Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said the core mission of his administration is to overcome poverty and economically empower the people of the state.
The governor in a speech to commemorate the nation’s 52nd independence anniversary and 16th anniversary of the creation of the state described poverty as the major adversary of the people.
Fayemi said the task of building a state that all the citizens would be proud of is a collective one urging all stakeholders in the state to join hands with his administration to sustain the tempo of
development in the state.
Everything possible, according to him, would be done to ensure that the peace being enjoyed in the state is not disrupted to give way for rapid socio-political development.
He appealed to stakeholders which include traditional rulers, religious leaders, traders, students, politicians, artisans and workers to maintain peace and security in the state.
The governor vowed to mobilize all instruments at his disposal to checkmate any attempt to trample on the peaceful co-existence being enjoyed in the state.
He stressed that the double celebration calls for sober reflection which offers opportunities of self-appraisal, reshaping of focus and rebuilding falling walls.
Fayemi noted that that his administration has been able to provide the virile leadership platform needed to win the battle to win the war against poverty for the good of the state.
The state chief executive pledged the readiness of his administration to expand the Social Security Scheme for the Aged to allow more people benefit from the monthly N5,000 stipends paid to senior citizens not open to pension.
He said, “To savour the real joy of our celebration in its totality, our efforts at rescuing Ekiti from the claws of poverty must be sustained on target and all inclusive irrespective of religious,
economic and political inclination”.
The next step, according to him, would be to create employment opportunities outside the public service for Ekiti people.
He pledged the commitment of his government to possess what he called “vast fertile ground of matchless opportunities left behind” and to see great endowments in the state.
The governor assured that his administration would work harder to raise the tempo of economic growth through sustainable investment.
He said, “Fellow compatriots, the task of having the Ekiti of our dream is a collective responsibility. I therefore call on all of you to join hands with the government to sustain the tempo of development across the state. We all have a stake in her growth.
“Let me assure the good people and residents of Ekiti that this government will work harder than ever before to encourage economic growth through sustainable investment. We will also ensure that the prevailing peace in the state is not ruffled in whatever form”.
Fayemi urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the independence anniversary to raise a formidable resistance to security challenges and failed social infrastructure staring the nation in the face.
He also called on stakeholders in the Nigerian project to urgently address the question of ethnic loyalty and identity that often call to question the basis of our nationhood.
Last modified: October 1, 2012