Day of the 56 Years Soldier of Peace – Yinka Oyebode
In a recent interview with the national newspaper, Governor Kayode Fayemi was asked to state for the record that he was led by former Governor of Lagos State Asivaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo. into partisan politics.
The journalist had a twofold intention: first, to encourage discussions on this topic, which have been of interest on social networks for about a month. Secondly, especially for his newspaper to give a new perspective on history. The question was carefully formulated as an additional one and should, of course, give him the opportunity to elaborate, giving preference to one over the other.
But Governor Fayemie calmly asked the reporter a question: “What difference does it make who introduced me to party politics?” adding: “The fact is that I am a party politician. I enjoyed the protection of both of the elders you mentioned. “He also stated that he is honored to work with both leaders and other leaders at different times and at different levels on development projects, noting, however, that both were very supportive of his rise to political prominence.” And I am deeply indebted to them. “For bringing me into the partisan political space,” he said.
This low-key response did much to reassure the reporter, who realized that the flashy headline he imagined was no longer possible.
This is the quintessence of Kayode Fayemi, a man who has a doctorate in military studies but believes in the biblical injunction to do his best to live in peace with all people, as stated in Romans. A leader who believes that public office is not a struggle for popularity, but a way to positively influence people’s lives. He believes that it is impossible to achieve development in an environment of discontent. Therefore, its actions and policies are aimed at achieving sustainable development with an emphasis on building peace as a vital component.
Considered an envoy of peace, the JKF, as he is affectionately known, demonstrated his political prowess and penchant for peace and social justice when he accepted the results of the June 21 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State in 2014, when he lost his candidacy for re-election. controversial.
It was the first time that an incumbent governor readily admitted defeat in the election and stepped down brilliantly. This was the sacrifice he had to make in order to avert a serious crisis that could arise from the highly compromised election results. He categorically called for calm, emphasizing that his ambitions were not worth the life of one person, Ekiti.
Since then, his reputation as an amateur and peacemaker has grown, making him the number one choice for conflict resolution with outstanding results.
The need to make the world a precursor to development prompted him to initiate policies to address inequalities and imbalances in the mining sector during his tenure as Minister of Mines and Metals from 2015 to 2018. A win-win approach was key. is intended to resolve the controversial issue of land ownership. Through the right mix of policy, advocacy, and consultation with the people, the federal government’s exclusive rights to minerals and mining were preserved, but a creative way was found for the states to capitalize on the resources in their holdings while receiving host communities also receive the rewards they deserve.
As Governor of Ekiti State, annual town hall meetings in 16 local governments to collect community contributions for the annual budget were seen as a model for promoting peace, progress and prosperity in the state. This is even though the creation of new local council development areas and the granting of autonomy to some communities are seen as strategic peace initiatives aimed at promoting good neighborliness. Its ability to bring together people of different faiths and people from different ethnic backgrounds in the state has also earned Ekiti State a reputation as one of the most peaceful states to live and do business in. Under his supervision as governor, vulnerable people in the state are protected by laws such as the Children’s Rights Act, the Gender Violence Act, and others.
Governor Fayemi extended this peaceful approach to tough issues to other fraternal states, where he used his peacekeeping skills to end the feud. Herders’ recent intervention against the Ondo State government, his involvement in the alleged demolition of a mosque that became a major crisis in Rivers State in 2019, and many others only point to his stated belief that it is always better to speak with an open mouth. jaw than war-war.
Considered a consummate intellectual in government, Faymi’s strength lies in his ability to initiate and bring peace processes to their logical conclusion and to find creative ways to ensure that every peace step is accompanied by sustainable development. Among his first meetings as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum of Nigeria (NGF), where he wears the token of a trusted broker, he was with senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to consider ways to increase transparency and accountability. in the oil sector and pay attention to the downward trend in federal revenues.
As NGF CEO AB Okauru noted, Gov. Faymi continued this by holding meetings with the Joint Tax Council and the Federal Tax Service, Customs, Federal Highway Traffic Safety Corps and other agencies to raise a common front. resolve the country’s income crisis. When Faymi took over as head of NGF affairs, the forum developed into a “problem solving group” that, through several presentations, helped to resolve many difficult issues of socio-economic and political importance.
And as Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American essayist, lecturer, philosopher and poet who spearheaded the mid-19th century transcendent movement, said, “Don’t go where the path leads. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail. “For Fayemi, going where there seems to be no way is a family pastime. And leaving a trace, influence, legacy comes naturally.
He combines honesty, creativity and sincerity with a passion for excellence and development. JKF stated this in one of his books: “Reclaiming The Trust”. He recognizes that what he has brought to management is the kind of trust that builds on and dictates competence, openness, attention and reliability. “Trust is a public good; we cannot do great things collectively without trust. But trust must be earned, ”he emphasizes.
Today, when JKF turns 56, the question is no longer what he is capable of as a leader and peacemaker. Because he was able to demonstrate his abilities as a creative, innovative and diplomatic leader. Rather, the question will be what he would not do as a leader, as many believe that his past has adequately prepared him for the present and future.
John Kayode Fayemi was born on February 9, 1965 and received his first degree in history and politics from the University of Lagos in 1985, a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Avolovo University) in 1987 and received his doctorate in Military Studies, King’s College, University of London, UK, 1993.
On October 16, 2010, he was appointed Governor of Ekiti State. In 2015, he was appointed Minister of Mines and Metals. During his tenure as minister, he also chaired the board of directors of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). He stepped down from his position as minister in 2018 to challenge the governor of Ekiti state. He won and was appointed governor for a second term on October 16, 2018. He was unanimously elected by his colleagues as Chair of the Forum of Governors of Nigeria in May 2019.
Today, 56 warm greetings to this trusted mediator, soldier of peace and agent of change, as he takes the 56th step in his search for a more peaceful and developed society.
• Oyebode is the chief spokesman for the Governor of Ekiti State.
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Source: – The Point
