President Bola Tinubu honored Dr. Kayode Fayemi on his 60th birthday, recognizing his lifelong commitment to public service as an academic, author, and political leader. The tribute highlights their joint efforts during the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s and Fayemi’s pivotal roles, including his time as Ekiti’s governor and his contributions to the All Progressives Congress. Tinubu praised Fayemi’s humility and dedication, wishing him continued success in the years to come.
In a heartfelt birthday tribute on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu commended Dr. Kayode Fayemi for his outstanding contributions as an academic, author, administrator, and development expert as he turned 60. Their longstanding relationship began in the 1990s during the pro-democracy movement against military rule, highlighting Fayemi’s pivotal role at that time.
Tinubu reflected on the significant challenges activists faced under General Sani Abacha’s regime, particularly the suppression of civil rights. He underscored Fayemi’s brilliance and commitment, which greatly aided pro-democracy efforts including the establishment of Radio Kudirat, created to amplify the movement’s voice amid governmental oppression.
Following the deaths of Abacha and Abiola in 1998, the political landscape shifted, leading many activists, including Fayemi, to return to Nigeria. In 1999, he founded the Centre for Democracy and Development, focusing on promoting democracy and security across Nigeria and Africa, demonstrating his commitment to governance and civic engagement.
In 2006, Fayemi transitioned to politics, running for governor of Ekiti State. Although initially losing the 2007 election to Segun Oni, he successfully challenged the results, ultimately being declared the rightful winner after a lengthy legal battle that concluded in 2010. This established a foundation for future political endeavors.
Fayemi played a key role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, chairing the panel that nominated President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s candidate. His organizational skills were instrumental in the APC’s successful campaign during the 2015 presidential elections.
After serving as minister in Buhari’s first term, Fayemi was re-elected as Ekiti State’s governor in 2018. His leadership was marked by addressing significant economic challenges, underscoring his impact on the state’s governance.
As he pursued the presidency ahead of the 2023 elections, Fayemi’s decision to step down in favor of Tinubu during the party convention illustrated his humility and camaraderie. In his tribute, Tinubu praised Fayemi’s lifelong dedication to service and wished him continued health and fulfillment in his future endeavors.
The tribute to Dr. Kayode Fayemi by President Bola Tinubu highlights the importance of their collaborative history within Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement in the 1990s. Fayemi’s significant contributions through various leadership positions, including governing Ekiti State and shaping the All Progressives Congress (APC), illustrate his influence on Nigeria’s political landscape and democratic development. The commentary also reflects on the struggle for democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing the resilience and dedication of activists during oppressive regimes.
President Tinubu’s tribute to Dr. Fayemi at his 60th birthday emphasizes Fayemi’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and governance. Through their shared struggles against military authoritarianism and Fayemi’s leadership roles, he has left a significant legacy in political activism and administration. This acknowledgment of Fayemi’s accomplishments serves as a reaffirmation of his commitment to public service and democracy in Nigeria.
Original Source: nannews.ng
