Party leaders hail his rare commitment, growing acceptability across political and religious divides
By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Tertiary Education, Prof. Akeem Azeez Apempe, has empowered about 200 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, drawn from the 13 wards in Ado Ekiti as part of efforts to support party faithful and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The empowerment initiative, now in its third edition, was organised for both Muslim and Christian party members in recognition of the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten fasting seasons. The programme took place at the Olayemi Oyebanji Hall in Ado Central Local Council Development Area, LCDA, and attracted party leaders at the state, local government and ward levels as well as beneficiaries from across Ado Ekiti.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Azeez said the empowerment programme was conceived as a practical way of providing relief to party members and vulnerable citizens during the fasting season, which he described as a period of spiritual reflection, sacrifice and compassion.
He explained that the coincidence of the Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season beginning around the same period carries deep spiritual and social significance for the people of Ekiti State, particularly as it occurs in a politically important year for the state.
According to him, the overlapping religious observances provide a rare opportunity for citizens of different faiths to demonstrate unity, tolerance and mutual understanding, values which he said are critical to sustaining peace and stability in the state.
Prof. Akeem Azeez of the Apempe dynasty, Ado Ekiti therefore urged residents and party faithful to use the sacred period to pray for the continued peace, unity and development of Ekiti State while also extending acts of kindness to those in need within their communities.
The Special Adviser encouraged the beneficiaries not to see the empowerment as a mere political gesture but as a call to imbibe the spirit of generosity and extend help to others whenever the opportunity arises.
The Special Adviser also used the occasion to commend the leadership style of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, whom he described as a compassionate and people oriented leader whose policies and programmes have focused largely on improving the welfare of ordinary citizens.
He noted that the governor has demonstrated uncommon commitment to infrastructure development across the state, particularly through the construction and rehabilitation of major road networks aimed at boosting economic activities and easing transportation for residents.
He added that beyond infrastructure, the Oyebanji administration has also placed strong emphasis on human capital development through initiatives in education, youth empowerment and social welfare programmes designed to uplift the living standards of the people..
Azeez maintained that the achievements recorded by the current administration have made the task of campaigning for the governor much easier for party members, as many of the development projects are already visible across different parts of the state.
He stated that Governor Oyebanji has succeeded in projecting a positive image for Ekiti State both nationally and internationally through inclusive governance, responsible leadership and policies that prioritise the welfare of citizens, therefore urging party members to intensify mobilisation efforts across the 13 wards in Ado Ekiti and beyond in order to ensure a decisive victory for the governor in the forthcoming governorship election.
He described the election as an opportunity for the people of Ekiti State to express their appreciation for the governor’s performance and consolidate the gains recorded under his administration. He however, warned party supporters against complacency despite what he described as the weak state of opposition parties in the state, stressing that elections are won through organisation, discipline and sustained grassroots engagement.
According to him, the Ekiti governorship election will also serve as a crucial political indicator ahead of other important elections in the country, including the Osun State governorship poll and future national electoral contests. Prof Azeez emphasised the importance of personal communication and direct voter engagement as key campaign strategies, urging party members to reach out to undecided voters and newly registered voters across their communities.
Prof. Azeez further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated goodwill towards Ekiti State through the approval of strategic projects and federal interventions, adding that the state must reciprocate such support through sustained political backing.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, commended Prof. Apenpe for sustaining the annual empowerment initiative, describing the programme as a demonstration of humility, generosity and loyalty to the party. Elesin urged other political appointees and leaders within the party to emulate the Special Adviser’s example of selfless service and grassroots engagement.
He expressed admiration for the level of mobilisation and political engagement being carried out by the Special Adviser across institutions, religious communities and grassroots networks, saying that his character has earned him widespread acceptance among people of diverse affiliations.
According to the APC chairman, if other political leaders within the party adopt similar mobilisation strategies, the party’s structures across the 2,445 polling units in Ekiti State would become even stronger and more formidable.
Also speaking, the Ado Local Government APC Chairman, Mr. Michael Akinleye, congratulated the Muslim community in the state for producing what he described as vibrant and well trained personalities such as Prof. Akeem Azeez Apempe. Akinleye described the Special Adviser as a highly respected academic and political figure who has remained consistent in his commitment to public service, grassroots development and in the religion circle.
The Local Government party Chairman added that Prof. Azeez has continued to serve as a worthy ambassador of Governor Oyebanji by using his office to support development initiatives and provide assistance to citizens, particularly party members across the wards in Ado Ekiti.
According to him, the appointment of capable and approachable personalities from the Muslim community into strategic government positions has helped to dispel past narratives of marginalisation while promoting inclusiveness in governance.
Some of the beneficiaries, who each received N10,000 cash support during the programme, expressed appreciation to the donor for what they described as a rare demonstration of generosity and fairness. They noted that the empowerment programme reflected the Special Adviser’s commitment to unity, as both Muslim and Christian party members benefitted equally from the initiative.
Many of the beneficiaries, visibly excited at the event, expressed their gratitude through songs and prayers, pledging their continued support for the APC and the administration of Governor Oyebanji.
Other Muslim political appointees present at the event included Dr. Lateef Buhari, Hon. Mojeed Akinwumi and Olamilekan Olowoyo, alongside ward chairmen and party leaders from across the 13 wards in Ado Ekiti who attended to witness the empowerment programme.