The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has named the recently inaugurated ultra modern Civic and Convention Centre, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after the late sage and former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The gesture, according to a statement personally signed by Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, is in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Awolowo’s death.
The Civic and Convention centre, which was commissioned by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on October 14, 2021, is now to be known as Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, Ado-Ekiti.
The Governor’s statement reads:
“Today, as always, we remember and celebrate the life and legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, GCFR, who was a founding father of our great country Nigeria, frontline nationalist, former Premier of the defunct Western Region, former Federal Commissioner for Finance, and one of the founding fathers of the progressive movement in Nigeria.
“In his lifetime, late Chief Awolowo demonstrated the finest ideals of the Yoruba Omoluabi in his personal life and public conduct, and bequeathed to us coming after him one of the greatest examples of a life of integrity, honour, and service.
“His vision and central philosophy of ‘Life More abundant, and Freedom for All’ remains the foundation upon which the ideology and practice of the progressive movement in Nigeria and beyond continues to build, while his teachings and writings remain a guide for the many public servants to this day.
“The government and people of Ekiti State are proud to be associated with the legacy of our dear late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and on this occasion of the 35th Anniversary of his demise, I am pleased to announce that in our modest way to further immortalize our dear legend, we are naming the recently commissioned Civic Centre in the state capital Ado-Ekiti as the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre, from this day, Monday, May 9, 2022.
“The Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre from this day, shall be a memorial to all that her patron of blessed memory represents, and a reminder for us all to continue to strive to achieve the unfinished greatness that he lived for.
“May his memory remain blessed.”
Also, Fayemi has appointed the Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Mr Foluso Daramola, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The Governor also appointed the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Tolu Ibitola, as the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor.
The two appointments are with immediate effect.
Daramola, a retired Permanent Secretary and a member of the State’s Executive Council, was until the new appointment, the Overseer of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, a position he assumed following the resignation of Mr Biodun Oyebanji as SSG in December 2021.
Ibitola, 39, formerly a Personal Assistant to the Governor, was until his elevation, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor. He takes over from Mr Biodun Omoleye, who recently resigned his appointment as COS to pursue his political interest.
The Governor wishes the two new appointees success in their new offices.
