L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji (Dr) Ganiyu Owolabi; President, Ekiti State Elders Forum, Chief Babatola Olora; and Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, during the Official Launch of the State's Elders Advisory Forum, in Ado-Ekiti.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has inaugurated the first State Elders’ Forum with an advisory role targeted at putting the State in the pride of place it was known for in value, virtue and character.
Performing the inauguration at the Lady Jibowu hall in Ado Ekiti, the Governor said the constitution of the Forum is aimed at re-enacting the “good days of old when Ekiti was at the zenith of her productive excellence” which is fast receding.
He said the destructive “corrosion” of the society if unattended to could destroy the Ekiti existence.
Dr. Fayemi who explained that the change of the State logo and slogan was a step to constantly remind Ekiti people of their rich past and halt the drift which civilization and “insensitive disposition” have caused the unique existence.
While expressing optimism that the State could still retrace its “uncharitable journey” back to the “basics” of Ekiti uniqueness, he stressed the need to sustain the Ekiti hegemony and revive the exploits of Ekiti founding fathers.
The Governor charged the Advisory Forum to advise the government on various matters to bring back the “omoluabi” character of the people and instill same in the younger generation; saying that government would not treat their counsels with levity but create enabling environment to achieve the purpose of their assignment.
“As our elders, you are the bridge between our yesterday and today. You were part of what made Ekiti unique in the eyes of the people and comity of nationalities in the not too distant past. Your pieces of advice should cover all aspects of life – cultural values and morals, home etiquettes, governance, public conduct, infrastructural development, economic growth, social services and communal relationship among others,” he said.
Fayemi who expressed confidence in the competence of the members of the body stressed that the selection of members of the Forum has neither political nor religious considerations but purely on antecedents, ability and integrity.
In his remarks, one of the members of the Forum and former Minister of Information, Chief Ayo Ogunlade lauded Governor Fayemi for setting up the Advisory Forum; saying that Fayemi, like the biblical Solomon, has solicited counsel from the best and brightest minds from all walks of life in Nigeria.
The statesman assured that the Governor would not be offered sycophant counsels but advice that would help him recreate the Ekiti which everyone will be proud of.
Last modified: February 28, 2013