A former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said that leadership positions at all levels are beyond the titles but ability to sacrifice, as well as taking responsibility and service to the people.

He said that the inability of politicians to come to terms with the fact that power is transient has led to a psychological problem called withdrawal syndrome.

The former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) stressed the need for the people to be deliberate in contributing to the development of the society.

Fayemi spoke, at the weekend, in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during a youth engagement event organised as part of activities to celebrate his 60th birthday anniversary tagged, “Bridging Generations: Leadership, Mentorship and Legacy.”

The former governor, while commending the organisers for bringing the youths and students together to celebrate his birthday, noted that he had dedicated his life to service to humanity through community service, mentorship and advancing the course of leadership in the country.

He, therefore, encouraged youths to stand up for justice and truth at all times and avoid distractions, saying: “Doing good should not be based on expected benefits. It should be doing it to our convictions and what our conscience asks us to do, whether it is recognised or acknowledged.

“There are people who are in the office and when they get out of the office, they suffer serious psychological withdrawal symptoms because they do not live their life as real when they were in office.”

The state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who spoke at the event, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, said that the life of the former governor was a testament to the years and impacts, and selfless service to the state, country and the world.

MEANWHILE, President Bola Tinubu has described Fayemi as an able lieutenant, an invaluable ally, and a committed patriot in the fight against dictatorship.
Tinubu, in the tribute he personally wrote to Fayemi on his 60th birthday, described the former minister as an academic, author, administrator, and development expert.

The President said that his relationship with Fayemi dates back to their time together in the pro-democracy movement in the 90s when they mounted local and international campaigns against the military dictatorship.