Ekiti Assembly Members Defend Canada Trip, Says Self Sponsored

Earlier on Wednesday the 30th of October 2024, the news that members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, were traveling to Canada filtered across media platforms.

This led to divided opinions as some supported the move, while many questioned if it was the state government that was sponsoring such trip.

The speaker of the house has now come out to clear the air, stating that the trip is being funded by the individual members of the house.

Dear brothers, leaders, friends and foes,

As the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, I feel compelled to provide a strong clarification regarding the upcoming self-sponsored trip of select members to Canada for a legislative capacity-building program. This will be my first and last response on this matter here. I previously issued an official statement through my media aide, but I want to clarify a few points out of respect and to avoid any mischief-makers misleading others. This initiative has sparked discussion, and it is essential to highlight the facts and the importance of this endeavor.

1. Self-Sponsored Participation: This trip is entirely self-funded by the participating members, ensuring that no financial burden falls on the state. Only those who can finance their journey will attend, demonstrating a commitment to responsible governance.
2. Capacity Building for Legislative Duties: The primary goal of this retreat is personal capacity building in legislative duties. The skills and knowledge acquired will undoubtedly benefit Ekiti State as a whole, equipping our lawmakers to serve our constituents more effectively.
3. Global Importance of Legislative Training: Across the world, legislative capacity building is recognized as vital for effective governance. It empowers legislators to enact informed policies that address the needs of their communities.
4. Transparency and Communication: The House has publicly announced this trip for over a week, reiterating it during the budget presentation and our last sitting. Transparency is key, and we are committed to keeping our constituents informed.
5. The Value of Education: It is both primitive and parochial to suggest that education is unnecessary or that international training is a waste. In a rapidly changing world, continuous learning is essential for effective leadership.
6. Addressing the Poverty of the Mind: As we face economic challenges, we must also confront the limitations in our mindset. Many comments regarding this trip reveal a profound lack of vision that we need to address. I am frequently disheartened by how we undervalue our own state, as if nothing positive can come from us. I’ve often heard that Ekiti isn’t ready for this or that, which reflects a narrow-minded perspective. Investing in education and training is essential for expanding our horizons and strengthening our ability to lead.
7. Significance of Training: Such training opportunities provide our legislators with innovative ideas and strategies that can be implemented to improve governance and the well-being of our people.
8. Part of our achievements in the 7th Assembly but not limited to are: Under my leadership, the 7th Assembly has introduced numerous novel ideas and initiatives, including:

• Adoption of e-parliament, earning us recognition as the best House of Assembly in Nigeria for ICT integration.
• Ensuring open accountability from all Local Governments, MDAs, and holding government activities accountable.
• Live broadcasts of all plenary sessions, enhancing transparency.
• Establishment of a functional website, allowing Ekiti citizens to provide feedback.
• Launch of our own online TV platform.
• Regular
• for the first time, staff of the house are now enjoying staff loans with their own independent loans board
• constituency engagement by members, fostering direct communication with constituents.
• Prompt responses to urgent public matters.
• A record number of private members’ bills passed, outnumbering executive bills for the first time in our history.
• Continued commitment to oversight functions, monitoring, and evaluation.

In conclusion, while individuals are entitled to their opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts. The current Assembly has sacrificed in every material respect, including self-funding our training programs abroad. We have actively sought partnerships for training exercises within Ekiti, such as at Ikogosi Resort, and we are hosting a gathering for principal officers of southwest Houses of Assembly through personal efforts.

To suggest that capacity building outside our borders is unnecessary reflects a narrow mindset and an outdated perspective. Many of our members held visas prior to their election, demonstrating their readiness to engage with the broader world. It is time for us to embrace the ideals of knowledge and progress, aligning with the legacy of Ekiti as the Fountain of Knowledge. Ultimately, everyone is free to choose what they believe and how they wish to perceive our efforts.

Thank you

Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye
Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly

See press release below;

OUR PROPOSED CANADA TRIP SELF SPONSORED, DEVELOPMENT DRIVEN, SAYS EKITI SPEAKER.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye has explained that the upcoming trip to Canada by a select group of the assembly lawmakers, for an Executive Legislative Leadership Program is self sponsored.

The Speaker in a statement said the foreign trip, reflective of commitment to professional development and effective governance, was optional for those who can finance their journey adding that it would be for value addition.

“This exchange offers our legislators invaluable insights into best practices and innovative governance strategies that will ultimately benefit the people of Ekiti State. By investing in their own growth, these members are investing in the future of our state.” Aribasoye pointed out.

The Speaker, who had earlier announced the proposed trip during the presentation of the 2025 budget estimate by the state governor,
highlighted the style adopted by the 7th assembly under his leadership as most transparent and responsible as every plenary and related activities of the house are streamed live for local and global access.

“This is not the first of such trip and I don’t pray it’ll be the last. We shall continue to equip ourselves with local and international retreats and events within affordable range and without heaping burden on state resources. A legislature that is not exposed couldn’t have clinched our recent feat as the best state assembly in ICT integration.” Aribasoye emphasized.

He encouraged constructive dialogue and support for members as they seek to enhance their skills for better service to constituents adding that the growth of leaders would contribute directly to the advancement of the State.

Babajide Agbeyo
Special Adviser (media) to the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly.