History was again made in Ekiti State on Friday as the third Ekiti State Youths Parliament was officially inaugurated by the Governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The event was declared open by the representative of the governor in person of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Biodun Oyebanji at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Ado Ekiti.
Having welcomed those who have been selected to represent their different State Constituencies as very lucky, Oyebanji counseled the young parliamentarians not to disappoint their Constituencies who have deemed it fit to select them to partake in the programme. He urged them to live up to the expectations of the people of their different constituencies by ensuring that their interests are protected at all times.
Giving his keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Pastor Michael Awopetu applauded Dr. Kayode Fayemi for being the only Governor who has spearheaded the inauguration of the 1st and 2nd editions of the programmed during his first term in office, and now, the 3rd sessions of Ekiti Youth Parliaments in the State.
Awopetu blamed the previous administration of Ayodele Fayose for failing to give appropriate roles to the youths of the State while he was the Governor.
The Commissioner, therefore advised Ekiti youths to cooperate with Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s administration to enable them enjoy more dividends of democracy.
He seized the opportunity of the inauguration to praise Fayemi for his various initiatives in the areas of science and education, economy, gender empowerment and tourism industry among others.
The representatives of the first lady of the state, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Mrs. Titilayo Afuye who is also the Wife of the Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly said: “the Youth Parliament is a training ground for Ekiti youths to develop themselves. I urge that the new Parliament should stay focused on their goals and objectives”.
While addressing the 3rd Ekiti Youth Parliament after the inauguration, the Youths’ Speaker, Rt. Hon. Toba Fatunla appreciated the efforts of the parliamentarians who made it possible for him to emerge as the 3rd Parliament Speaker in the State.
Fatunla maintained that his tenure will ensure an opportunity to learn, promote democracy, good governance and provide forum to develop and express their opinions freely.
The Youth Speaker called on other Parliamentarians to join hands with him to promote intercultural understanding, constructive dialogue, sustainable skills, teamwork, tolerance, leadership skills, bridge communication gap, inspire new ideas, stabilize and continuity.
Hon. Toba Fatunla hails from Ikole Constituency 1; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Agbajelola Blessing from Ekiti South West 1; the Majority Leader, Hon. Adesuyi Oluwatosin from Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency 2; Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Owoyemi Oyewole from Ikere Constituency 2; the Chief Whip, Hon. Owoseeni Adedamola Ekiti West Constituency 2; Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Abosede Olabode Emure Constituency 1.
Government functionaries present at the inauguration included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Biodun Omoleye; the Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Jamiu; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Michael Awopetu; Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Civic Orientation, Aare Muyiwa Olomilua; the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Information, Tourism and Civic Orientation and Youths and Sports Development, Princess Adekunbi Obaisi and Mr. Yemi Owoseeni.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
