L-R: Former Minister for Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; wife of Chairman, Access Bank, Mrs. Aisha Oyebode; Mrs. Juliana Adelusi-Adeluyi; and Chairman, Access Bank, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, during the Presentation of a Portrait to Governor Fayemi at a reception in his honour by Igbemo Ure-Ekiti, in Lagos.
In appreciation of his service to their state, the Igbimo Ure Ekiti, a non-partisan social group of eminent indigenes, has hosted Governor Kayode Fayemi to a dinner in Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO and AMIDU ARIJE were there.
FOR over two years, he has been running the state, giving it his all. To run a state of intellectuals like Ekiti is not a mean task, but Governor John Kayode Fayemi has shown that he has what it takes to lead the Fountain of Knowledge.
Fayemi is only doing the job he was elected to do, but some people somewhere were taking note of his efforts. To show appreciation for this “hardworking “governor, the Igbimo Ure Ekiti comprising prominent Ekiti indigenes celebrated him in Lagos last Thursday at an event tagged: An Evening with Governor Kayode Fayemi. The event was held at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, and the organisers did everything to make it memorable.
There was light music as the night began with a cocktail.
Guests alighted from choice cars and were ushered into the hall by a bevy of beautiful women.
The guests, many of whom wore African traditional attires, turned the night into a re-union of sorts. They exchanged pleasantries and chit-chatted as they headed for their seats.
Some conversed in Ekiti dialect.
The hall designer did a good job. Beautiful clothes were used to cover the chairs, colourful table overlays and flowers dangling inside big glasses. Behind the stage was a banner portrait of Fayemi with details of the event.
The Ekiti State cultural troupe added spice to the event. Clad in traditional outfit, the troupe dazzled the audience with scintillating dance steps. Shortly after their performance, a documentary on the achievements of Governor Fayemi was shown.
His master plan, encapsulated in an eight-point agenda, was hinged on changing the face of Ekiti through good governance. Fayemi was applauded at the end of the documentary for a job well done.
IUE President Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi said Fayemi has implemented policies and programmes contained in his eight-point agenda.
Adelusi-Adeluyi, former Secretary of Health, said the development of infrastructure in the last two years of the administration is worthy of commendation as motorists now enjoy good, motorable road network.
Fayemi, he noted, is restoring the values of equity, fairness and integrity which IUE stands for, stressing that the state has not witnessed any “invasion” by any anti-graft agency since the governor assumed office in 2010.
Akin Osuntokun praised Fayemi, saying the governor has a comprehensive understanding of what governance is.
“The governor has proved that he is well prepared for the job. Fayemi has marketed the state well by wooing foreign and indigenous investors to the state; this is a step in the right direction,” Osuntokun said.
Fayemi thanked the gathering for the honour, saying his administration has been able to lay a solid foundation for a better future for the state.
Fayemi said his achievements came through planning, prudence and sincerity of purpose.
His administration, he said, is working on an urban renewal project to make Ado Ekiti a befitting state capital, adding that this will be complemented by empowerment programmes for the people.
The governor called on Ekiti indigenes who are interested in helping the state to revive the moribund industries or set up new ones to come home and invest. Laws, he said, have been enacted to ensure a conducive environment for businesses, adding that investment in the state is safe.
In attendance were former Military Governor of the defunct Western State, Gen Adeyinka Adebayo; his son cum first civilian Governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; pioneer military administrator of the state, Colonel Inuwa Bawa and the first sole administrator of the state, Gen Adetunji Idowu Olurin.
Others are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, her Edo State counterpart, Dr Pius Odubu; husband of the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Arc. Lanre Olayinka, Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin; Managing Director, Access Bank, Aig Imoukhuede; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; Head of Service, Mr Bunmi Famosaya; Chairman of Access Bank, Mr Gbenga Oyebode; former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Princess Bisi Ogunleye; Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Tunde Ogunsakin; renowned lawyers, Femi Falana and Dele Adesina, and former UACN boss, Chief Ayo Ajayi.
They also included commissioners and members of the state house of assembly and renowned musician Dr Victor Olaiya.
This article was first published in The Nation
Last modified: March 9, 2013
