Ekiti’ State, known as the “Land of Honour,” occupies a unique spot in Nigeria’s political scene under President Tinubu’s administration.
On paper, this era should be considered a golden opportunity, given the strategic national roles held by its indigenes.
Notably, prominent Ekiti natives serve as Minister of Solid Minerals, Chief of Army Staff, and EFCC Chairman.
Additionally, they hold key positions such as Senate Leader, DG of NPA, and others, underscoring their influence.
Therefore, these roles are not minor; they hold the power to positively transform lives and communities across Nigeria.
Yet, for all these high-profile appointments, one cannot help but ask: where is the impact on Ekiti’s people?
This paradox, where fortune meets misfortune, is a sobering reality for Ekiti.
At a glance, it seems like an enviable situation—having so many representatives at the helm of national affairs.
But dig deeper, and you’ll find that this influence has not translated into tangible benefits for the state or its people.
The opportunities that should accompany such strategic positions seem to have bypassed Ekiti entirely.
It’s as though power has touched the corridors of influence but not the hearts of the people.
Power Without Impact
In a well-functioning political system, when individuals from a state ascend to powerful positions, their influence often trickles down to their home communities.
Jobs are created, contracts are awarded, and opportunities flow back to the grassroots.
Historically, Ekiti has experienced this. During the tenures of leaders like Professor Tunde Adeniran and Professor Babalola Borisade as ministers, many Ekiti indigenes benefitted from appointments, scholarships, and even international opportunities.
These were moments when power was wielded with a sense of duty to uplift one’s people.
Unfortunately, this is not the case today. Despite the impressive list of Ekiti-born federal appointees, there is little to show in terms of development back home.
Unemployment remains high, infrastructure is stagnant, and hope among the youth is dwindling.
The power held by these individuals seems to exist in isolation—detached from the needs and aspirations of their people.
The Capital Flight Problem
One glaring issue is the lifestyle choices of these leaders. Instead of surrounding themselves with Ekiti indigenes or investing in their home state, many of them operate far removed from Ekiti.
Their aides, associates, and service providers often come from other states.
Their children attend schools outside Ekiti because local educational institutions lack adequate facilities.
Similarly, their families depend on hospitals outside the state for quality healthcare services and treatments.
Moreover, they source their tailors and barbers from outside Ekiti due to the scarcity of skilled professionals locally.
This has created a significant capital flight problem. Resources that could have boosted Ekiti’s economy are enriching other regions instead.
The ripple effect is a state that remains underdeveloped despite its access to power.
Missed Opportunities
One would expect that with Ekiti’s representation in key sectors like solid minerals, power, and defense, there would be deliberate efforts to channel resources and opportunities back home. For instance:
– The Minister of Solid Minerals could champion initiatives that create jobs in Ekiti through mining projects.
– The Chief of Army Staff could facilitate the establishment of training institutions or recruitment drives in the state.
– The Chairman of the EFCC could influence employment or capacity-building programs for young graduates.
Even outside official capacities, these leaders have the personal means to make a difference—whether through scholarships, mentorship programs, or small-scale empowerment initiatives. Sadly, these possibilities remain largely unexplored.
A Disconnect with the Grassroots
Part of the problem lies in how many of these leaders ascended to power. While some were elected, others owe their positions to political connections rather than grassroots support. Consequently, their ties to the people are weak. Once in office, they often retreat into their inner circles—composed largely of long-time associates from outside Ekiti—leaving their home communities feeling alienated.
The occasional distribution of items like motorcycles or sewing machines during empowerment programs does little to bridge this gap. While such gestures are appreciated, they fall far short of what is needed to create lasting change. What Ekiti needs is strategic investment in human capital development—programs that equip people with skills, jobs, and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
The Bigger Picture
Politics is ultimately about service—about using one’s position to uplift others. It’s not enough to hold titles or occupy offices; what matters is how those positions are used to create impact. For Ekiti’s current crop of leaders, this is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. They have access to resources, budgets, and networks that could transform the state if used wisely.
Take education as an example. Ekiti boasts a Federal University thanks to the efforts of some leaders. This is commendable, but the value of a university lies not just in its infrastructure but in its ability to produce employable graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society. Without job opportunities or pathways for professional growth, even the best educational institutions can become sources of frustration rather than hope.
A Call for Reflection
This article is not an indictment but a call for introspection. For those in power, it is an opportunity to reflect on their legacy. What will history remember them for? Titles come and go, but the impact one leaves behind endures. Will they be remembered as leaders who rose to prominence but forgot their roots? Or as visionaries who used their positions to uplift an entire generation?
The people of Ekiti are not asking for miracles—they are asking for inclusion.
Ek want to feel the ripple effects of their leaders’ success. They want opportunities that allow them to dream again. They want a state where young graduates don’t have to roam the streets jobless and where skilled workers can find meaningful employment.
A Path Forward
It’s not too late to change course. There are practical steps that can be taken:
1. Invest in Human Capital: Leaders can establish training programs, scholarships, and mentorship initiatives tailored to Ekiti’s youth.
2. Support Local Businesses: By patronizing local service providers—tailors, barbers, schools—leaders can boost the state’s economy.
3. Strengthen Grassroots Engagement: Regular town hall meetings and community visits can help bridge the gap between leaders and their constituents.
4. Collaborate Across Offices: Ekiti’s federal appointees can work together on joint projects that benefit the state.
5. Champion Policy Changes: Use influence at the national level to advocate for policies that address Ekiti’s unique challenges.
Conclusion
Ekiti State stands at a crossroads—fortunate yet unfulfilled, positioned for greatness yet held back by missed opportunities. The current crop of leaders has a chance to change this narrative, but it requires deliberate action and a renewed commitment to their homeland.
To those in power: your people are watching. They understand that power is fleeting but believe legacy is eternal. Use this moment wisely—not just for yourselves but for generations yet unborn.
Ekiti deserves better. And with collective effort and genuine leadership, it can achieve its full potential. Let this be a wake-up call—a reminder that true greatness lies not in titles but in transformation.
The time for action is now.
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