SPEECH On The Inauguration Of Committee On Creation Of Additional Area Councils

Address by

His Excellency

Dr. Kayode FAYEMI

Governor, Ekiti State, Nigeria

I am delighted today to perform the inauguration ceremony of the Committee set up on the creation of additional Local Government Areas in our own dear Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, Ile Iyi, Ile Eye.

Since year 2001, there have been a lot of requests and agitation for the creation of additional Local Government Areas. These requests came up during my tour of the existing Local Government Areas which has been my yearly routine since I assumed Office to enhance participatory governance.  During these town meetings, I assured our people that creation of additional Local Governments would be part of our service delivery to them in year 2014.

This administration, through our 8 – point Agenda has been able to make landmark achievements in Ekiti State.  Just to mention a few, our people now have access to good roads, standard healthcare and educational facilities; we have put in place a Social Security Scheme that caters for our aged citizens.  I, however, consider it pertinent to further reposition our State by creating additional Local Government Areas for effective administration, good governance so as to bring dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

It is worthy to note that Ekiti people have a common goal and a common dream. Whatever may be our political, religious, social, geographical, age or gender differences, Ekiti people at home and in diaspora want a State they can be proud of; a State united, self-reliant and strong, a State with a dynamic and resilient economy.  Of course, we cannot achieve the totality of the dream overnight, but our administration has made giant strides, part of which I have earlier mentioned. These are achievements that our people can feel, see and touch.  In summary, for the first time since the inception of the State, our people have started enjoying the dividends of democracy in all facets of life.

Having gone this far, our encounters with the realities on ground and the revelations in the records have confirmed the need to immediately inaugurate a Committee to look into the merits and expediency of the creation of additional Local Government Areas in the state. Consistent with the ethos of this administration, we consider it essential to follow due diligence and extensive consultations in carrying out far reaching decisions. We have therefore carefully put together this committee comprising vastly discerning individuals of high integrity to carry out this very important assignment.

This Committee is expected to submit its report within three (3) months effective from today.  I enjoin the Chairman and members of Committee to see the assignment as a call to service and to use their wealth of knowledge and experience to turn out a report which will go a long way in guiding government on this crucial next step.

There is no gainsaying the fact that you will be under considerable pressure from friends, individuals or groups to do things their own way. You must resist such pressures in order to have a fruitful assignment.

Let me seize this opportunity to re-assure the good people of Ekiti State that irrespective of the efforts of our critics and detractors, liberation of our people from the shackles of poverty shall continue to constantly attract and engage our attention.  In the same vein, I enjoin the people to co-operate fully and join hands with this Administration to achieve this goal. I have no doubt that this Committee will appreciate the fact that the task ahead is onerous and challenging but I am sure that you are all equal to the task. The State Government on its part will give you all necessary support to achieve the desired result.  With God on our side, we shall all succeed.

It is therefore my pleasure to inaugurate this Committee today Wednesday, the 15^th day of January, 2014, to the Glory of God and the benefit of mankind.

 

Thank you.

 

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Ekiti State Government Press Release