalf of the General Manager, Mr. P.A. Akinola, said the stadium was under reconstruction and had to be prevented from vehicular movement.

    The letter reads: “I have been directed to refer to your letter received on January 2 requesting the use of Oluyemi Kayode Stadium for your presidential campaign.

  • Updated: Ekiti governorship Tribunal adjourns indefinitely

    The Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday in Abuja adjourned for judgment.

    The tribunal, led by Justice Suleiman Belgore, adjourned indefinitely, but told parties they would be informed 48 hours before the day to be set for the delivery of the judgment.

    Justice Belgore announced the adjournment on Wednesday after parties adopted their final written addresses and prayed the tribunal to grant their prayers.

    The tribunal Chairman praised the conduct of lawyers and parties in the case. He particularly noted that the senior lawyers were professional and mature in their conduct.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Ekiti State, Professor Kolapo Olusola are challenging the outcome of the election won by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    Listed as petitioners in the petition marked: EPT/EKS/GOV/01/18 are PDP and Olusola, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Fayemi are listed as respondents Charles Edosomwan (SAN), Akin Olujinmi (SAN) and Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) adopted the final addresses by INEC, APC and Fayemi.

    Edosomwan, Olujinmi and Fagbemi urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition by the PDP and Olusola on the ground that they failed to prove their allegations that the election was flawed and was not held in substantial compliance with Electoral Act.

    They also faulted the petitioners’ argument that Fayemi was not qualified to have contested the election because he was allegedly indicted in a report by a commission of inquiry constituted by the Ekiti State Government to probe Fayemi’s first term in office as the state governor.

    Edosomwan, Olujinmi and Fagbemi, in separate arguments, contended that, although the petitioners raised criminal allegations of votes’ manipulation, they failed to meet the standard of proof required to sustain such allegations.

    They also adopted their separate notices of objection, in which the respondents prayed the tribunal to strike out some paragraphs in the petition on the grounds that they are vague.

    Edosonman, who identified six issues for the tribunal’s determination, argued that the first issue, relating to Fayemi’s qualification, was beyond questioning.

    He contended that the document the petitioners had relied, which is the report of a commission of enquiry and the white paper issued thereto, have been quashed by a competent court.

    Edosomwan also argued that the petitioners also failed to sustain issues two, three and four, which relate to whether or not the Fayemi and his party won the election and whether the election was held in compliance with the Electoral Act.

    He said: “all efforts by the petitioners to disqualify the fact that the 3rd and 2nd respondents (Fayemi and APC) won the election turned out in vain.

    “Evidence showed that they (the petitioners) have not even scratched the surface, in terms of evidence to prove, their claim that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.

    On the fifth issue which relates to the question about the legitimacy of the election, Edosomwan argued that

    “there is nothing put forward by the petitioners to show that there was massive fraud to warrant the cancellation of the election.”

    He urged the tribunal to resolve the sixth issue in favour of the respondents. He argued that since the petitioners, by the evidence led, failed to shake the election, there is no need for the tribunal to order a fresh election, as prayed by the petitioners.

    Edosomwan, who urged the court to dismiss the petition, noted that the petitioners failed to carry out the burden placed on them by the law, to prove all the relevant elements of their claim.

    He added: “The criminal allegation were not proved, not even on the preponderance of evidence, much less beyond reasonable doubt, as required in such instance.”

    Olujinmi noted that the issue of non-qualification based on alleged indictment by a commission of inquiry on allegation of embezzlement of funds, provided in Section 182 of the Constitution, has now been deleted by the First Alteration of the Constitution (2010).

    He added: “We argued further that, even if it was not deleted, what the petitioners were required to prove to sustain this ground, based on several decided cases, is that a court of law has found him guilty of embezzlement of funds. That did not happen in this case.”

    Olujinmi also referred Edosomwan’s observation that the report had been nullified by a competent court of law.

    He added: “We also argued that, even if Section 182 (1) of the Constitution was not deleted, the report did not make any finding of embezzlement against the 3rd respondent, the report only said he failed to honour the commission’s invitation, and then recommended that he should be banned from politics.
    “So, the first ground is not available to the petitioner,” Olujinmi said.

    He noted that a number of witnesses’ statements were the same in sequence and presentation.

    Olujinmi argued that: “Where the statements of several witnesses are all the same in sequence and presentation, the Supreme Court said such witness statements should be disregarded. We identified 32 of such witnesses.”

    Arguing the petitioners’ case, their lawyer, Yusuf Alli (SAN) urged the tribunal to discountenance the respondents’ arguments and grant the petitioners’ prayers.

    Alli also urged the court to reject the respondents’ preliminary objection and held that the petition and all its paragraphs were filed in accordance with the relevant laws.

    The petitioners’ lawyer added: “We succeeded in establishing our case through the witnesses the respondents called.

    “We urge the court to take judicial notice of the white paper issued on the finding of the commission of inquiry and the touted judgment.

    “There is nothing in the respondents’ arguments that has taken away the sting of the white paper. There was no answer of substance by the respondents in respect of the petitioners’ points on the voiding of votes.”

    Alli urged the tribunal to grant the reliefs sought in the petition, dismiss the objection and help in upholding the sanctity of the country’s electoral process.

  • ‘Fayemi needs better House of Assembly’

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adegoke Olajide, has said Governor Kayode Fayemi needs like-minded lawmakers who will translate his dreams into reality.

    Olajide who disclosed this at the official flag off of his campaign at Itamesi Tower in Efon Alaaye, added that the House of Assembly is not a haven for political sychophants who worship materialism, but a platform to promote interest of the people.

    Adegoke who is the candidate for Efon Constituency, promised to be a faithful representative of the people, if elected.

    He said:”It is time for Efon constituency to make choices that will define their future. We must make choice between slavery and freedom, humiliation and dignity, past and the future”.

    The flagbearer promised to ensure effective representation and promote the rapid development of Efon Alaaye and Ekiti State.

    Former PDP chieftain Chief Dele Jeje said the opposition candidate in the election lacked the political will to represent the people.

    Jeje who described Olajide  as an experience politician with the requiChief Joseph Alake said: “He is a grassroot politician that understand and feel the plight of the downtrodden masses.

    “He has been the voice of the voiceless and friend of the vulnerables, therefore he needs to be voted for”.

    The APC chairman Efon Local Government, Idowu Michael who led other members of the party to the flag off described Hon. Adegoke as the rightful choice of the party.

    He said: “He is the perfect man for the job whose intellectual property will be useful in transforming and accelerating rapid development in Efon constituency”.

    He added that the APC candidate is a selfless personality, who is ready to serve his people and ensure their aspirations are met.

    A former APC chairman, Hon. Deji Oguntuase, urged the people to  support Adegoke, saying he is a trusted and reliable politician who will fulfill his promises to the people.

    Alake noted that there will no be room for any form of electoral malpractices as witnessed in 2014.

    He urged the electorate to protect their votes.

    Mrs. Bose Olowokere stressed that the electoral victory of APC candidates is certain  because of the party track records.

    Olowokere described Olajide as a competent and committed person that will pursue people oriented policy in ensuring geometric growth and development.

    “Give Hon. Adegoke any works, he will execute it more than your expectations”, she added.

    Former Chairman of Efon Local Government Area, Prof. Adio Folayan, who admonished party members to be committed and shun politics of deceitfulness. He said Olajide’s antecedents will surely speak for him come Ekiti State House of Assembly election.

     

  • Kidnapping: Ekiti summons emergency security council meeting

    Apparently concerned on the rising cases of kidnapping within its territorial boundaries, the Ekiti State government has summoned an emergency security council meeting for Wednesday.

    The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, disclosed this on Tuesday while playing host to traditional chiefs under the aegis of Association of Ekiti Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders (AETCTH) in his office in Ado-Ekiti.

    The meeting is expected to be chaired by Governor Kayode Fayemi and will have heads of all security agencies in the state in attendance in a bid to strengthen the state security architecture.

    Egbeyemi in a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, said government was taking some steps to ensure security of lives and property in the state.

    The deputy governor emphasized that traditional rulers and chiefs must be on red alert in their domains and be fully involved in security of their areas.

    He warned that government would not tolerate a situation in which monarchs and chiefs allow their domains to be used by kidnappers as bases for their nefarious activities.

    The traditional chiefs who were led by their spokesman, the Odofinyin of Iyin-Ekiti, High Chief Ayodeji Esan, had listed a ten-point demand which include official recognition by government and their involvement in the maintenance of peace and security in each community.

    They also advised the government to involve local hunters and vigilance groups as part of measures to ward off the incursion of armed herdsmen and kidnappers.

    He said: “We would frown against any oba or chief in whose domains people are kidnapped, we would frown against any place where people are kidnapped or used by kidnappers to operate.

    Read Also: Buhari calls for respect for democracy in Gabon

    “Henceforth, obas and chiefs must now be on alert and you must know people in your vicinity. Be on alert especially for strange persons in your neighbourhoods and farms who may want to use those places as hideouts.

    “Those coming in and those going out of your domains, you must know them. Government is ready to assist you to ensure that there is security of lives and property.

    “Obas and chiefs in communities between Igede and Efon, Ikere and Emure, Ado and Ikere, between Iworoko and Ifaki and Ifaki and Omuo, the obas there should be up and doing.”

    “You will recall that during the first tenure of Governor Fayemi, he committed a lot of resources to security by equipping the police and purchasing over 35 vehicles for them.

    “But after four years, the vehicles are damaged and there are no replacements for them.”

    The traditional chiefs, however, pledged their loyalty to the Fayemi administration which they acknowledged invested in the development of grassroots.

    They also promised to mobilize people in the grassroots for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections to ensure victory for the party’s candidates.

  • Fayemi: I won’t sideline towns that voted against me

     

     

     

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has promised not to deny communities and towns that voted against him at the last governorship election of projects that will make life easier for them.

    He assured that his administration will ensure that developmental projects reach all nooks and crannies of the state irrespective of how they voted during the July 14, 2018 poll.

    Fayemi spoke yesterday during a meeting with chairmen and secretaries of all Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Town Unions at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, new Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, revealed that many uncompleted self-help, grant-aided projects initiated during his first administration were abandoned by the immediate past government.

    He also disclosed that community empowerment programmes will be carried out in rural areas especially in those areas of special needs submitted for government consideration during preparation for the 2019 Budget.

    According to him, government has commenced the re-verification and assessment of uncompleted self-help “grant aided” projects initiated during his first administration between 2011 and 2014 for assistance and completion of such projects.

    He said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that Ekiti people made the right choice in the governorship election by electing us into power again and we will do everything humanly possible to justify the confidence reposed in us.”

    Fayemi also reiterated his commitment in implementing special need projects included in the state budgetary preparation with a call on community leaders and opinion moulders to show concern on the usage, sustenance and maintenance of public utilities in their various communities.

    Lamenting on how the previous administration abandoned potential economic projects, like Ire Clay Block Industry, Water Dams, and electrical infrastructures, Fayemi revealed that preparation was on top gear to bring back private investors and critical stakeholders to

    resuscitate old industries, tourist centres and facilitate the establishment of new ones.

    Fayemi said that some private individuals that left the state at the height of harsh economic environment under the last administration have started to return to boost business activities in the state.

    However, the governor called on the people for more support for his administration and that of President Muhammadu Buhari so that the state can benefit from more federal projects.

    During the interactive section, representative of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mr. Kehinde Fakunle, said the people of the council are behind Fayemi’s administration and that such shall be demonstrated in the 2019 elections as people of the council are determined to vote for APC at all levels.

    Dr Alex Ogundipe who represented Ado Local Government called on the state government to align with federal government intention in resuscitating textile industries across the nation with a view to revive the textile industry in the state.

    Other speakers like Mr Akosile Olubunmi from Efon local government, Mr Ayodele Ogunleye from Ekiti West local government, Mr Laolu Omosilade from Ifelodun/Irepodun local government demanded for rural electrification, rehabilitation of water dams, town hall and

    continuation of 5-kilometre road initiated by Fayemi in his first tenure, channelisation of rivers, drainages, linkage of access roads to farmstead, amidst others.

    Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ayoola Owolabi, said the participatory meeting would enhance a bottom-top approach, cross fertilisation of ideas and feedback of activities towards  the attainment of international best practices in governance.

     

  • I won’t sideline communities that voted against me-Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has promised not to deny communities and towns that voted against him at the last governorship election of projects that will make life easier for them.

    He assured his administration will ensure developmental projects reach all nooks and crannies of the state irrespective of how they voted during the July 14, 2018 poll.

    Fayemi spoke on Saturday during a meeting with chairmen and

    secretaries of all Community Development Associations (CDAs) and town unions at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, new Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, lamented many uncompleted self-help, grant-aided projects initiated during his first administration were abandoned by the immediate past government.

    He also disclosed community empowerment programmes will be carried out in rural areas especially in those areas of special needs submitted for government consideration during preparation for the 2019 Budget.

    According to him, government has commenced the re-verification and assessment of uncompleted self-help “grant aided” projects initiated during his first administration between 2011 and 2014 for completion.

    Fayemi also reiterated his commitment in implementing special need projects included in the budgetary preparation with a call on community leaders and opinion moulders to show concern on the usage, sustenance and maintenance of public utilities in their various communities.

    He said abandoned potential economic projects like Ire clay block industry, water dams and electrical installations would be revived.

    Fayemi said that some private individuals that left at the height of harsh economic environment under the last administration have started to return to boost business activities.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Fayemi, Akeredolu, Otudeko, other bigwigs storm Ibadan for Akanni-Aluko’s daughter’s wedding

    Political and business heavyweights from across the country turned up in style in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, recently to be the guests of business mogul,Chief Emmanuel Akanni-Aluko and Mr.Adegbenro Adegbola,  on the occasion of their children’s wedding on Wednesday.

    Joined in holy wedlock were Mary Adewumi ,daughter of Chief Aluko,Publisher of the defunct Third Eye newspapers ,and Olukayode Opeyemi,son of Mr.Adegbenro Adegbola.

    The  Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija ,Ibadan, where the first leg of the wedding took place,and Daylan Events Centre,venue of the wedding reception, oozed with class as the gorgeously  dressed   guests began arriving one after the other.

    The guests included  Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and   Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State;the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) , Chief   Folake Solanke; former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Iyiola Oladokun; Dr. Wale Babalakin,  Dr. Oba Otudeko, Alhaja Bose Adedibu (widow of the  late Ibadan politician, Chief Lamidi Adedibu); father of the Ooni of Ife , Prince John Oluropo Ogunwusi  and his Olori, Margaret Ogunwusi, and Speaker of the  Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraju Adekunbi.

    Also  present were the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude;  Justice Iyabo Yerima,  Justice Moji Olatoregun , Justice Tokunbo Majekodumi,  Chief Perry Aluko, Architect Ola Seriki , Sir and Lady Lana Odutola, Mrs Olaide Amole , a former first lady of Oyo State Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja , Dr. Tony Marinho , Alhaja Adebisi Yusuf , Alhaja Alawi , Sir Peter Aliu , Professor and Mrs  Solomon Kadiri , Professor and Mrs Tunde Salako, former editor of the  Nigeria Tribune, Mr Folu Olamiti; Akogun  Lekan Alabi, veteran journalists  Tunde Akingbade, Ayo Akinyemi and  Sanni Agboola.

    The rest were  Dr. Taiwo Ade , Dr. Tunde Adegbola, Mr. Akin Adegbola, Dr. Kemi Fadipe, Mrs. Doyin Awofisayo, Ambassador Ronke Adefowope, Sooko Adetunji Ogunwusi,  Mrs Herieta Adedoyin Ige, Mrs Bisi Ojo, Chief Ibironke Inaolaji , Chief Victoria Adesida , Prince and Mrs Bolatito Aderemi, and  Alhaja Jemilat Salami, among others.

    The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese , the Most Rev. Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, counselled the new couple to put God first in all they do.

    “If you play your part, God does not fail,” he said.

    “There is reward for fidelity. Do your part, and with prayer and dedication, God will do the rest.  Build your house on a solid rock. This marriage shall be a source of peace , happiness , faith and grace of God. ”

    An elated Chief Aluko was full of praises to God that all went well on the day.

    “I’m  very happy and my heart is full of joy,” he said.

    “More importantly, I’m  full of joy, and thankful to God Almighty that I’m  alive to witness this occasion.

    “As a stroke patient for 19 years, God still gave me His full grace to witness this wonderful occasion . I have every cause to thank the Almighty God .

    “Our wishes for the new couple are to live happily together; to be role models for other youths coming up; to live a well-planned, great life and to have children.”

    The groom’s father, Mr.  Adegbenro Adegbola,was similarly grateful to God for the ‘wonderful event.’

    He wished the couple  “everything that is necessary for a good life . I wish them the blessing of children, both male and female, and every material blessing, as well as spiritual blessing .”

    The chairman of the reception event, Dr. Oba Otudeko, in his remarks, advised the couple to always learn from the examples set by their parents in  marital life. He charged them to always take their problems to God in prayers.

  • Ekiti communities hail Fayemi for ending four-year blackout

    After being in darkness for four years, public power supply has been restored to three communities in Ekiti West Local Government Area to the relief and excitement of the residents.

    The towns, known locally as Ekameta, are Erijiyan, Ipole Iloro and Ikogosi, the site of the famous Warm Spring resort which had received tourists from all over the world.

    Electricity was restored to the communities on Christmas eve as Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) engineers who had been working round the clock to meet the target given by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    Unable to hide their joy, residents of the communities are hailing Fayemi for keeping his promise.

    The excited residents who spoke with our reporter on Friday promised to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.

    Fayemi, as APC candidate in the last governorship election, had promised to do everything possible to restore power to the communities if elected at the poll.

    The governor also charged BEDC to work out modalities for the restoration of light to the communities while playing host to the company’s management who paid him a courtesy visit few weeks ago.

    A youth leader in Erijiyan, Mr. Akinkunmi Abimbola, commended Fayemi for championing the restoration of power supply to his community which he said would bring businesses back to life.

    Read Also: Amaechi: 2019 fight between rich, poor in Kwara

    Abimbola said: “Infrastructural development and especially electricity is the catalyst of development, and for us in Ekameta its being horrible living without electricity supply in the last four years.

    “Several small-scale industries were abandoned and some had to relocate which negatively affected the economy of the environment.

    “Ikogosi warm spring resort centre naturally deserted and became a shadow of itself, the total blackout even affected sons and daughters not wanting to stay at home when they visited.

    “The news and joy witnessed by the communities really show how important electricity supply is to us. We are very grateful to the government of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi that made it a priority to get this done for us immediately he assumed office.”

    A member of the royal family in Ikogosi, Prince Tayo Olajubu said: “Congratulations! Electricity has been restored back to Ikogosi after four years of total darkness.

    “We bless God that Ikogosi is witnessing a new dawn after four years
    of total neglect.”

    Another resident of Ikogosi, Mr. Tobi Oyeleye said: “My heart is thankful to Governor Fayemi and I must thank him for he has restored our lights.

    “Electricity restored within two months in office, Ikogosi, Erijiyan and Ipole say many thanks JKF. For that’s but a step to the beginning; Gossy Waters and the Warm Springs Resorts are still groaning.”

    A resident of Ipole Iloro, Mrs. Yemisi Adewumi, described the return of electricity as a “special gift Christmas and New Year gift from Governor Fayemi which has brought joy to our town.”

    “We thank Governor Fayemi for fulfilling his promise to end darkness in Ipole Iloro and the entire Ekameta communities.

    “During the campaign, he promised to ensure that light returns within two months of being sworn it. We thought it was one of the gimmicks of these politicians but it has now become a reality.

    “With this gift of light, we will pay back with votes for his party in the general elections in 2019. We will not go back to a party that neglected us for four years,” she said.

  • Fayemi: Nigeria can’t afford another Civil War

    EKITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged Nigerians to work towards sustaining the country’s peace to ensure sustainable growth.

    Fayemi warned against engaging in acts that could endanger the country’s fragile peace, insisting that “Nigeria cannot afford yet another war”.

    The governor spoke yesterday at the official launch of the state emblem appeal fund for the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ado-Ekiti.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, eulogised members of the Nigerian Legion and serving soldiers for their sacrifice to keep the country united.

    According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the event signaled the beginning of activities to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which end on January 15 with the laying of wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.

    He said: “There is no price too high to pay for peace when compared to the cost of war. I, therefore, enjoin all engaged in acts that can endanger the fragile peace in our nation to desist from fanning the embers of war.

    “This nation cannot afford another war and we must live in peace with one another. We must resolve that never again shall we allow our dear nation by our actions or inactions to experience another war.”

    Fayemi noted that everything must be done to encourage the Armed Forces to step up efforts at defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times.

    This, he said, must begin with providing adequate equipment and minimum necessary resources to mobilise against those he referred to as “enemies of the country”.

    The governor warned against endangering the lives of the nation’s gallant soldiers by acts of omission or commission, saying: “The days of diverting funds meant for insurgency and welfare of Armed Forces are gone forever.”

    According to him, the emblem launch was in commemoration of soldiers, who fought gallantly and laid down their lives for the sovereignty of the nation and to honour and support the veterans, who are still alive.

    Fayemi hailed the intrepidity exhibited by veterans of the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and the contemporary soldiers fighting insurgency and various forms of security challenges in the country.

    Chairman of the state branch of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Adeyanju Olorunda (retd), said the launch was targeted at raising funds for widows and dependants of fallen heroes and war veterans.

    Olorunda appealed to the state government to assist the legionnaires, regretting that many of them are being poorly treated despite serving their fatherland diligently.

    Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Training, Mr. Sesan Alabi, advised Nigerians to assist the families of the fallen heroes, saying such an act would motivate those in active service that their efforts in sustaining the nation’s territorial integrity were not in vain.