Fayemi swears in eight new commissioners, sacks two, re-appoints four as special advisers

Ekiti Assembly plans bill against neglect of tourism sector

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, yesterday, inaugurated eight newly-appointed commissioners and seven special advisers with a charge to them to avoid any form of distraction in the discharge of their duties.

The governor also relieved Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Moji Yaya- Kolade and her counterpart in the Environment, Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo, of their positions, while five others were returned as special advisers.

Fayemi, who also swore in the Chairman of SUBEB and a member of Local Government Service Commission, urged the new appointees to see their public service roles as an opportunity to serve.

He also expressed his immense appreciation to the outgoing executive members for their meritorious service and contributions, especially by committing half of their salaries to the COVID-19 relief fund.

The newly-inaugurated commissioners are Akin Omole (Information and Values Orientation), Dr. Oyebanji Filani (Health), Mr. Akin Oyebode (Finance and Economic Development), Olabode Adetoyi (Agriculture and Food Security).

Others include Oladiran Adesua (Housing and Urban Development), Dr. (Mrs.) Olabimpe Aderiye (Education, Science and Technology), Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade (Women Affairs and Social Development) and Iyabode Fakunle-Okhiemen (Environment and Natural Resources).

Aare Muyiwa Olumilua was moved to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industries.The Special Advisers are Chief (Mrs.) Moji Fafure (Gender Empowerment and Social Mobilisation), Prof. Francesca Aladejana (Basic, Secondary and Vocational/Technical Education), Mr. Foluso Daramola (Governor’s Office), Chief Olusoga Davies (Political Matters), Chief Folorunso Olabode (Community and Rural Development) Tope Ogunleye (Special Projects), Mr. Ayoola Owolabi (Investment, Trade and Industries).

Also inaugurated were Prof. Femi Akinwunmi as Chairman of SUBEB and Mr. Febisola Adewale as member Local Government Service Commission.

IN another development, the state’s House of Assembly has said that it will soon initiate a bill against neglect of tourism sector by successive governments in the state.

The lawmakers said the law was needed to check occasional abandonment of tourism sectors considered as a veritable source of income for the agrarian state.

The Assembly said that despite the potentials, lack of proper attention had crippled its growth and development.Chairman, House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Adeyemi Ajibade and his counterpart on Media, Ayokunle Yemisi, disclosed this yesterday while addressing newsmen in Ado-Ekiti during a visit to ministry to catch a glimpse of rehearsal of the newly-employed 32 young artistes.

They lauded Governor Kayode Fayemi for turning around the fortune of the sector.which they noted, was key towards restoring Ekiti State’s lost glory in tourism.

The lawmakers described the appointment of Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare as putting a round peg in a round hole.Ayokunle urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of the vast tourism potentials in the state to boost the state’s economy.

She said that there were lots of untapped potentials in the tourism sector beckoning for exploitation and that the Assembly had put in place various legislations that would create enabling environment for investors.

“For us, we are ready to work hand in hand with the ministry. We will support you in every way. We will convince our amiable governor to procure a luxurious bus for you.

“Nobody will see this kind of project and want to kill it. We will make a bill that would make this ministry sustainable. Such bill will make this place more dynamic and autonomous,” she assured.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Bakare, said Governor Fayemi’s government was making bold plans to harness potentials in the abundant rich cultural heritage to drive tourism.

Bakare said that the state would soon realise the huge possibilities that flow from the preservation and showcasing of Ekiti cultural heritage to the world.

He said efforts were in the pipeline to launch Ekiti State on the international grid of excellence by making it the epicentre of development and viable economically through huge investment in tourism and entertainment sector.

Commenting on the criticism against employment of the 32 fresh graduates into the Ministry, Bakare said that the recruitment of 32 fresh graduates into the ministry was a special arrangement approved by the governor to rejig the ministry after many of its members of staff had retired.

He said efforts were on to place the new artistes on insurance and health benefit schemes being enjoyed by members of the Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) after their induction into the association soon.