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Tag: Fayemi

  • Fayemi to youths: Kick APC out of power in 2023, instead of moving to Canada

    Fayemi to youths: Kick APC out of power in 2023, instead of moving to Canada

    Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has advised Nigerian youths who are leaving the shores of the country in droves for Canada to reconsider their plans and stay back to help make things work in their fatherland.

    Fayemi, who doubles as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), urged the youths to mobilise and organise themselves to “kick out” the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from office in 2023 if they are not satisfied with its governance style.

    Fayemi asked the youths to participate fully in politics by holding those at the helms accountable instead of engaging in what he termed “Twitter revolution.”

    He stressed that the resolve to change things politically made him and some others to foray into politics instead of shouting themselves hoarse on the sidelines.

    He was speaking at ‘The Platform’, an annual programme organised by Covenant Christian Centre.

    He said, “Even if your search is a regime change in a democracy, there is only one what for regime change in a democracy, you work towards it.

    “Another election is going to come if you do not like what APC is doing. Organise, stop agonising, organise against the party. Link up with others who are organising and then kick the APC out of office and put people that you think we do better not creating a situation of anarchy.”

    “The space is more liberalised now, not like what we fought against during the military regime. I’m not talking about the Twitter revolution. Many young Nigerians are cosying, giving it to governors and attacking ministers on Twitter and Facebook.

    “Go to the wards, go to the communities and challenge what they are doing there. Hold them accountable.” Fayemi added.

    Fayemi said Canada is not an Eldorado it has been portrayed to be as, unlike Nigeria, it has glass ceiling.

    “Don’t succumb to despondency, there is a lot to hail in this country. There is a lot to frustrate you, a lot to want to make you give up and pick that visa and go to Canada,” the governor told the youth.

    “I know it (Canada) is a popular destination but you know what? There is also a glass ceiling in Canada. When you get to the top of it, you will now discover there is a glass ceiling there. This is the place where there is no glass ceiling, let us work towards making it a better place.”

  • May Day: Fayemi promises workers better welfare despite harsh economic climate

    May Day: Fayemi promises workers better welfare despite harsh economic climate

    Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti says the current harsh economic climate in the country will not dampen his resolve to ensure a better welfare for state workers.
    This is just as he congratulated workers in the state on this year’s Workers Day celebrations, promising them a more conducive working environment.
    The governor’s promises are contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Ado Ekiti by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode.
    Fayemi said May Day offered an opportunity to celebrate workers and highlight their importance in the government’s efforts to impact lives of the citizenry.
    He said workers’ contribution to the social, and economic development of the state in particular and the country in general could not be overemphasised.
    The governor said that workers in Ekiti, in particular, had demonstrated brilliance and commitment in the implementation of his administration’s five-pillar development agenda
    Fayemi also referred to the theme of this year’s May Day celebration, “COVID-19 Pandemic, Social and Economic Crisis: Challenges for Jobs, Social Protection and People’s Welfare”.
    He said that making workers happy always remained one of his priority programmes.
    ” The current harsh economic climate will not dampen my resolve to ensure a better welfare and more conducive working environment for Ekiti workers,” the governor said.
    He recalled that political office holders in the state, including himself and top civil servants, recently made sacrifices including pay cuts in their salaries.
    This, he said, was not extended to workers during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic last year.
    He praised the workers, especially health workers who were in the front line in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the state, for their commitment and dedication.
    Fayemi said at the risk of their lives to ensure that the state overcame the pandemic.
    The governor pointed out that although COVID-19 affected the state’s accruals from the Federation Account and its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), his administration would continue to accord workers’ welfare a priority.
    He said that his administration was conscious of the demands of the Organised Labou, assuring that they were being looked into and would be implemented as the state’s economic situation improves.
    Fayemi said his administration had made it a duty to pay workers’ salaries and retirees’ pension regularly since his assumption of office.
    He said that new workers were also recruited to inject fresh blood into the system.
  • Photo News: Oyetola, Fayemi, Makinde, others bid Yinka Odumakin farewell

    Photo News: Oyetola, Fayemi, Makinde, others bid Yinka Odumakin farewell

    Governors Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) were among the top dignitaries that bid the late spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin final farewell at his country home in Osun State on Saturday (today).

    Also the immediate past governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko and leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo were in attendance.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Yinka Odumakin’s remains have earlier arrived for the final Lying- in- State at Origbo Anglican Grammar School Moro, Osun State.

    Photo: Odumakin’s remains arrive country home as final lying-in-state commences

    His widow, Dr Joe Okei Odumakin, led undertakers carrying the corpse to the venue.

    President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Bishop Francis Wale Oke is leading other officiating Ministers at the event.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the popular activist breathed his last on Friday, April 2nd, 2021. He was 54 years old.

  • Adeboye condemns bandits’ attacks on traditional rulers in Ekiti, inaugurates 1000 Pastors, visits Fayemi

    Adeboye condemns bandits’ attacks on traditional rulers in Ekiti, inaugurates 1000 Pastors, visits Fayemi

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has condemned the recent attacks by bandits on traditional institutions in Ekiti State.

    The cleric was speaking against the backdrop of separate attacks on two traditional rulers by gunmen in the state in the last ten days.

    While the Elewu of Ewu-Ekiti, Oba Adetutu Ajayi was shot and escaped being kidnapped, the Obadu of Ilemeso-Ekiti , Oba David Oyewumi was abducted in his palace and whereabouts unknown as of press time.

    Adeboye who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Saturday when he visited the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said traditional institutions in the state and beyond deserve respect because of the critical roles the institutions play in the society.

    “It is condemnable the flagrant disrespect to our traditional institutions in Ekiti state in recent time by gunmen, ” he said.

    He urged residents to continue in their prayers for the country to survive the avalanche of problems confronting it, saying, ” I have committed myself in fighting the battle for the soul of the nation spiritually.”

    Adeboye who was in the state to ordain about 1000 pastors in RCCG said political leaders across board must not relegate the power of God to the background in their activities and policies in the interest of the citizens.

    The General Overseer, who revealed that his grandmother was from Ekiti said God will halt the reign of terror and violence in the country, assuring that every tree that the Lord had not planted would be uprooted.

    Responding, Governor Fayemi while expressing delight for the visit to the government house by the renowned cleric, commended him for his prayers and efforts towards the development and progress of the country.

    He noted that government at all levels would be ready to listen to wise counsels from elders and spiritual leaders in a bid for the nation to surmount the increasing security challenges.

    “We need prayers, we need a lot of help, our people are very very prayerful, and we know the development RCCG has witnessed under your leadership, particularly in our own setting here. We pray that God will continue to be good to us and heal the land and in a moment, all of us will have testimony to the good works of the Lord.

    “I want to on behalf of the people of the State thank you immensely for your untiring relentless efforts in ensuring that our country gets better, our lives improve and the quality of security and safety are improved in the land,” Fayemi said.

  • 81 Ekiti monarchs tackle Fayemi, reject ‘surrendering’ lands to herdsmen for grazing

    81 Ekiti monarchs tackle Fayemi, reject ‘surrendering’ lands to herdsmen for grazing

    Traditional rulers in Ekiti State have rejected the Federal Government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan in the state, describing it as another nomenclature for the Rural Grazing Area, which they call a land grabbing initiative.

    The traditional rulers, under the aegis of Majority Obas of Ekiti Land, who said the scheme would bring about Fulani herders’ occupation of their land, said, “We vehemently oppose surrendering/acquisition of our land to be used as grazing reserves for herdsmen under the proposed NLTP.”

    MOBEL Chairman and the Olomuooke of Omuo-Oke Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Otitoju; Secretary and the Onikun of Ikun-Amure Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Olusola; and 79 traditional rulers, in a letter to Governor Kayode Fayemi, dated March 25, 2021 and titled, ‘Rejection of the proposed Federal Government’s livestock scheme in Ekiti State by MOBEL’, said NTLP was unacceptable to them and as well their subjects.

    The Ekiti State Government has been favorably disposed to NLTP, saying it will reactivate the grazing reserves at Oke Ako and Irele Ekiti for the programme in the state.

    But the traditional rulers said, “We are mindful of the security implications and consequences which will be inimical to the security of our people, knowing full well that the majority of our populace are predominantly peasant farmers.

    “We are also not unmindful of the antecedents of some of the Fulani herders wherever they cohabit with their hosts.

    “Since the time it was reported that Ekiti State is favourably disposed to the proposed programme which will lead to direct occupation of our land by Fulani herders, we have been inundated with series of complaints laden with fears from our subjects both from home and in diaspora.

    “In view of the foregoing, MOBEL, on behalf of our subjects at home and in Diaspora, hereby declares that this proposed programme which we perceive to be another nomenclature for RUGA – the widely rejected land grabbing initiative, is unacceptable to our subjects,” the monarchs stated.

  • Buhari will soon approach NASS for more funds to combat insecurity – Fayemi

    Buhari will soon approach NASS for more funds to combat insecurity – Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on Monday said that the sponsors of insurgency in the Northeast geo-political zone are also behind banditry in the Northwest and kidnapping in the Southwest.

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) spoke with reporters in Abuja on National security, shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Villa.

    He also disclosed that the President would soon approach the National Assembly for more funding for arms for the Armed forces to successfully combat insecurity.

    He however, said military operations should be combined with an investigation into the causes of insecurity, political will by the leadership and concrete action in tackling the crisis.

    Fayemi said the Armed Forces should also unite in their bid to successfully fight the war.

    He said poverty, inequality, social disconnection between leadership and the youth, which had rendered the youth available to derailing tendencies, should also be addressed.

    While commending President Buhari for effective changes in the nation’s security architecture, he clarified that the step would not automatically bring answers to the security questions, until other required factors are combined with the military solution.

    He said: “Two or three days ago, all the service chiefs came together to issue a statement that we are accountable to our Chief of Defence Staff, that’s a very significant position to take because we know what has been the source of inter service rivalry in our military, which then tends to affect performance on the field, where the air force does not communicate with the army and yet they’re supposed to be involved in the same war against insurgency.

    The President has already informed the National Assembly that they will be receiving a special request from him on procurement of equipment on an accelerated basis for our security services, because that was one of the issues that we put before him and he was very categorical that yes, we have a point.

    “Some of the equipment that had been procured are on the way, they haven’t arrived, but they will soon arrive. There is also a need to buy more equipment and he is going into government-to-government partnership with a number of countries and that would necessitate an accelerated clearance from the National Assembly.

    Fayemi added: “ I also don’t think we’re naive enough to think that it’s simply a military action that will resolve all these security challenges. They have root causes and the root causes require political will, political action on our part against poverty, against inequality, against the disconnections between our youth and the government because these are some of the things that have pushed younger people into harm’s way and into becoming cannon fodder for those who don’t have the interest of our country at heart and I ready to destroy the country.

    “There is a direct correlation between insurgency in the Northeast and what we’re seeing manifesting itself as banditry in the Northwest, or kidnapping in the Southwest. Some of the people involved in these are also the ones responsible for insurgency.

    “They are using the resources that they make from kidnapping for the activities that they’re conducting in the Northeast. So we need to take a comprehensive look at all these things and not treat them in compartments. We must treat them as a comprehensive issue and then tackle them collectively”.

    Fayemi said efforts were being made to resolve the farmers/herders crisis.

    He said: “Farmers need to see concrete action on the ground, dedicated to protecting them in doing their business.

    “That’s why majority of our states are very focused on the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) that would at least confine those who want to graze their cattle to a dedicated space rather than roaming around and destroying crops, which then result in the kind of conflicts that we’ve had between farmers and herders.

    “We have a regular meeting between farmers and herders in the state to define the relationship and promote harmony between both sides, the representatives of the farmers, the ALFAN and the representatives of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and that has been going reasonably well.

    “ If we don’t take concerted steps to address this, we are definitely going to end up with food shortage in the country”.

    On the controversy over the legislative/judicial autonomy, he said the governors have no case against the principle, adding that they are particularly concerned about getting the framework for the process right.

    Fayemi stressed: “Governors agree, and indeed, very supportive of autonomy to the legislature and the judiciary, but what we were working out is the framework.

    “What we objected to at the time and we made it clear to you too, which was what led to the intervention of Mr. President, that the Chief of Staff should coordinate an exit from that logjam, was that we felt that these were issues that were constitutional in nature and we really did not need an executive order for us to achieve the collective wish of the President, as well as the government.

    “In a matter of one or two weeks, we’ll come out with the full entire gamut of the agreement that we had with the speakers and the representatives of the judiciary in states”, he said.

  • In Photos: Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, Abiodun, others stranded at Abuja airport over bad weather

    In Photos: Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, Abiodun, others stranded at Abuja airport over bad weather

    Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Oyetola, Kayode Fayemi, Dapo Abiodun, joined the 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium from the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja.

    The governors were billed to travel to Kano but had to join virtually from a hall at the airport due to bad weather.

    Other dignitaries who also could not fly to Kano, include Senator kashim Shettima, Senator YAYI Adeola, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

  • Gov. Fayemi felicitates Ojudu at 60

    Gov. Fayemi felicitates Ojudu at 60

    Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has felicitated with the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu on his 60th birthday.
    The governor, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, described Ojudu as an illustrious son of Ekiti, a distinguished journalist and activist.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ado Ekiti-born presidential aide turns 60 on Saturday.
    Fayemi recalled how Ojudu deployed his pen as a major weapon in the fight against military tyranny and enthronement of democratic rule in the country years back.
    “On behalf of my family, government and good people of Ekiti State, I rejoice with my dear brother, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, on his diamond jubilee celebration.
    “It’s been sixty amazing years. We thank God for the blessings He has bestowed on you these past years.
    “We pray God to continue to bless and sustain you with good health, wisdom and grace to continue to make meaningful contributions to our dear state and country,” the governor said.
  • No politician will ignore opportunity of becoming President –Fayemi

    No politician will ignore opportunity of becoming President –Fayemi

    Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has averred that no serious politician will disregard the opportunity of becoming the President of Nigeria.

    Fayemi, said this on a Channel’s Televisions programme, ‘Hard Copy’, which was televised on Friday.

    Responding to a question lightheartedly, Fayemi, who has been endorsed for the Presidency by the Ekiti State House of Assembly said, “I am laughing. You know why? I get asked this question all the time. I don’t know any serious- minded politician who will have the opportunity to govern a country with the blessings that we have – in spite of the challenges – that will not give it a shot but we are not there yet.”

    He however, refused to state emphatically if he would be contesting for the Presidency in 2023.

    “I am considering finishing well in Ekiti in 2022. I have a job. Frankly, I am eternally grateful to Ekiti people for giving me the opportunity to govern the state twice and I still have a lot to deliver on that agenda.

    “So, the future will take care of itself. I have no means of knowing what is going to happen but for me, the certainty is that I am the Governor of Ekiti State and that term expires in October 2022. That is the job I have for now,” Fayemi said.

     

  • Fayemi, Fayose react to bloody Ekiti bye-election

    Fayemi, Fayose react to bloody Ekiti bye-election

    Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Saturday night condemned in strong terms, the violence that marred the bye-election to fill the vacant seat for Ekiti East Constituency 1 in the State House Assembly.

    A statement signed by INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, said the “voters, election officials and security personnel” were attacked prompting the commission to suspend voting indefinitely.

    A statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti by Mr Yinka Oyebode, his Chief Press Secretary, quoted Fayemi as saying that no one involved in the dastardly act would go unpunished.
    The governor had therefore directed the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Babatunde Mobayo, to ensure that everybody involved in the violent act were apprehended and brought to book, regardless of their party affiliation.

    Gov. Fayemi commiserated with the families of those reported to have been killed in the mayhem as well as those who sustained injuries.

    “ This violence is most unwarranted, and deeply disturbing. I have instructed the police authorities to fish out the perpetrators and ensure they face the music.

    ” Our condolences to the families that lost loved ones and those who were injured.

    ” Government would not relent in efforts to always ensure safety of lives and properties. We shall ensure all purveyors of violence are brought to book.”, the governor added.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to upholding the sacredness of life and sanctity of the electoral process.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that no fewer than three persons were on Saturday shot dead in Omuo Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti East LGA during the bye election.

    Eyewitnesses said that hardly had the election started when persons suspected to be hired thugs invaded some polling centres, shooting people and attempted to carry away ballot boxes.

    Also, a former governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, in a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Saturday night, condemned the shooting of voters and officials conducting the election.

    The former governor said killing of innocent people just because of five wards in the House of Assembly bye-election was barbaric and shameful.

    He said: “I thought we have gone past this barbarism in Ekiti State especially when we are confronted with national insecurity to which the government has no solution.

    “What was witnessed today in Omuo Ekiti is nothing but terrorism against the people of Ekiti, knowing that time has caught up with them and they are no longer popular.

    “This will remain a guilt in the conscience of the perpetrators and their sponsors perpetually for killing their own people just because of a mere House of Assembly bye-election.

    “Most importantly, everything that goes round in life comes round. The perpetrators of this despicable act should therefore remember that there will be consequences for all actions because the blood of the dead will surely speak and fight back.

    “To the police in Ekiti, they know what to do and the people behind all these, if only they chose not to look away. Ekiti shall be free again if we collectively confront and win this battle against fake apostles of democracy. ‘’