Outrage as Ekiti lawmakers plan leadership retreat in Canada with spouses
Nigerians have condemned the move by the Ekiti State House of Assembly to hold a leadership retreat in Canada despite the prevailing hunger and economic hardship.
A select group of lawmakers have been scheduled to attend the event, with some going with their spouses.
This is contained in a letter by Titilope Agbede, the assembly’s clerk, to the Ekiti Kete Association in Canada.
Agbede said the legislators would be led by the Speaker of the House, Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, to attend the ‘Executive Legislative Leadership Retreat’ billed for November 2024 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
According to the clerk, the retreat aims to equip lawmakers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the complexities of policy implementation challenges.
“As part of our visit, the House intends to have a courtesy visit to the Ekiti Kete Association, Canada to meet with the members of Ekiti Kete in diaspora,” the letter reads.
“This will be able to foster cultural development and share experiences that can promote Ekiti State and good governance for the benefit of our people.
“We kindly request that you give us a date and time between 13 November 2024 and 20 November 2024.
“We look forward to a positive response and the opportunity to have an exclusive meeting with Ekiti Kete to promote and sustain Ekiti Cultural Heritage through educational and socio-cultural programmes,” the letter reads.
The delegation expected to travel to Canada include the Speaker, Ikole II constituency; Aribisoye Adenike Modupe, spouse; Ige Tolulope Michael (majority leader), Ekiti south-west constituency; Ige Opemipo Omolade, spouse; Okuyiga Eyitayo Adetoju, Gbonyin constituency; Olowookere Bosede Yinka (chief whip); Efon constituency; Ayorinde Ebenezer Oluwatoyin (deputy majority leader) – Ido/Osi II constituency; and Fawekun Abiodun Babatunde, Ido/Osi I constituency.
Nigerians condemn Ekiti lawmakers
The proposed trip has attracted reactions from Nigerians on social media with some X users describing the event as another waste of scarce resources and another example of “misplaced priority” from the political class.
Netizens also questioned why the event couldn’t be held virtually to save money, considering the current economic situation of the country where most people now struggle to feed themselves and their families.
Below are some of the reactions;
- What happened to Ikogosi Warm Springs & didn’t @NGRPresident say we should promote made in Nigeria & live within our means?. – @tmacbond
- The funny part is that their minions and those who take and expect crumbs from those in power will look the other way on this, hoping someday it will be their turn. Very insensitive people. – @Le_ccoushey
- How on earth is that travelling justifiable to any reasonable person in this period. They even added their wives. They can’t go to Afe Babalola University to learn Leadership training. They can’t organise zoom training but in a nation where people are hungry and living in poverty – @AdekunleOderind
- If this is true, it’s a wanton waste of scarce resources. For a governor that claims the state can’t pay the minimum wage, this is outrightly wicked. There is poverty in Ekiti, yet the lawmakers are going to Canada for a retreat they can have at Lagos Business School. Rararada! – @enitioluwafe
- Instead of that why not enroll them into Afe Babalola University to learn some leadership and governing courses. Most of our politicians don’t know why they are holding a post. – @imOlatunj
- Japa syndrome hits Ekiti 😁 – @AdamawaLas79384
Lawmakers to sponsor Canada trip
However, the chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ekiti state, Dele Ekunola, while reacting to the criticisms, claimed that the trip would be self-sponsored.
“It is essential to recognize that this initiative is a testament to our legislators’ commitment to personal and professional growth.
“The trip is entirely self-funded, reflecting a responsible approach that does not impose any financial burden on the state’s resources.
“This commitment to continuous learning is critical in enhancing their ability to serve our constituents effectively.
“In times of economic challenges, it is crucial that our leaders seek out opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills that can lead to better governance.
“The insights gained from this program will empower our lawmakers to develop innovative policies and solutions that directly address the pressing needs of the people of Ekiti State.
“It must be digested that investing in legislative leadership is an investment in the future of our state.
“The knowledge and best practices gained from this experience can have a ripple effect, fostering improved governance and positively impacting the lives of our citizens,” he said.
