Much Ado About Ekiti Govt Retreat At Iloko. By Akogun Tai Oguntayo
I saw the release titled “Restoring Ekiti values: starting from Ekiti state government” by a group christened Ekiti Mandate Group as shared by one, Terry Tage Adewale and felt it is necessary to react to some issues raised therein if only for clarification and proper understanding of the workings of the government.
I appreciate the fact that the group appears to have good intention by imploring the government to start the restoration of our values from home through the patronage of local entrepreneurs. However, as good as this may sound, there is need to understand that the retreat which was organized for top government functionaries and permanent secretaries had its focus and vision which should not be over-ridden by any economic gain.
In the first instance, the group needs to understand that the choice of Royal Park Hotel, Iloko Ijesa, Osun State was mainly informed by the determination to avoid unnecessary distractions as usually the case when organized within the State. Outside the issue of location, all the facilities used were locally sourced from Ekiti while the human resources are also successful Ekitis in their professional callings. So, what’s the much Ado about venue when in the real sense of it, the Royal Palm Hotel is far ahead in terms of some other facilities needed?
Though it is a fact that Ikogosi Warm Spring is now a shadow of its own courtesy of the immediate past government, it is not the main reason for taking the retreat outside Ekiti State. In fact, it will interest you to hear that this was not the first time such retreat was held at the Royal Park, Iloko Ijesa in the past by Ekiti State govt and other States of the Federation.
Despite the security and protocols put in place at the governor’s office, some individuals still come around there to cause distractions knowing full well that Dr Kayode Fayemi operates an open-door government how much more gathering politicians within their locality for serious strategic retreat.
Much as your idea of promoting local entrepreneurs is welcome, you need to be informed that the retreat is not all about eating, talking or sleeping in hotel rooms but arriving at other government policies which deserve classified and serene environment and all these necessitated the once in a blue moon outside the State retreat.
Above all, this group needs to be educated about the running of government especially as it relates to Dr Fayemi’s style of partnering with both local and international organizations to better the lot of the State through exchange of free and subsidized services. So, if there is a better understanding between the Royal Palm Resort Centre and Ekiti State Government which pays off economically, there is no harm in exploring such opportunity after all, there are existing patronages of these Ekiti based hotels by the State government.
By and large, I want to commend you for your mature way of presenting your views though can be improved upon by first contacting the appropriate quarters before taking to cyber space next time. Please be assured that this government is more than determined in promoting local investors and entrepreneurs in its bid to bail out the State from its present economic doldrums.
