…charts a pathway for restoring Ekiti Values
Sequel to the array of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of Governor Kayode Fayemi-led Administration, a significant event is the ‘State-of-the-State’ Address to further enhance governance in Ekiti State.
The epoch-making speech of Governor Fayemi addressed pressing issues in the state while proffering a new chapter of economic advancement for the people of Ekiti.
Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Funminiyi Afuye in his welcome address said that the visit of the Governor to the House is a significant and historic one in a major aspect.
“Just a year ago, it was the divine intervention of God and the massive support of Ekiti people who decided in overthrowing the yoke of oppression, ill-tempered administration and misgovernance of the immediate past administration that has made today not only important but a red-letter day,” he said.
The Speaker further said that the governor has demonstrated what good, focused, directional, avuncular and humane administration with good leadership is all about.
“Without pre-empting your address, Your Excellency, as citizens and representatives of the 26 Constituencies of the state, we in the Sixth Assembly and indeed the generality of our people have been check-listing and benchmarking your Administration’s performance on the grounds of the Five-Point Agenda that you set for the Mandate freely given to you by the people of the state, namely; Governance, Agriculture & Rural Development, Social Investments, Knowledge-Economy and Infrastructure & Industrial Development.
“From the cross-section of the opinions of the citizens of the state, and many stakeholders home and abroad, we make bold to say that you are delivering on your promises, and truly you are the ‘talking the walk and walking the talk’.
In his address, the Governor said, “Ekiti-Kete, it is exactly one year today, that I took the oath of office as the sixth (6th) democratically elected governor of our dear State, Ekiti.
“You laid the path for a new beginning in Ekiti State on July 14, 2018, when you freely elected me as your Governor but your journey of faith with me started, for the second term, on Thursday, October 16, 2018. Today marks the first anniversary of the journey.
“First anniversary of the day we all heaved a sigh of relief. The day that marked the beginning of values, dignity and honour restoration. The day that further consolidated our democracy and opened a new chapter in the practice of good governance in Ekiti State.
“First of all, I thank God almighty for His mercy, grace, and favour over us as a state, people and government. On behalf of the government, I thank our revered traditional and religious leaders, members of our party, the APC and indeed all politicians in Ekiti State, civil servants, civil society organizations, labour unions, farmers, artisans, and market men and women for the abiding support we have enjoyed over the past one year.
“You will recall that I gave the assurance during my inauguration that my agenda was to unify all Ekiti people irrespective of status, religious creed, and political affiliations. I did promise that my second coming would be used to heal the wounds of the past, calm fray nerves and galvanize our people along the path of economic progress and prosperity for all.
“It is gratifying to note that the mood of uncertainty that pervaded our State when we took off is gradually giving way to optimism and strong belief in the capacity of government to provide purposeful leadership -leadership that serves as an enabler and a purveyor of rapid social re-engineering, economic prosperity and political stability- all within the space of one year. The successful democratic transition that ushered in this administration last year has re-ignited the hope of our citizens. Our people are now conscious of the fact that the enthronement of good government that places their common interest above personal or parochial interest is the only way to truly enjoy good governance that guarantees a better standard of living.
“After one year of being in the saddle, evidence abounds that we are, walking the talk, restoring values and enhancing impact. An account of my stewardship for the past 12 months will be rendered today and will be broadcast live from the hallowed chamber of Ekiti State HoA.
“I came back this second time to further reinforce our collective commitment to actualizing the Ekiti State of our dream. A State where the people would be able to deploy their intellectual resources in any chosen sphere for the collective good of the state without hindrance, a State where every man or woman, old or young, educated or illiterate, will have access to a fair share in its prosperity and a State that will accord every man and treat every resident with dignity.
“When I look back at the first 365 days in office, my heart is gladdened that a prosperous Ekiti State is springing anew from the ashes of the ruins of the past. As your Governor, I derive my joy, from your feedback, which daily confirms that, indeed, Ekiti people appreciate how we are managing the commonwealth that they entrusted into our hands. Our modest but steady progress excites me.
“Towards improving our collective well-being, I signed 6 Bills passed by the Ekiti State House of Assembly: 1. Ekiti State Transition Law, No 17 2019; 2. Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology Law, No16 of 2019; 3. College of Education, Ikere- Ekiti Law, No 15 of 2019; 4. Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law No 18 of 2019; 5. Ekiti State Fiscal Responsibility Law, No 12 2019; 6. Ekiti State Internal Revenue Law No 13 of 2019.
“There are relative peace and tranquility in the State, and above all, our people are happier. This attests to the fact that we are on the right path. We are determined to sustain this trend and soldier-on meticulously to implement our restoration agenda headlong. We are not unmindful of the fact that a lot still needs to be done and would be done. We are, however, clear in our vision of a better tomorrow, a tomorrow that all sons and daughters of Ekiti State will be proud of, irrespective of political affiliations.
“For the umpteenth time, I reassure you all that you are our treasured and greatest assets, and we are committed to treating you as such. I use the occasion of this first anniversary to rededicate myself to serving your best interests at all times. Once again, I thank you for your patriotism, and the courage you have demonstrated as well as for your unflinching support on our collective quest to make our dear state, Ekiti, pride of all,” he said.
