Ikogosi Resort Finally Comes Live As Fayemi Reclaims Ekiti Legacy

Gov Fayemi, assisted by his wife and others cutting the cake during the presentation of his book, “Regaining the Legacy” in Ikogosi.

The first phase of redeveloped Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort was commissioned on Saturday for use by tourists almost ten years after it was abandoned.

 The commissioning which also featured the public presentation of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s latest book, “Regaining the Legacy” and decoration of Ekiti Cultural ambassadors, was witnessed by a mammoth crowd of tourists and citizens of the state.

 Commissioning the project, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi said the redevelopment was done because his government “cannot allow the God-given endowment to be a waste”.

 Fayemi who restated the commitment of his administration to develop all the tourism corridors in the State to make Ekiti a foremost destination of choice for investors and tourists from within and outside Nigeria, said the second phase of the redevelopment would involve the introduction of a games reserve that would occupy about 10,000 hectares of land, a three- star hotel, a golf course and apartment among others.

 Other highlight of the event was the presentation of the Governor’s third book since assuming office. The book, titled “Regaining the Legacy” delves into the Governor’s personal account of his intention for Ekiti people, his perceptions about government and his experience.

 Fayemi said one of the objectives of  publishing the book was to broaden the audience “beyond the catchment of those who were physically present at the various fora where the papers were delivered”.

 Baring his mind on the various discussions he has had on moving Nigeria forward, the Governor urged Nigerians to join hands to succeed and surmount the challenge of having a society that doesn’t care and create one that puts forward the prosperity of the citizenry.

 “On our part, we are committed to building a society in which no one is left behind because we recognize that as Martin Luther King said, ‘ we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly”, Fayemi said.

 He revealed his dream of a time when future generations would bless “our memories long after we are no more, because with the help of God, we did well to guide our society along the path of peace and sustainable development”.

 The Reviewer of the book and chairman Editorial Board of the Nation Newspaper, Mr Sam Omatseye  said whoever has read Fayemi’s book, Out of the Shadows, won’t be surprised at the tremendous change made by the Governor in Ekiti in the last three years.

 Omatseye added that Fayemi fought out of the shadow for a legacy that speaks to the endurance of memories; adding that the Governor has not stopped letting people know “that he has done good” especially with the different projects carried out by his administration.

 While presenting the book, the former governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo recounted that his administration between 1999 and 2003 did make some renovation work on ikogosi but could not complete it because his administration was “manipulated out of office”.

 Adebayo said there is need for Ekiti people to re-elect Fayemi because of the importance of continuity which he opined would ensure the continuation of the projects already started as well their sustenance.

Speaking on behalf of Ikogosi community,  Mr Aaron Adeniji said the redevelopment of the resort has given “a pass mark for this administration, a credit for the Governor and distinction for God”.

Adeniji who expressed gratitude on behalf of the community described Fayemi as a true progrsssive, and the works on the resort has got his name written in gold.

 Meanwhile 14 indigenes of the state who have distinguished themselves in various aspects of arts  were also decorated by the Governor as Culture Ambassador of the state. They include Yinka Ayefele,  Peter Fatomilola, Jimoh Aliu, Prof. Ojo Bakare, Elemure Ogunyemi, Peju Ogunmola, and Akin Onipede.

 Others are Michael Omoshinlade (Micho Ade), Funmi Ajila, Moji Olaiya, Odunlade Adekola, Foluke Daramola, Akinade Ibuoye (Gaze Baba) and Yetunde Alabi popularly known as Sasha.

Last modified: October 20, 2013