Fayemi Snubs National Award, Opts For Wife’s Inaugural Project

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, National News, News, News From The State, Politics Monday, September 29th, 2014

By Funmilayo Omidiji

One of the prominent recipients of this year’s National award and outgoing Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi refused to attend the investiture which held Monday morning in Abuja.

Fayemi who was awarded with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) however performed another state’s function – inauguration of the Centre for Gender and Social Policy Studies which his wife, Erelu Olabisi donated to the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile Ife state of Osun.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Fayemi stated that he was pleased to address the gathering at the inauguration, indicating that he needed to abandon equally important events that came to his notice, after the OAU ceremony has been scheduled and preparations have gone far.

The Governor who noted his attendance was at a great cost, yet was a demonstration of his dedication to a worthy cause, adding that there was nothing that could be more important than the the project he inaugurated. Fayemi however quickly suggested the national award could be sent to him later via courier.

Over 300 Nigerians including the designer of the Nigerian flag, Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi, a driver who returned the sum of N18 Million, an Abuja police officer, Corporal Dauda received different categories of National Awards.