For Fayemi, it’s morning yet, By Julius Ogunro

As governor, Fayemi will be leaving big footprints in the sands of time. Apart from his moral suasion, which demonstrates that an intellectual and, indeed, a good man can survive and succeed in Nigerian politics, the physical development of Ekiti State owes a lot to him and his team. Hundreds of kilometres of roads have been built across the state. An airport construction is ongoing and at an advanced stage. Numerous initiatives put in place by his administration have accelerated the state’s economic growth and development. Due to these measures, companies such as Promasidor, JMK, and Stallion groups have established multibillion naira businesses in Ekiti, generating thousands of jobs for the state’s citizens, as well as for the larger Nigerian economy.
In particular, Fayemi’s administration made outstanding strides through social investment schemes. Some of the progressive initiatives that have been implemented include the Child Rights Law, which criminalises child labour in Ekiti, as well as the monthly stipends and food banks for the elderly and underprivileged.
Additionally, Ekiti may be the only state in Nigeria where nursing mothers are entitled to six-month maternity leave, even as the state pays, without fail, WAEC fees for students in public schools and provide free basic education.
It was on the back of his achievements in Ekiti and his bi-partisan leadership of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) that Fayemi contested for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He ran a clean race, campaigning on the key themes of unity, security, economic growth, and development, as well as equity and inclusion – two testy issues in Nigeria at the moment. His messaging was articulated as ‘The Nigeria Agenda,’ which drew a link between leadership and the solutions we seek for our national challenges.
Everywhere he went on the campaign trail, he shone as an orator and politician who was in touch with the contemporary issues of the country and has sufficient experience to fashion out workable solutions. But unlike Ekiti, Nigeria appears not ready to elect the best of us into national office, as we still equate longevity with political experience and view money as the key determinant of primary races.
As Fayemi completes his beat as governor, it is doubtful that he is truly a happy and fulfilled man. On a personal level, maybe. But no true Nigerian statesman and patriot would be happy and content with our country this sick. But new vistas open for him as he leaves Ayoba Villa. Already, he has been elected as President of the Forum of Regions of Africa, a body that comprises federal, regional, and local governments on the continent and seeks local solutions to Africa’s problems.

There is no doubt that as he closes the governorship door, there are new frontiers in civil society, governance and diplomacy for him to conquer. It may be morning yet for Governor Fayemi.
Julius Ogunro is a Nigerian journalist.

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