By Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State was thrown into jubilation on Tuesday as the Senate confirmed former Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Across the state and particularly in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, residents and party supporters went on jubilation as Fayemi took a bow before the senators after a breath-taking screening session during which the former governor dazzled the senators with brilliant tackling of questions posed to him.
As Fayemi took the bow, residents poured onto the streets in jubilation. Relaxation joints came alive, as supporters served free drinks.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, religious and community leaders and eminent personalities described the confirmation as a reward for hard work and vision he exuded while working as governor of the state. They urged Fayemi to continue to pursue his vision of human development in his new appointment.
Party Chairman, Olajide Awe, while thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Fayemi to the Federal Executive Council, urged him to contribute in strengthening the template for modern governance anchored on human development that he established in Ekiti State to contribute his quota to national development.
Also, Catholic Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaye asked Fayemi to use his God-given gifts and talents to “concretely and meaningfully” make a positive impact in the service of the nation.
He enjoined the Minister “to continue to serve God and humanity with humility and to keep using your God-given talents for the common good”.
Professor Akin Oyebode of the University of Lagos congratulated Fayemi, who he described as an illustrious son of Ekiti and Nigeria.
He said: “Fayemi’s pedigree as a scholar and distinguished track record as a manager of money, men and materials stood him in good stead for the high office of Minister. It is our fervent hope that he would live up to the expectations of Nigerians generally in whatever ministry is thrust on him.
His words: “Yes, indeed, you can’t keep a good man down, more so as Fidel Castro has observed ‘there is no fist big enough to cover the sky'”
Describing the minister as a man of impeccable character, the Elekole of Ikole Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Fasiku, said Fayemi’s integrity helped him to take Ekiti to greater heights as governor, which contributed to his appointment as a minister.
The monarch prayed for God’s guidance to enable him excel as minister.
For former Central Bank Director, Samuel Bandele Falegan, Fayemi’s appointment presented “the second time within five years that my joy is full to the brim”.
He urged him to take his brilliant ideas to the federal level to enable Nigerians enjoy the development ideas he espoused in Ekiti State.
The Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, described Fayemi as “a politician of no mean stature, a complete gentleman, a child of destiny” and asked him to maintain the attributes in the service of the nation, while Olupole of Ipole-Ekiti, Oba Ezekiel Babatola Oladele JP, said “God never closes a window without opening a door and God does not take anything from us without giving another” and urged Fayemi to dedicate his life to God in the service to humanity.
President, Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs, Ekiti State Branch, Alhaji Yakubu Sanni, said Fayemi’s legacy projects would for many years remain unparalleled, praising him for promotion of Islam through approval of hijab for female students, including appointing Muslims into top positions of government.
He asked him to continue his fairness to other Nigerians in the discharge of his official duties, while members of the Association of Traders and Market Leaders of Nigeria in the statement by Chief Waye Oso said they were happy for Fayemi’s confirmation as a proud son of Ekiti State who “has never put us to shame”.
In his words, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, said Fayemi’s appointment was an attestation to his record of excellence as a governor of Ekiti State, adding that Fayemi would be a great asset in the cabinet of President Buhari.
