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EKITI AT 30 — TIME TO CELEBRATE OUR JOURNEY AND EMBRACE OUR FUTURE

EKITI AT 30 — CELEBRATING OUR JOURNEY, EMBRACING OUR FUTURE 

Ekiti Parapo UK joins all Ekiti sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora in celebrating this historic occasion of the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State. On this memorable day, we say with one voice: Happy 30th Anniversary, Ekiti State! Thirty years ago, the long-held aspiration of our people became a reality, giving Ekiti its own distinct identity and a sovereign platform upon which successive generations could build. Today, we celebrate not only the existence of our dear state for three decades, but also the people, sacrifices, struggles, achievements and aspirations that have shaped the Ekiti story.

At this important milestone, we honour and deeply appreciate the founding fathers and all those who contributed to the struggle and eventual creation of Ekiti State. We remember the traditional rulers, community leaders, intellectuals, professionals, activists, politicians, civil servants and ordinary citizens whose determination and sacrifices helped turn a dream into reality. Their vision was not merely for political territory, but for a homeland in which the distinctive identity, values and aspirations of the Ekiti people could find expression and flourish. We are beneficiaries of that vision today, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

We also acknowledge and appreciate those who have had the responsibility of leading Ekiti State since its creation: Lt. Col. Mohammed Inua Bawa, the first Military Administrator; Navy Captain Atanda Yusuf, the second Military Administrator; Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, the first civilian Governor; Mr. Ayodele Fayose, Engr. Segun Oni, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, and our serving Governor, HE, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Each administration has formed part of the evolving history of Ekiti, and we recognise the contributions, responsibilities and sacrifices associated with the stewardship of our state at different periods. The Ekiti story is greater than any individual or administration; it is the collective story of a people and a shared homeland.

As we celebrate, we celebrate the Ekiti spirit—a spirit distinguished by principle, resilience, integrity, courage, hard work, intellectual excellence, respect for knowledge and an enduring commitment to education. Ekiti people are renowned for placing a high value on learning, character and personal responsibility. From our villages and towns to the greatest cities around the world, Ekiti sons and daughters continue to distinguish themselves as teachers, professors, professionals, entrepreneurs, farmers, civil servants, innovators, community leaders and agents of development. We may have different opinions, professions, backgrounds and experiences, but beneath our differences lies a powerful bond: we are Ekiti.

To every Ekiti person at home and in the diaspora, this celebration is also a celebration of you. We celebrate the parents raising families, the farmers cultivating our land, the teachers educating our children, the students pursuing knowledge, the professionals contributing to society, the entrepreneurs creating opportunities, the caregivers serving others, and the countless Ekiti people whose daily efforts, however visible or unseen, contribute to the progress of our communities and our state. From Ado-Ekiti to Ikere, Ikole, Ijero, Oye, Otun, Omuo, Ido, Ilawe, Aramoko, Efon, Ise, Emure, Ogotun, Igbole, Okemesi and every part of our dear state, and from Nigeria to the United Kingdom and every part of the world, we salute the strength, dignity and resilience of our people.

Ekiti Parapo UK also congratulates the Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and the present administration on this significant anniversary. We recognise the responsibility of the present generation of leaders to build upon the foundations laid by those before them, preserve the gains of the past and confront the challenges of the present. As Ekiti continues its journey, we look forward to an even stronger connection between government, communities, institutions and Ekiti people across the globe, with development, opportunity and the wellbeing of our people remaining central to the future we seek.

At 30, however, Ekiti State is not at the end of its journey; we are only at another important milestone. The next chapter must be one of greater ambition, stronger unity and broader opportunity. Let us build an Ekiti where education continues to open doors, agriculture creates prosperity, entrepreneurship generates employment, innovation drives development, culture strengthens our identity and the talents of our young people are given the opportunity to flourish. Let us deepen the relationship between Ekiti at home and Ekiti in the diaspora, preserve our Ekiti dialect identity, Yoruba language and heritage, promote our values and equip the next generation with the knowledge, character and confidence to take Ekiti to even greater heights.

Our fathers fought to create Ekiti; our generation must build it, and the next generation must take it further. As we celebrate this 30th anniversary, let us honour the past without being trapped by it, appreciate the present without becoming complacent, and embrace the future with courage, faith and determination. May the wisdom of our elders continue to guide us, may the energy and creativity of our youth propel us, and may the values of honour, integrity, education, resilience and service continue to define the Ekiti people wherever we may be.

On behalf of Ekiti Parapo UK, we wish all Ekiti people at home and in the diaspora a joyous and memorable 30th Anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State. May the Land of Honour continue to prosper, may peace and unity prevail among our people, and may the years ahead bring greater progress, prosperity, opportunity and pride to Ekiti State. Cheers to our past, cheers to our present, and cheers to the bright future ahead of us. Happy 30th Anniversary, Ekiti State! Long live Ekiti State! Long live the Ekiti people!

Signed:

EKITI PARAPO UK

Com. Olamide Idowu — President

Amb. Tosin Owonifari — General Secretary

Tunde Oluwasimirin — PRO

“Leadership is Service.”