Victor EzejaEkiti State Governor-elect, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on Friday took the train of his ongoing consultations to Lagos with a visit to three prominent indigenes of the state as he prepares to assume office in October this year.
Those he visited included Human Right Lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and a former National Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dele Adesina (SAN).
According to a statement by the Media Assistant, Raheem Akingbolu, Oyebanji who met with the three legal luminaries at their respective offices, said the visit was in continuation of his earlier resolve to close ranks with passionate Ekiti leaders and carry them along as he pilots the affairs of the state.
He said, “I started this consultation with my visit to the palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, after which I visited an elder statesman, Chief Deji Fasuan. I have also visited former governors: Adeniyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose and had quality conversation with them. Today, I have chosen to visit three of the legal icons in Ekiti, who are making us proud. I must confess that each of them made my day through the quality advice they offered and their willingness to support Ekiti State anytime the need arises.”
Oyebanji said the visit was necessary because “development and good governance can only be enhanced when every stakeholder contribute to nation building.”
Speaking during the visit to his Ikoyi, Lagos office, Chief Wole Olanipekun said Oyebanji’s emergence as Governor-elect is not by accident, considering his (Oyebanji’s) involvement in the struggle that led to the creation of Ekiti State and his 11 years experience in government of the State.
“The Governor-elect is a brother in whom I’m well pleased. He is a rare gift to our dear state and I’m not surprised that God in his wisdom has thrown him up to become our governor. I first met him many years ago, when, at a very tender age, he joined the Ekiti leaders and traditional rulers who championed the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State. I later met him when he was appointed into office by the first executive governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo. It didn’t take me an hour after first conversation to know that he would go places.
“He’s intelligent, brilliant, humble and sincere to a fault. Besides, having served in various positions in Ekiti for 11 years, I don’t know any individual who can beat that record today and possessed those unique attributes I see in Abiodun. I’m happy for this visit and I have assured him of my support any day,” Olanipenkun stated.
On his part, Adesina said that Oyebanji’s decision to consult Ekiti leaders at this preparatory level was the best decision anybody could take.
“The first advice I would have given our Governor-Elect is what he is already doing -consultation. He should make it a deliberate policy to bring Ekiti elites together and rub mind with them on what they could contribute. Gone are the days when government alone can bring about sustainable development. There are many Ekiti people out there who are not push over anywhere in the world and could contribute well to the growth of our state. Our incoming governor must involve them to contribute whatever they could contribute.
Adesina advised the governor-elect invest more in technical colleges where young men and women in the state can acquire knowledge that can help them establish small scale businesses. “This is necessary to re-orientate the Ekiti youths who have suddenly become the opposite of what we grew up to know,” Adesina added.
At the GRA, Ikeja, office of Mr. Femi Falana, the fiery Lawyer, warmly received Oyebanji and urged him to carve a special niche through effective and pragmatic governance that would bring about value restoration and economic prosperity to Ekiti people.
Oyebanji said the ongoing consultation with Ekiti stakeholders and leaders would continue till his inauguration adding that regular consultation with stakeholders and leaders will be a major feature of his administration’s Public engagement policy.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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