Members of Ekiti Parapo, a forum for Ekiti indigenes in Lagos have drummed support for Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; saying that the governor had been sent by God to salvage the state from its current pathetic state.
Speaking in Lagos at the 2018 Ekiti Day and Awards, erstwhile Minister of Health and Patron of Ekiti Parapo, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said Fayemi has the intellect and connection to excel on the job, adding however that the Governor needs the support of all Ekiti people both at home and in the Diaspora in order to create a new “Ekiti which will not be looked down upon by anybody”.
Adelusi-Adeluyi who hailed Fayemi’s panache in governance, stated that it was high time Ekiti people rallied the governor as the State now has a governor who embodies the value of integrity, hard work and never-give up spirit which are the core values of the Ekitis..
While urging the Governor not to be deterred by the plethora of challenges ahead of him, the former Minister asserted that the State is blessed with resources needed for it to move forward; adding that the State could be financially buoyant if the resources are well harnessed.
He recalled that the founding fathers of Ekiti State had a blueprint on its creation in 1996 which could be used for the economic liberation of the State as a means to ending its over-dependence on federal allocation.
“I know you have what it takes. It is not a question of education but a matter of character. I know you are a man of character, character for you to succeed as governor of Ekiti State. Your chances of rapid success are very bright indeed. Those who desire to work and prosper in Ekiti must work with the Ekiti character, the Ekiti brand.
“You are ordained to serve as the true servant of Ekiti people and we know that under your watch, businesses and investment will begin to rush to Ekiti because Ekiti will become the place to find the most honest and dependable worker- supervisors and managers, the great home for investors”, Adeluyi said.
Other speakers also lauded Governor Fayemi for focusing more on rebuilding the state and positioning it for socio-economic development.
In his remarks, Governor Fayemi said the task of restoring the values of Ekiti requires unity and collaboration beyond political leaning because the “government is not in a position to do it all”; adding that leaders are elected to “show direction and not shirk in leading”.
Fayemi who noted that so many Ekitis living outside the state are succeeding in their chosen professions urged them to transfer their “success stories and make them models for our people at home”.
On Knowledge economy, Fayemi said his administration would focus on skill-driven education which will make Ekiti graduates employable as he plans to reduce unemployment rate in the State.
Speaking on the decline in school enrolment in the State, the governor said it is necessary for the State to get basic education right in order for the plans for skill-driven education to become a reality.
Governor Fayemi was conferred with the Grand Patron of Ekiti Parapo, Lagos branch.
At the event were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeniran Alagbada, legal icon, Femi Falana, former Senator Banji Akintoye, Chief of Staff, Ekiti State, Hon Biodun Omoleye, Chief Remi Omotoso, Chief Kola Akomolede, President of Ekiti Parapo Lagos, Engr Dare Ojo, the chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju, and the Oore of Otun, Oba Adedapo Popoola among other dignitaries.
