Mr Speaker’s Diary! January to February 2024 (With Photos)
What should have been a period of excitement and progress turned into a time of devastation. Prior to the tragic events of Monday, January 29th, which saw the senseless murder of two revered kings and the kidnapping of school children, I was deeply engaged in a flurry of activities.
Firstly, I was honored with an award by the RCCG Youth Province 9, a church where I proudly served for six years during its time under RCCG province 1. My connection with the community runs deep, and I was thrilled to visit several parishes of RCCG region 25 for engaging sessions with the youth, during which I distributed notebooks to eager school children, fostering a spirit of learning and growth.
In addition to these uplifting experiences, I hosted the management of Nigeria Insurance Trust Fund, Ekiti office, and made a thought-provoking visit to the Nigeria Immigration Service office to delve into critical security matters.
The excitement didn’t stop there – I had the privilege of welcoming the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly and his team on a momentous working visit to Ekiti.
Amidst these electric activities, I had the pleasure of standing with the well-wishers of Bar Paul Omotoso, the APC State Chairman, at his heartfelt thanksgiving service, celebrating God’s protection from the clutches of kidnappers.
Furthermore, as the Chairman of the Southwest Conference of Speakers, I embarked on a pivotal journey to the Ondo State House of Assembly, where I met with the esteemed Governor, HE Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, and later to the Osun State House of Assembly, solidifying crucial connections and fostering regional collaboration.
These events have been thrilling and impactful, and I am determined to continue uplifting and inspiring the people of Ekiti through my unwavering commitment and dynamic leadership.
After my impactful visits to the Ondo State House of Assembly and the Osun State House of Assembly, where I had the privilege of engaging in meaningful discussions with my esteemed colleagues, I continued on to Oyo State with my dedicated team and two other Speakers from Ondo and Osun.
Together, we met with the Speaker and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly before paying a visit to the Governor, His Excellency, Seyi Makinde in his office. These visits were pivotal, focusing on regional integration and the promotion of harmonized legislation in the Southwest.
We sought collaborative efforts on enhancing security among the states in the region and advocated for the need for a Southwest legislative summit to foster unity and progress.
Little did I know that while we were away, a group of daredevils was wreaking havoc in my beloved Ekiti State. The heartbreaking news of the brutal murder of Kabiyesi Elesun, David Babatunde Ogunsakin, and the Onimojo, Oba Olusola Olatunde, as well as the senseless kidnapping of innocent school children, shook me to my core. Without hesitation, I rushed back to Ekiti to personally visit the families of the slain monarchs and to stand in solidarity with our grieving community.
The gravity of the situation demanded urgent action, and so I swiftly convened an emergency session of the House to address the devastating incident. During the session, we collectively formulated crucial resolutions, one of which was the recommendation for the Nigerian Air Force to commence operations in Ekiti State, starting with the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to enhance surveillance and intelligence gathering.
In the wake of the recent tragic events, it has become abundantly clear that we must strengthen the operational capability of Amotekun, our local security outfit, and enhance the conditions of service for its personnel. It is imperative that we prioritize the remuneration and equipping of Amotekun recruits with the necessary resources to effectively carry out their duties and protect our communities.
Furthermore, we cannot underestimate the potential security threats posed by the vast forests across our state. We must pay special attention to these areas and implement regular combing of our forests to flush out the criminals who are hiding within our borders, threatening the peace and safety of our people.
Recognizing the critical importance of forest management, the house urged the state government to consider establishing a dedicated agency to oversee our forests and the recruitment of new forest rangers. This proactive step will bolster our efforts to safeguard our natural resources and ensure the security of our communities.
In light of these resolutions, the House has also set up a team to visit the grieving communities, demonstrating our unwavering support and solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time. I personally joined my esteemed colleagues in the Ekiti North Senatorial District, led by Senator Cyril Fasuyi, to visit the families and the surviving Kabiyesi, Oba Fatoba, the Alara of Ara, who miraculously escaped death at the hands of the assailants.
In addition to these critical initiatives, I had the privilege of presenting loan cheques to the staff of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission, marking a historic moment for the assembly. The empowerment of our staff is a top priority, and this marks a significant step in that direction.
Furthermore, the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, Ekiti Command, paid a courtesy visit as a follow-up to our discussions on security issues and the need to further strengthen our borders. I commended the outfit for the ongoing passport control reform and emphasized the importance of their work in maintaining the integrity of our borders and ensuring the safety of our people.
In the midst of these challenging times, I have continued to engage in various meaningful activities aimed at fostering unity, celebration, and collaborative progress in Ekiti State.
I had the privilege of engaging in discussions with the State Attorney General, Mr. Dayo Apata, to explore avenues for strengthening our legal framework and ensuring justice for all.
Amidst the seriousness of our duties, I also joined in joyous celebrations within our community, standing in solidarity with the family of Engr Atere, PS Electricity Board, as they marked the wedding ceremony of their child. Additionally, I had the honor of celebrating the remarkable milestone of Hon. Chief Mrs. Yemisi Ayokunle as she marked her 60th birthday, a testament to her enduring impact on our community.
Following the release of the kidnapped school children, I led a team from the Ekiti State House of Assembly on a visit to the State Teaching Hospital to assess the welfare of the pupils and their teachers. It was heartening to see our young ones safe and receiving the care they deserve.
In times of uncertainty, faith and community remain pillars of strength. Pastor Tunde Adelusi’s presence at the monthly prayer meeting held by the House of Assembly was a poignant reminder of the power of unity and spiritual resilience in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, I took a moment to celebrate the birthday of one of my dedicated supporting staff members, recognizing the invaluable contributions of every individual within our team.
In pursuit of a more effective and efficient justice system, I visited the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Adeyeye, to discuss collaboration and the speedy administration of criminal justice in the state. Strengthening our legal processes is crucial to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring the safety and well-being of all our citizens.
These engagements reflect our unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of Ekiti State, and I am resolute in my dedication to serving our community with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
As the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, I am resolute in my commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people. We will not rest until justice is served and our state is safeguarded against such heinous acts. Together with my dedicated team and esteemed colleagues, we will continue to take decisive steps to protect and uplift our beloved Ekiti.
Thank you!
Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye
Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly
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