The Ekiti State House of Assembly has scheduled a leadership retreat for Canada.
Some of the lawmakers would be attending the event with their spouses.
In a letter to the Ekiti Kete Association in Canada, Titilope Agbede, the assembly’s clerk, said the legislators would be led by Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, the speaker.
The ‘Executive Legislative Leadership Retreat’ has been billed for November 2024 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Agbede said the retreat aims to equip the legislators 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.
“This will be able to foster cultural development and share experience 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 Aribisoye Adeoye Stephen (speaker), Ikole II constituency; Aribisoye Adenike Modupe, spouse; Ige Tolulope Michael (majority leader), Ekiti south-west constituency; Ige Opeimipo Omolade, spouse; Okuyiga Eyitayo Adetoju, Gbonyin constituency; Olowoookere Bosede Yinka (chief whip); Efon constituency; Ayoride Ebenezer Oluwagoyin (deputy majority leader) – Ido/Osi II constituency; and Fawekun Abiodun Babatunde, Ido/Osi I constituency.
The proposed trip has elicited reactions on social media, with some X users describing the event as a “waste of scarce resources”, and another example of “misplaced priority” from the political class.
“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.
Enitioluwafiirorunkenimi (@enitioluwafe) October 31, 2024.”
“Instead of that why not enroll them into Afe Babalola University to learn some leadership and governing courses. Most of our politicians dont know why they are holding a post.
— Akinwale S A (@imOlatunj) October 30, 2024.
“Japa syndrome hits Ekiti 😁— AdamawaLastBorn (@AdamawaLas79384) October 31, 2024.”
“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 — Adékúnlé Odérìndé (@AdekunleOderind) October 30, 2024.”
“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.— Olalekan Olaiya (@Le_ccoushey) October 30, 2024.”
“What happened to Ikogosi Warm Springs & didn’t @NGRPresident say we should promote made in Nigeria & live within our means?.— Semper Fi (@tmacbond) October 31, 2024.”
Also reacting to the criticisms, Dele Ekunola, chairman of the Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State, said the trip will 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 Programme 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.
