Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi greeting some elderly women during the Local government tour for account of stewardship and feedback from the grassroots.
As the Social Security Benefit Scheme of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration in Ekiti State hit its first year this month, more people have continued to shower praises on the Governor for making the scheme non-partisan or sectional.
The commendations came from beneficiaries of the scheme in Ekiti East and Gboyin local government areas of the state where the town hall meeting of the Governor held on Thursday.
A septuagenarian, Pa Odetola Dada described the scheme as a life enhancing tonic for the elderly even as he prayed God to preserve and bless the Governor’s old age.
Pa Odetola who testified that he had been refreshed by the N5000 monthly stipend said that he was particularly impressed that the Governor did not allow the scheme be by party, religious and ethnic affiliations.
He added that he was even more thrilled that the Governor embarked on renovation of schools in the State, saying that this shows his commitment to the future of the upcoming generation.
Speaking at Kota Ekiti in Ekiti East local Government area, the Governor stated that the social security scheme is meant to enhance the life span of the elderly citizens who are above 65 years old.
Fayemi who said that the scheme is not a political gimmick stated that elderly people who are not indigenes but have lived in the state for more than three years are qualified for the scheme while party and religious affiliations are not barriers to participation.
The Governor assured that the state government would soon expand the database of the beneficiaries so that more elderly citizens can participate in the scheme which clocks one year this month, even as he asserted that the scheme has helped in sustaining the state as having the highest life expectancy age in Nigeria.
He added that more welfare packages are still in the offings for the people of the State but urged them to exercise patience and understanding with the government.
On the provision of regular power supply, Governor Fayemi said though it is not the duty of the state government to distribute power, he is in talks with business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote to tap electricity from his Obajana depot so as to get regular supply of electricity in some parts of the State.
He added that plans are on for the establishment of an Independent Power Project in the State to serve the industries being established and resuscitated in the State while Ado Ekiti, the capital city would also enjoy regular power supply.
Fayemi who expressed worry at the construction of schools by the previous administration for political patronage said many of the schools were abandoned, especially Methodist Primary School,Kota Ekiti but promised to complete all the abandoned schools so that public fund would not end in wastage.
Last modified: October 4, 2012
