Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has set up a 47-member Eliti State COVID-19 Response Resource Mobilisation Committee, made up of eminent citizens of the state, including three former governors, to help mobilise resources to combat the pandemic.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Hon Biodun Oyebanji, disclosed that the committee has as chairman, former Minister of Health and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Juli Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; the Founder/Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola as the Grand Patron, while three former governors of the state, Otynba Niyi Adebayo, Engr Segun OnI and Ayodele Fayose were named as Patrons.
The committee has as members captains of industry, distinguished private sector players, renowned professionals and prominent members of Ekiti in the Diaspora, including: former Chairman of O’dua Investment, Sir Remi Omotoso; former Chairman of United African Company, UAC, Mr. Ayo Ajayi; Principal Partner of Aluko Oyebode and Co, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, SAN; Ecobank International CEO, Mr. Ade Ayeyemi; Chairman, Boyage Oil and Gas, Otunba Olutoye Ariyo; President, Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce, Otunba Toyin Akomolafe; a former President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN and Senator Ayo Arise.
Others members of the committee are: renowned oncologist and Director, Global Medicine, University of Chicago, USA, Prof Funmi Falusi-Olopade; Vice President, International Affairs, Kings’ College, London, Prof Funmi Olonisakin; former Executive Secretary, NHIS, Dr Femi Thomas; human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN; Managing Director, Luk Oil Nigeria Limited, Mr Kunle Gidado; Agro Innovate CEO, Mrs Foluso Olaniyan and former NBA National Secretary, Mr Debo Adesina, SAN.
The committee which has as secretary the Special Adviser to the governor on Development Partnerships, Mrs Margaret Fagboyo, also has as members the Chairman, Deux Projects Limited, Dr Tunji Olowolafe; Director, Risk Management, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Ms Folakemi Fatogbe; Executive Director, Sahara Energy Limited, Mr Wale Ajibade; and a director at Globacom, Otunba Niyi Adewunmi.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnerships, Mrs Margaret Fagboyo, is the secretary to the committee.
Hon Oyebanji added that the committee’s mandate, among others, is to mobilise and advise on funds and project management, direct funding campaigns for COVID-19 response.
He reiterated the state government’s determination to do everything humanly possible to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, even as he assured the citizens of the Dr Fayemi-led administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of resources mobilised.
