Dear all,
It is important to correct the impression that the Ekiti State Government did not choose any young person as part of the team which will represent the state at the National Conference.
Going by the recommendations of the Okunrounmu committee, there must be a slot for an elder statesman which is being filled by Chief Deji Fasuan. This slot definitely cannot go to a young person.
There are two (2) other slots for ethnic groups which must be filled by people who have adequate knowledge of the ethnic nationalities they are representing. They must be some sort of custodians of the traditions of their people. These two (2) slots are filled by the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Obas, the Onitaji of Itaji, Oba Idowu Adamo Babalola and Dr. Kunle Olajide, the Secretary of Yoruba Unity Group.
The three (3) representatives of the senatorial districts, Professor Akin Oyebode, an international Law expert (Ekiti North) is up to the task. He is not only agile, he is competent and versatile. As my Vice Chancellor in those days at UNAD (University of Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State University), he was respected for his brilliance, quick-wittedness and nimble-mindedness, and this was a time admission was not an all-comers affairs. So, is he competent enough to represent Ekiti North? I strongly believe he is.
Bishop Felix Ajakaiye is representing Ekiti South. This incurable lover of football is agile, well-versed and bold. He is 52 years old. There is no doubt that religion will feature in the discussion at the conference. This is another area where the services of Bishop Ajakaiye, an unbiased lovers of Muslims and Christians, will come in handy.
Professor (Mrs.) Bisi Aina, who is representing Ekiti Central, was picked because of certain considerations. She is a Professor of Sociology and the Director, Centre for Gender and Social Policy Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife. She will not just represent Ekiti Central, she will also be a voice for women at the National Conference.
Please, take a look at her resume:
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION (WITH AWARDING UNIVERSITY/BODY):
a. B.Sc (Sociology/Anthropology), University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, 1979
b. M.Phil (Sociology/Anthropology), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, 1985
c. Ph.D (Sociology/Anthropology), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, 1992
d. Certificate in Gender Policy and Planning, University College, London, 1996
Areas of Specialization/Research Interests:
• Gender Studies : Gender policy and planning frameworks
*Trainer in Gender Diagnosis/Analysis and Gender Mainstreaming;
* Gender, Sexuality, Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS;
* Gender and domestic violence;
*Gender, Conflict and Peacekeeping;
*Gender Equality in the workplace;
*Gender and Poverty
*Gender and Human Rights Issues (including the rights of the child)
* Gender and the Environment
• Social Development
• Human Resource Management
• Studies in Higher Education
• Poverty studies
• Social Policy Analysis/Strategic planning.
• Project Monitoring & Evaluation
Professor (Mrs.) Aina has won several awards and has written so many books on not just gender issues, but other areas of endeavour.
The allotment of slots by the Okunrounmu committee is responsible for the exclusion of youths at the state level. However, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has turned around the situation.
YOUTH REPRESENTATION
Part of the recommendations of the Okunrounmu committee is to allot slots to youth bodies such as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The Southwest representative of NYCN at the National Conference, IbukunOluwa Oluwole, is from Ekiti State.
The NYCN representatives of the five (5) other geo-political zones in the country were brought to Ekiti, alongside the representative of the Southwest who is from Ekiti State. They were taken through a crash course on leadership with the theme "Legitimising The Representation".
The letter of invitation sent to them reads in part: "The main objective of the session is to take the delegates through a crash course on the basics of leadership, evolution of the Nigerian state, consensus building and communication skills. The initiative which is at the pleasure of Governor Fayemi is in no way aimed at influencing the agendasof the delegates, but is with a view to equipping the delegates withcrucial skills needed to appropriately represent a very importantdemographic group in the country - young people below the age of 35 whoconstitute about 70% of our population.The delegates would be taken through sessions as follows:1. Nigeria: The Past, The Present and The Future2. Out of Many; One: Managing Diversity and Forging Unity3. Seizing the Moment: The Role of Youth in National Development4. Communicating the Position: Etiquette, Maintaining Robust FeedbackMechanisms with Youth Constituency, Consensus Building and Articulation ofPositions".
The youths were joined by other Ekiti youths numbering over 30 and for three days, facilitators took these youths through a leadership training. There was an extensive interface between the six NYCN representatives and the Ekiti youths. They also had an interactive session with Governor Kayode Fayemi on Wednesday, 26 February, 2014 (the last day of the leadership training).
This particular attention to the youths by the Ekiti State Governor left all the participants in awe as it was first of its kind.
The love and respect of Dr. Kayode Fayemi for youths is not in doubt. This is reflected in appointments. Three days ago, I was with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Jide Arowosafe, a brilliant young man who is below 40 and has performed wonders in the state's Agric sector. There are many other youths who are SSAs, SAs and in many other capacities. Dr. Fayemi is the first governor to appoint a Special Assistant on Students' Affairs since the creation of Ekiti State.
Dr. Fayemi's belief in the potentials of youths is unbelievable. He would never do anything to undermine the youths.
Thanks.
'Dimeji Daniels.
Spokesperson, Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation
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