Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has lauded the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi for not limiting his progressive ideals and vision to himself, but impacting his mentees and others to fly in different capacities.
Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation on Thursday at a Symposium and launch of Amandla Leadership Institute commemorating the 60th birthday of the former Governor in Abuja.
The Governor spoke just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former South African President Thambo Mbeki, and former head of State, General Yakubu Gowon in their separate presentations stressed the need for people to take up leadership roles not only in politics, but in policy making, technology and other spheres of life.
Governor Oyebanji, who led members of the Ekiti State Executive Council and other political office holders to the event, described Dr. Fayemi as a global scholar, politician, innovator and pro-democracy activist, whose impactful lifestyle and selfless service have significantly contributed to the development of the state, Nigeria, and the world at large.
He commended Dr Fayemi for building on the legacies of his predecessors—Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and Chief Segun Oni—an approach Oyebanji pledged to uphold in his commitment to making Ekiti competitive in economic prosperity among the comity of states and Africa region.
*”it has been sixty years of quality service to humanity, with huge impact on the state, the nation and at international level.
“On behalf of your people from Ekiti, we thank you for your service to Ekiti people; history will surely be kind to you. You build on the achievements of your predecessors as laid by former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose through your policies and programmes and you laid an enduring legacy on which we are building on.” said Oyebanji*
Speaking further, Oyebanji said “Your people in Ekiti are immensely proud of your achievements in the last 60 years, we are proud of you, we love and we wish you the best and we are sure that the blessings will know no bounds.”*
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former South African President Thabo Mbeki highlighted how these efforts could reshape Nigeria and Africa toward a more prosperous global economy.
Both leaders provided insights into the longstanding challenges impeding Africa’s development and expressed hope that Fayemi’s newly launched Amandla Policy and Leadership Institute would help address them through its mandate.
The celebrant, Dr. Fayemi, noted that although he had turned 60, his vision for nation-building and continental development continues to evolve.
He stressed that Nigeria must play a pivotal role in addressing Pan-African challenges such as poverty, inequality, terrorism, and corruption, adding that the Amandla Institute aims to be a solution-driven platform.
A new book authored by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, titled “If This Giant Must Rise,” was unveiled at the event.
Among the dignitaries present were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Defence, and former Ekiti Governors Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Chief Segun Oni.
Former national chairman of the APC, Chief John Odiye Oyegun and Chief Bisi Akande were also in attendance.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamidi Sanusi led other notable traditional rulers to the event.
Other highlights of the day was a public presentation of “If this giant must rise”, Fayemi’s latest book and a panel discussion on the ex President Mbeki’s keynote address