The second Executive and first Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor in Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, a native of Afao Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State was born on November 15, 1960 in Ibadan. His parents are Pastor Oluwafemi Oluwayose and Prophetess Victoria Olufunke Oluwayose. Dr. Ayodele Fayose began his early education at Saint Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Ibadan in 1966 and obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1972. He proceeded to the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo in 1973 where he sat for and passed the School Certificate examination in 1979.
Fayose was admitted for a one year pre-National Diploma (Pre-ND) programme at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, leading ultimately to a two-year Ordinary National Diploma (OND) programme in Science Laboratory Technology, which he successfully completed in 1984.
He did his one year mandatory industrial attachment at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan. He proved his worth as a budding scientist by transforming various herbs into chemical substance which were later used to produce different types of body and hair creams. The experiments and the products were consequently christened “Spotless.” Thereafter, this name was adopted and registered as a business name. These creams later became popular in many homes in Ibadan and environs.
In 1985, Fayose was admitted for a Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in Biological Sciences/Applied Medical/Biology by the Polytechnic, Ibadan and graduated in 1987.
While doing his youth service at Pepsi Nigeria Limited, Ibadan, he was engaged in installation, maintenance and servicing of medical and laboratory equipment.
After the youth service, Fayose travelled out of the country during which he was exposed to a broad spectrum of business that guided his life later.
Fayose, a philanthropist, is the CEO of Spotless Investment Limited, a group of companies since 1988 until his election as the Governor of Ekiti State in 2003.
Before his election, Fayose had served as Chairman of a Facts-Finding Committee set up then by the Peoples Democratic Party, and assigned to Kaduna State in 2003. He had served twice as national delegate to the PDP national convention.
During his electioneering campaign, he provided the following services: (i) Award of scholarships and bursary to students in higher institutions within and outside the country.
(ii) Provision of free mobile medical services
(iii) Free mobile water delivery services,
(iv) Provision of free transport services.
Within three and half years as Governor of Ekiti State,,Fayose executed many projects which earned him the acronym, “Architect of Modern Ekiti.”The areas he touched included modern road network construction, poverty alleviation, provisions of electricity, water, housing and drugs in hospitals and health centres ,.Public buildings like the new Governor’s Office, Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye Multipurpose Hall, Lady Jibowu Hall, the two presidential lodges and the chalets, Professor Sam Aluko Building housing the Ministry of Finance, Architect Fola Alade Building at Fountain Motel, Ado, Trade Fair Complex, Ado,dualising of Ado Ekiti township roads, dualising all entry points to Ado Ekiti such as Ilawe, Iyin, Ikere, and Iworoko Ifaki roads. The civil service was transformed, and as well the teaching inorder to encourage optimum performance among the teachers and civil servants. Salaries of workers were paid at the 20th of every month.Pensions were paid promptly, promotions in the civil service and teaching were never delayed. Inservice training was regular for workers, artisans, commercial drivers and as well the market women were not left out of the packages by the Fayose Administration.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of Ekiti State and humanity, Fayose received many laurels such as Ekiti State “Leaders in Achievement” Honour Award ((2002)
He had also received the following Honours and Award:
- Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) University of Ado-Ekiti (20054); Fellow of the Polytechnic Ibadan (FPI) 2005;
- Most Distinguished Alumnus of the Faculty of Science of the Polytechnic, IIbadan (2005);
- Outstanding Governor of year 2004 by the Ekiti Kete Association in North America (EKAINA);
- Ekiti State “Leaders in Achievement” Award 2002; Captain of, Reform Agenda for the Grassroot;
- Best Governor of the Year 2004 by the PDP, U.K. Branch; Most Practical Governor in the South West (2005);
- Best Governor in the South West 2005 by the Global Excellence Magazine. Lagos; and
- Best Governor Nigeria 2006 by the City People Magazine, Lagos
Governor Fayose is a honourary Life Patron of the Coliseum Nite Shift Lagos and the Air Force Senior Officers Club. Port Harcourt.
In 2006, the then President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Chairman, PDP Adhoc Committee to search for suitable presidential candidate Fayose is happily married to Feyisetan Olayemi (nee Makinde) and blessed with children.
Ekiti State Government Press Release
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