Ekiti:Mr Speaker’s Diary! (From Dec.24 to Dec.30th, 2023)
Over the past six months since assuming the role of Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, I have made it a priority to provide regular updates on my activities, either on a weekly or biweekly basis, as a means of being accountable to the people I serve. As we come to the end of the year 2023, I am pleased to share the highlights of my activities for the fourth week of December, from the 24th to the 30th.
The week began with a Sunday service on the 24th at the RCCG Wonderful Mega in Ado Ekiti, followed by a visit to my Constituency where I engaged with the community. I visited four out of the six wards, namely Itapaji/Iyemero Ward 12, Odo Oro Ward 06, Ipao/Oke Ako/Ijowa/Irele Ward 11, and Oke Ayedun/Eseun Ward 10. During these visits, I distributed food items, cash, and clothing materials to the constituents to help them celebrate the festive period. Despite arriving late at my residence in Odo Ayedun – Ekiti, I was warmly received by my kinsmen.
Early on Monday, the 25th, I took the time to visit some of our leaders in Odo Ayedun, including Engr and Mrs. Ojo and Prince Oladele Adeniyi. Additionally, I continued to engage with the community by visiting wards 8 and 9 (Odo Ayedun/Ayebode Ekiti/Odo Ogo) to extend seasonal gestures from myself and my wife, Adenike, who accompanied me on all the ward visits.
Later in the day, I traveled to Ikogosi Ekiti, the hometown of our Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Coincidentally, the former Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, were also present to celebrate the season with the Governor.
After leaving the Governor’s country hometown, I proceeded to Okemesi Ekiti to honor Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, whose birthday coincided with Christmas Day. Later in the day, I visited Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae at his residence in Ado Ekiti who also celebrated his 70th birthday before returning to my hometown in Odo Ayedun Ekiti.
Early on Tuesday, the 26th, I engaged in serious stakeholder meetings before traveling to Isan Ekiti to honor His Excellency Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who has consistently organized stakeholder engagements on every 26th of December for the past 8 years. This occasion also included a visit by members of the E-eleven, where I serve as the PRO, and members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
On Wednesday, the 27th, I joined the Governor at a stakeholder engagement on land use charge and other matters of concern. The Governor took the time to explain the purpose of introducing the land use charge to the people. Later in the evening, I presented the 2024 Appropriation bill, which had been earlier passed by the House of Assembly, to the Governor for his assent. The budget signing marked a significant milestone that will contribute to a smooth 2024 for the state.
On Thursday, the 28th, I attended to administrative matters in my office to ensure that all issues requiring my attention received proper consideration. After addressing these administrative tasks, I proceeded to join other well-wishers at Hon. Princess Iyabo Fakunle Okieimen’s birthday celebration.
Afterwards, I joined my dear brother, Adetunji Aribasoye, in a praise and thanksgiving service at his house. Adetunji has consistently hosted this program for five years running, and it was a joy to participate in this meaningful event.
On the last working day of the year, Friday the 29th, I was at the office to ensure all administrative matters were dealt with and attended to visitors before proceeding to meet with selected leaders from my Constituency, whom I hosted at my official residence in Ado Ekiti. It was an engaging meeting where issues around security and matters affecting constituents were all discussed.
Later in the day, my wife and I organized a get-together party for our immediate staff, both at my chamber, the office of the Speaker, my wife’s outfit, and for family members in an evening of appreciation. It was our way of showing gratitude to those that work with us, and we also took that moment to reach out to them in felicitating the season.
Finally, on Saturday the 30th, I devoted the day to rest and later visited some friends, taking a well-deserved break after a busy and productive week.
In conclusion, the past six months have been marked by engaging and meaningful activities, from community visits and stakeholder engagements to administrative duties and personal celebrations. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my constituents and for the support of my colleagues, family, and staff. As we look ahead to the coming year, I am committed to continuing to serve the people of Ekiti State with dedication and integrity.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I am honored to be in a position to serve and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those I represent.
Thank you!
Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye
Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly
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