The President of the Forums of Regions of Africa (FORAF) and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 80th birthday.

Fayemi, in a statement issued by his media aide, Malam Ahmad Sajoh, praised Buhari as a leader who has shown that a new kind of leadership is possible on the continent, adding that Buhari had done his best to fix the multi-dimensional problems plaguing Nigeria.

Fayemi noted that even the fiercest critics of Buhari would not deny his personal integrity, his ascetic lifestyle and his love for the common people.

Fayemi said Buhari’s love for the people had been demonstrated in the numerous social development and pro-people policies and programmes of the Federal Government in the last seven-and-half years of his administration.

“Buhari has shown through his personal example and conduct that a new kind of leadership is possible in Africa, one that is not exemplified by the accumulation of personal wealth but speedy social and infrastructural transformation through government action.

“As the president marks his 80th birthday, I felicitate with him and his family. I wish him continuous good health and a long and prosperous life,”Fayemi said.

Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has said that he is not under any pressure on the appointment of government officials.

This is as he swore in the newly-appointed Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Habibat Adubiaro; and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, his eighth day in office.

He used the occasion to dispel rumours that he was under pressure from his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Mrs Bisi Fayemi and former deputy governor in the state to appoint their cronies into his cabinet.

“We are not going to be distracted as long as we are doing what is right in the interest of our people.

“While I recognise the right of people to freedom of expression, I also have the right to respond to the fake news being circulated on the social media.

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“I need to put it on record that neither the former governor nor his wife, nor the former deputy governor has put any pressure on me to appoint anybody.

“If I have to go back to the former cabinet and appoint relevant people that can assist me, I will go and pick them,’’ he said.

The governor charged the two new appointees to develop new socio-political skills and emotional intelligence to move the state forward.

He stressed that the two appointees were appointed based on their rich credentials and experiences.

Oyebanji restated his promise to get very competent Ekiti indigenes wherever were to man strategic positions in his administration.

He recalled his promise to appoint the best set of individuals in managing the affairs of Ekiti to bring about the fulfilment of his campaign promises.

“Having listened to the Curriculum Vitaes of the two appointees, it would be discovered that they got the jobs clearly on merit.

“My promise to Ekiti people is that I am going to look for the best anywhere to help me to run Ekiti and that is what we are going to do,’’ he stressed.

Oyebanji expressed his confidence in the professionalism and competence of Adubiaro to serve as Secretary to the State Government.

According to him, her appointment was in consonance with his administration’s commitment to gender balance, affirmative action and equity.

Adubiaro holds a doctorate degree in Chemistry and was formerly vice-chairman of ASUU, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.

Apata was Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice.

The newly sworn in Governor of Ekiti, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has rolled out six points agenda to further bring economic prosperity and good governance to the people of the state.

He succeeded Dr Kayode Fayemi, who has completed his two tenures.

Oyebanji, shortly after he was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Ekiti, Justice John Adeyeye, said that his six-point developmental agenda would focus on youths development and jobs creation.

Others are: human capital development, Agriculture and rural development and infrastructure, industrialisation, arts, culture and tourism as well as good governance.

The governor said that his vision for the state was for it to be a land of prosperity, opportunity, peace, progress and a land which transformed people and for communities to reap the fruits of their labour in dignity, good health and safety.

Oyebanji said the six-point agenda was carefully selected based on his experience in the public and private sectors, coupled with the yearnings of the masses to improve the status of the state.

He said for the vision to be actualised, there was need to focus on a roadmap to get there, urging the people to be partners in progress.

Oyebanji said that creating employment and income-generating opportunities for residents of the state would be a critical component of his administration’s agenda.

“We have identified some of the drivers, markets and industries that create these opportunities within the system and intend to nurture them and give them the enabling structures and support required to deliver the jobs we need,” he said.

The governor promised that his administration would ensure that all eligible students have access to free and qualitative basic education up to the Senior Secondary School (SS3), with curricula that prepare them adequately for further learning or the job market.

He also promised to further develop the agriculture sector by attracting more investment in agri-business to deepen the processing capacity of both the staple and cash crops, which would not only provide food security, but help the country to grow its non-oil exports.

“We have a responsibility to support our farmers with facilitated adequate financing, value chain support, access to markets, skills and technology to increase productivity within the sector.

“Giving practitioners the ability to provide food for the state and for exports, while creating the much-needed jobs and opportunities.

“Priority will be given to strategic crops, including cassava, rice, cocoa, cashew, maize, yam and vegetables.

“Accelerating the development of key infrastructure that is critical to our economic development will have a vast impact on our progress.

“Power and transportation are two key priority sectors that will improve our competitiveness and generate positive economic and social impact.

“We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that we boost these underdeveloped core sectors,” he said.

Oyebanji said that his administration’s modus operandi would be the establishment of numerous platforms for widespread participation, interaction and inclusiveness of all stakeholders in actualising the set goals.

“We intend to ensure robust dialogue and uncensored expression and consultations across the length and breadth of the state, thereby ensuring the interest and participation of all in the welfare of Ekiti Kete.

“We assure the people that we will hear you and truly see you. Our outlook is a government of the people, for the people and by the people through active involvement.

“On this platform, I hereby pledge my accessibility to you all,” he said.

The governor thanked his predecessors in the state, especially the immediate past Gov. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, for laying the solid legacies on which the new administration would stand upon.

“Though, the Fayemis are leaving behind very huge shoes for me and Olayemi to fill, we are confident that with their supports, we will assuredly grow into them.

“I am enthusiastically counting on the generosity of spirit of the Adebayos, Fayemis, Fayoses and other past leaders, to continue in the service of our homeland by constantly affording us their enormous goodwill, expertise, and experience,” he said.

In his remarks, Bola Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress party (APC), urged the people of the state to continue to vote for the party, especially during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Tinubu expressed optimism that the legacies left behind the past administration of Gov. Fayemi would be sustained by the new administration of Gov. Oyebanji.

He urged the people, particularly APC members in the state, to guide their Permanent Voter Cards jealously and ensure that they vote for APC for continuity and good governance to continue to flourish in the state.

Present at the event were Governors of Kebbi, Jigawa, Edo, Lagos, Ondo, Plateau, former Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti and the Deputy Governor of Ogun.

The major highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance on the Deputy Gov. Mrs Monisade Afuye and Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, who were later sworn in to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

Colourful parade was also mounted by members of the Nigeria Police Force, Ekiti Command to add colour and glamour to the occasion.

All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his election as the President of Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), saying the honour goes beyond him as an individual and is for the entire country.

Tinubu praised Fayemi who is also Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for enjoying the trust and confidence of his peers across Africa who deemed it fit and proper to make him their leader.

Asíwájú Tinubu said the Ekiti State governor had always demonstrated capacity and competence in handling any responsibility entrusted to him.

Governor Fayemi was elected as President of Regions of Africa after a conference in Casablanca, Morocco last weekend. He will lead the continental body till the end of his tenure as Governor of Ekiti State in October after which the next Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum will take over.

The APC presidential standard-bearer said: “I warmly congratulate Dr. Kayode Fayemi on his election as the President of Forum of Regions of Africa.

“I am particularly happy that his peers across the continent found him worthy of this rare honour which goes beyond him as an individual.

“Dr. Fayemi’s emergence is another resounding recognition for Nigeria’s preeminent position in Africa.

“I have no doubt that Dr. Fayemi will justify the trust and confidence in him by his peers and provide credible leadership for the fledging organisation as it seeks to play its role in the development of our continent.

“I have known Dr. Fayemi for many years and his capacity for excellence is noteworthy. I am sure he will rally his colleagues across Africa to bring greater focus on issues that affect sub-national governments and rally them to assume greater roles and visibility that will catalyse the growth and development we desire for our continent.”

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has been elected the President of the Forum of Governors of Regions/States of Africa at the body’s election held in Saidia, Morocco.

Mr Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, made this known in a statement on Friday in Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebode said Mr Oumarou Ousmanou, the Governor of Northern Region of Cameroon was elected Vice President (Central Africa); while Prof. Peter Anyang Nyongo, Governor, Kisumu County, Kenya was elected Vice President (East Africa).

He said that Mme Bouida Mbarka, President, Morrocan Council of Regions was elected Vice President (North Africa) and David Makhura, Premier, Gauteng Province, was also elected Vice President, (Southern Africa).

According to the statement, Fayemi, in his acceptance speech, described the victory as “a burden of history”.

“Leadership isn’t just a title, but an instrument that should be used to influence policies that would impact positively on the people.

“It is time Africans stopped agonising and start organising.

“The forum will work assiduously to promote the vision of deepening decentralisation and devolution for the material benefit of African people,” Fayemi was quoted as saying.

Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, pledged to use his office to strengthen the quest for African integration through the promotion of African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the SDGs 2030.

He thanked his colleagues in the forum for the honour, reiterating that all present must exhibit the desire to work in tandem with the Africa Union (AU) agenda.

Three other Nigerian governors in attendance at the two-day meeting were: Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Abdullahi Sule (Nassarawa) and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has described the late Chief Duro Onabule as a professional who spoke truth to power.

He said he was a great Nigerian who was passionate about the nation as well as the journalism profession.

Onabule, who died on Tuesday, 41 days before his 83rd birthday anniversary, was a former Chief Press Secretary to former Miltary President, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda.

He was the Editor of the now rested National Concord newspaper and served as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) apart from many other positions in the media industry.

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, said that Onabule was a frontline journalist.

The governor said that Onabule made positive contributions to the development of the media industry, and was a presidential spokesman who brought glamour to the office of Chief Press Secretary.

He said the London School of Journalism-trained veteran was a source of inspiration to many journalists as well as readers of his insightful columns on public discourse.

Fayemi also used the opportunity to commiserate with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the management of the NTA.

He stated that Onabule’s death was a great loss to the upcoming generation of journalists who could have learned a lot from him.

“Chief Onabule as a journalist and public affairs commentator spoke truth to power through his illuminating writings.

“Having trained at the popular London School of Journalism, one could not expect less than the professionalism with which Onabule plied his trade in the media industry.

“There is no doubt, we shall miss his amiable personality and insightful analyses.

“May God grant him eternal rest and comfort his family,” he said.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said that the All Progressives Congress ought to have consulted the leadership of the Christian body before unveiling its Muslim-Muslim ticket.

According to him, knowing the political criteria behind it would have doused the controversy it generated.

He said this on Sunday when he hosted the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state.

He clarified that Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it was not done to undermine the Christians influence or relevance, but simply a calculated political strategy by the party to win the Presidential election.

He said, “You raised a matter that is agitating the minds of many Christians particularly Christians who are not in politics but I can tell you that Christians who are in politics are equally concerned about the matter you have raised about the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Not so much because of faith but because of fair representation and representation in a multi ethnic, multi religious, multi- cultural setting is always going to be an issue of concern. But I have also had cause to discuss this with our political associates and our fathers in the Lord.

“But where we are now, my plea with Christians is to do that which is expected of us. Yes, the agitation must continue and on my part as a Christian, I have been talking to both the Presidential candidate and other leaders of the party that we need to take quick steps that we should have taken earlier by approaching the leadership in Christendom and explain the context of the selection that was about to happen. Even if they don’t agree with our choice, they would have seen the sincerity of purpose and understood that the decision was not on ground of competence because we have competent Christians all over Nigeria but on grounds of strategic political moves, which is what we do in politics. We have to look at scenarios and calculate where the votes would come from, it is a game of numbers.

“I think it is time for Christians to move away from the theology of disengagement – the notion that politics is dirty and that it is not for a child of God. When serious Christians committed to the ideals of social justice and the common good turn away from politics, they open the door for unprincipled opportunists to take power. Fortunately, not all of us can or will be in elective office. Not all of us have to. What matters is for each of us to find our place in the move to build our nation and be faithful to the demands of that task.

The Christian leadership should use this current challenge as an opportunity to present a charter of demands to all political candidates, especially our party (APC), outlining the irreducible minimum conditions acceptable to Christians in the next political dispensation. A charter of demands that would represent those values you preach to us in church highlighting our concerns, stressing the place of Christendom in the Nigeria project and then placing our demands before the political leaders. I want the Church to organise debates around issues of concerns among all the candidates.”

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has declared the vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Kashim Shettima, as a voracious reader.

Fayemi revealed the other side of the running mate of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, when he was officially presented in Abuja.

According to him, Shettima is fond of buying and reading books.

“The only gift Shettima buys for me whenever he travels is books,” Fayemi added.

He noted that Shttima was a perfect fit for Tinubu, saying he had a dependable record.

He said, “For those who followed closely the trajectory of our party would remember the Lagos declaration or the marina declaration of february 5, 2013.

“If you remember that declaration, you will remember that that was where the 11 governors of the emerging parties that came together to form APC met. That was where we finalised to commit ourselves to a merger as governors of ANPP, CPC, ACN as well as APGA at that time.

“The person who read that communique of the Marina declaration was no other person than Senator Kashim Shetima. And he gave his commitment to rescue our country from the injurious situation that we were in at that time. I want to associate myself with everything Bagudu has said about Governor Kashim Shetima.

“When this role emanated in history in the United States of America, for the co purpose of a vice President, use to be the number presidential adviser, the governing partner, the representative of the President, as President Joe Bidden added when he took up the job, when Barack Obama offered him the last person in the room when any decision is taken. Asiwaju will find no better assistant companion than Kashim Shetima.

“Even in the toughest of times, he led with courage.he led from the front, he challenged us to do more and those of us who matched with him on the street of Maduguri by Monday market would recall the courage of conviction he demonstrated as the governor of Borno State. So Asiwaju will find not just a governing partner, a bridge builder, a consensus builder, a talent spotter and a voracious reader for those who don’t know him. All the gifts I have from him are books.

“Our country is going through a very difficult pain. Shetima does not like the people around him. Shetima is not going to be a yes man.

“He is going to offer honest , sincere and verifiable advice to the betterment of our country. He also bowed to superior argument and logic. That is the leader that we want, that is the leader that we can trust, that is the leader that will deliver the promises that we make to Nigerians. We would have loved this partnership to be between a former governor and a current governor. Be that as it may we will take both of them as current because they know what it is to be governors and a leader and in a federation where all hands need to be on desk, we shall are excited to support them.”

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has terminated the appointment of his political aides with effect from July 31.

The the termination is to, among other factors, facilitate the settlement of their benefits and is contained in a memo signed by Mr Foluso Daramola, the Secretary to the State Government on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti.

”The governor approves that the services of all Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Technical Assistants and Executives Assistants will end on July 31 to enable the State Government process all outstanding allowances of the affected officials more so that the Government is winding up.

“The termination is pursuant to the Ekiti state transition law,” Daramola said in the memo.

He said that the action was also to ensure payment of entitlements of the political office holders and their terminal benefits.

“The action will pave the way for the state government to process all outstanding allowances to the affected officials.

“This is to ensure smooth transition from the incumbent administration to the new government.

The memo reads in part: “A Transition Committee was constituted to among others, evolve strategies for a smooth transition from the incumbent to the incoming government.

“One of the duties of the committee, in line with Ekiti State Transition Law, is to ensure the payment of entitlements of political office holders including their terminal benefits”.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that Fayemi’s tenure expires on Oct. 15.

The Governor-elect of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, was declared winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 19.

Oyebanji polled a total of 187, 057 votes to win the election and was declared winner by Prof. Oyebode Adebowale, the INEC returning officer, having certified the requirements of the law.

He defeated his closest contender and former governor of Ekiti, Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, who scored 82, 211, to come second.

At the end of collation of total votes, Oyebanji won his opponents in 15 of the 16 local government areas of the state, an unarguably 94 per cent of the state by majority, while Kolawole of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP won in only one local government, which is Efon Alaye Local Government Area.

As Rivers State Governor, Nyeson Wike, turns the about most-sought Nigerian politician, he and his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, exchanged cracks occasioned by the presence of former Governor Ayo Fayose on Friday.

It was during a visit that Fayemi and Governors Rotimi Akeredolu and Babajide Sanwo-Olu made to Wike in Port Harcourt.

They had obviously gone their to woo him to the side of their All Progressives Congress, as Wike is of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Their visit was a bit more surprising with Fayose’s presence.

While receiving them, Wike tried to introduce Fayose to the visitors.

Fayemi, found this funny since he and Fayose are from the same place.

He said, “Na you go introduce Fayose to me?”

It was in the convoy of such jokes that the host ushered the visitors into the inner chamber where they held their meeting.

Wike currently has a score to settle with his party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as he did not pick him as his running mate.