Ekiti elders promote patriotism and selfless service to improvesociety

The Ekiti Council of Elders emphasized that patriotism and selfless service are essential to societal improvement and the progress of humanity.

President of the Council, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, called on the “well‑meaning sons and daughters of Ekiti State to be prepared to play their roles in their individual and collective capacities to continue to support and promote the spirit of patriotism and selfless service to our society to make it a better place and preserving same for posterity.”

According to a statement from the Council’s Secretary, Niyi Ajibulu, and Public Relations Officer, Dr Adebayo Orire, in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, Oluwasanmi addressed the induction of seven young citizens as Affiliate members of the council.

Ajibulu and Orire described the Affiliate members’ initiative as “a novel concept with a view to modernise and widen the horizon of the Elders’ Council’s activities for greater efficiencies and effectiveness.”

The pioneer affiliate members inducted on the occasion are the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; development expert, Margaret Fagboyo; and Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms, Seyi Aiyeleso.

Additional inductees include construction engineer Oladipupo Bamisaye; entrepreneur Lawrence Olagoke Egunjobi; legal practitioner Mrs Oluwasola Rachel Abe; and broadcaster Oluwakayode Jegede.

The Council, which is limited to Ekiti indigenes aged 60 years and above, has traditionally acted as a paternal figure—offering advice, admonition and correction at critical moments in the affairs of Ekiti.

The Council’s President noted that the affiliate members were selected “as a result of their noteworthy contributions to the Council and their remarkable achievements in their respective endeavours,” adding that the move would further nurture patriotism and selfless service among younger generations.

He stated, “The Council considers the affiliates very fit and worthy within its scope of giving back and striving for a better society.”

Oluwasanmi urged the affiliate members to honor their responsibilities, including “coming up with suggestions that will assist the elders to improve on their service deliverables by injecting contemporary best practices into council initiatives and as well establishing a strong link between the Council and Ekiti in diaspora for the overall benefit of the state and its people.”

“The affiliate members are also expected to recommend possible interventions in the affairs of government for improved performance and as well carry out activities that will promote the vision and mission of the Elders’ Council,” he added.

In his lecture titled “A call to special service,” Pro‑Chancellor Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Prof. Oladipupo Aina appealed to professionals, leaders and the Ekiti diaspora to join the Affiliate platform of the Council as active partners in the state’s transformation.

Aina explained that the initiative “presents the Council as a fountain of wisdom and stability, while positioning Affiliates as the drivers of modernisation – bringing innovation, global perspective and execution capacity to translate Ekiti’s intellectual strengths into economic growth and institutional impact.”

He charged the affiliate members, “The message is clear – this is not a call to observe, but to build – to convert knowledge into results, align vision with action and to transform Ekiti from a reservoir of excellence into a hub of productive, inclusive and sustainable development.”

“Affiliates must therefore rise as transformation agents. They must strengthen innovation ecosystems, support enterprise development, contribute to education and mentorship and shape policy through insight and evidence.”

The Pro‑Chancellor praised the Ekiti Council of Elders, describing it as a moral compass that “functions as a quiet but effective stabilising force, shaping policy conversations, mediating in conflicts and preserving the values that bind the people together.”

Egunjobi, speaking on behalf of the affiliates, expressed appreciation for the Council’s “uncommon gesture” and pledged unflinching support for the organization’s aspirations and programmes.

Among the dignitaries present at the induction were the Vice Chancellor of BOUESTI, Prof. Andrew Omojola; his predecessor, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa; the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Babatola Ayodele; and former Vice Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro Ekiti, Prof. Rev. Father James Olaogun.

The Ekiti Council of Elders, committed to the development of Ekiti as reflected in its programmes, projects and