A former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said that leadership positions at all levels are beyond the title but are about the ability to sacrifice, take responsibility, and serve the people.
Fayemi 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 explained that even though the country has not yet tackled all its challenges, there is a need for the people to be deliberate in contributing to the development of society.
Fayemi spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, during a youth engagement event organised as part of activities in celebrating his 60th birthday anniversary, tagged ‘Bridging Generations: Leadership, Mentorship, and Legacy.’
At the event convened by the spokesman of the House of Representatives and lawmaker representing the Oye/Ikole federal constituency, Akin Rotimi, different youth and student groups, including state and federal lawmakers, were in attendance.
While commending the organisers for bringing the youths and students together to celebrate his birthday, he 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 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 done according to our convictions and what your conscience asks you to do. Whether it is recognised or acknowledged, you should not bother.”
“People around me might have noticed that I am not comfortable with leadership because it is not a solo effort. Leadership is a team effort. We are the change we want to see in our lives. It is not what we talk about, but what we actually desire.
“There are people who are in office, and when they get out of office, they suffer serious psychological withdrawal symptoms because they do not live their life as they did when they were in office.
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“That is why leadership is not about the title; leadership is about sacrifice, responsibility, and service, whether in associations, towns, church groups, and others; leadership is about service, not just in the political cycle alone.”
Speaking, the governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, said the life of the former governor is a testament to the years of impact and selfless service to the state, country, and the world.
Describing him as a passionate and committed leader, Governor Oyebanji revealed that his efforts resulted in developmental interventions and programs when he was governor for two terms in the state.
He said, “Dr. John Kayode Fayemi’s sixty years on earth is not merely an accumulation of time, but a testament to a life of impact and selfless service to Ekiti State and Nigeria at large in his former positions as a two-term governor, minister, and former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.”
“Today, as we gather here to celebrate a man whose vision, resilience, and passion for progress have shaped the political and socio-economic landscape of Ekiti State and our nation, Nigeria, we also acknowledge the undeniable role he has played in empowering the youth of this State.”
In his keynote address, the Africa Regional Director of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), Dr Tunde Afolabi, urged youths in the state to draw lessons from Dr Fayemi’s career in private and public life, adding that “several lessons on how to live a life of great purpose, garnished with astounding accomplishments, can be gleaned from JKF’s most remarkable journey.”
