By Ayodele Akande (AY Nigeria)
Your Excellency, permit me to begin by congratulating you on your victory at the polls. It is my prayer, like that of many well-wishers and lovers of good governance, that God, in his infinite mercy, will give you the wisdom and capacity to pilot the affairs of the state to an enviable height.
I believe the pen of history has been handed to you to rewrite the narrative of Ekiti’s politics and governance, hence the rationale behind this open letter. With great reference to the administration of Dr John Kayode Fayemi, who has laid the foundation for youth inclusion in government in Ekiti State, we must continue to include youths in political offices, especially those who have the track records and zeal to instill values, uplift the poor masses and develop the society both at international, national and state levels, including Ekiti State.
Sir, I perceive as a breath of fresh air that your emergence as the Governor of Ekiti State is a great opportunity to redefine true leadership and governance through massive youth inclusion.
The main reason for writing this open letter is to remind you of some of the promises you made during the campaign about the involvement of youths in your administration (youth development) and your closing remarks on the Channels TV debate where you promised to harness our best brains and partner with the youths of Ekiti State. Ekiti has more than enough qualified personnel that would help you achieve all your promises.
Generally, it is a known fact that no state can develop without diaspora involvement in government. However, I also urge you to look within us first, as you’ve also earned the tag “home-grown” politician.
Through my productive sojourn in Ekiti, I have worked with a lot of youths in the areas of advocacy against sexual and gender-based violence, improved ICT, value reorientation, and entrepreneurship development.
Please allow me make a few recommendations that I’m humbly offering and I’m hoping you will take them in good faith:
- Tosin Adaraniwon (ICT)
-
Adetunji Aribasoye (Entrepreneurship Development)
-
Tiwaloluwa Omope (ICT)
-
Asiwaju Oladimeji (Agrobusiness)
-
Tanimola Kolade (Social Media)
-Olubunmi Oluwadare (Entrepreneurship Development
- Engineer Oluwadare Ojo (Youth Development)
-Michael Peculiar Ekiran (Tourism Development)
-Barr. Tosin Ayo (Real Estate)
And myself, as I continue to volunteer in service to the state.
Furthermore, your excellency, do not forget to also include active and agile young women in your government— women I believe would further strengthen the advocacy drive in your administration and would ensure that their gender have a place in your government.
Here are also a few recommendations that I’m humbly offering and hoping you would also take in good faith:
- Ayotomiwa Ayodele
-Tumininu Akerele
-Abimbola Aladejare-Salako
-Barr. Oluwaseyi Ebenezer
-Deborah Olawumi
In closing, I believe the recommendations above are not strange to you as I trust that you would have had productive dealings and conversations with most of them already. This is just to assure you that there are versatile youths in Ekiti who are willing to add the needed spice to your incoming government. Interestingly, most of them are part of the political structure and were very active in mobilising for the success of the party in the just concluded election.
Your excellency, on behalf of Ekiti youths, you have our best wishes as you proceed in reforming and initiating programs and policies that will change Ekiti State for good and put you in the good book of history just like other good and great leaders.
God bless BAO.
God bless Ekiti State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
