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Ado-Ekiti Urban Renewal: No Pain, No Gain


Deji Ogunsakin

March 21, 2018

"A politician… is a man who thinks of the next election; while the statesman thinks of the next generation".

The quote above brings to mind the scenario that ensued during the tete-a-tete between His Excellency Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose the Apesin of Ado-Ekiti and Ewi in council on the recent demolition of houses within Ado-Ekiti metropolis.

The passion with which the governor spoke about the need for Ado-Ekiti to wear a modern and cosmopolitan look is what struck me.

A show of statesmanship and courage to stick with ideals that can promote peace, security, exquisite radiance and a beautiful ambience befitting of a capital city we can all call our own, a rare courage to do these things when a critical election is fast approaching should be applauded and not condemned.

Elections come and go but legacies last forever for the benefit of all and sundry. Political jobbers don't care much about the future of the society they only live for the moment to suit their ambitions. Politicians make promises, massage the ego of the masses when they are canvassing for votes but fail to deliver when it matters. It takes honesty, sincerity of purpose of this kind to differentiate men from boys in an election period.

Governor Ayo Fayose do not need to prove to the nay sayers , distractors and enemies of progress how much he regard our revered Kabiyesi and Ewi in Council because he has demonstrated his love, commitment, respect and loyalty to the throne through his deeds and actions.

For centuries, his name, Ayo Fayose, will forever be remembered for good in Ado-Ekiti. When Ado-Ekiti sons and daughters come home during the annual Udiroko festival and sit in the amphitheatre or the new modern hall, it will be remembered that there was indeed a Governor. A look at the Kabiyesi's office and other renovations within the palace will gear every right thinking Ado son/daughter to give kudos to Oshokomole.

The annual Udiroko festival has never remained the same since the return of Ayo Fayose as the Governor of Ekiti State. He has identified with the people of Ado-Ekiti in promoting our cultural heritage through live broadcast of the festival on national TV, mobilisation of dignitaries to grace the occassion and financial support to make the festival a success.

A trip to Ado-Ekiti via Ikere especially at night will make every Ekiti indigine very proud of what our capital city has become, even at a time when the nation suffered economic recession, we witnessed the greatest infrastructural development since the creation of our dear state. Check out the Flyover Bridge, Oja Oba Market, Judiciary Complex, Adunni Olayinka women Centre, New Governor's Office, Dualized Roads at Mugbagba, Okeyinmi, De-head, Awedele, among others.

Anyone or group of people hiding under the guise of this demolition exercise to whip up sentiment to perpetuate their rigging plan in the coming election is building castle in the air. They will end up a failure.

Ayo Fayose, The Apesin apagun pote of Ado-Ekiti, you are on the right side of history and history will be kind to you. The numerous infrastructural projects you have delivered for the good people of Ado-Ekiti will continue to speak for you even in years to come.

Lest I forget, to the unsung heroes whose properties had to be demolished for the development we are witnessing in Ado-Ekiti today, be rest assured your place in history is secured, it is a sacrifice for the good of all, we appreciate you and for sure, the coming generations will do. No good thing comes easy, like they say, No Pain, No Gain.

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