The Ekiti Rebirth Movement (ERM) held its weekly meeting in the state capital of Ado Ekiti, where they spoke to reporters about their plans to address the challenges facing Ekiti state leading up to the 2026 elections.
The Ekiti Rebirth Movement was prompted by a desire to emulate the great achievements of Ekiti’s past leaders, who were able to build schools, churches, hospitals, and other key infrastructure without relying on government allocations.
Today, the group laments, many in Ekiti have become accustomed to poverty, wrongly believing that development can only come through federal funding. They point to the vast difference between Lagos’ monthly internal revenue of over 500 billion naira compared to Ekiti’s meager 5 billion, making it nearly impossible to promptly pay salaries and provide basic services. The so-called “empowerment” programs of providing grinding machines and motorcycles are seen as mere political gimmicks that do not address the underlying challenges.
The ERM believes the path out of poverty lies in tapping into Ekiti’s natural resources and human capital. As one of the most educated populations in the world, the group feels Ekiti should be able to thrive through self-employment and entrepreneurship rather than relying on scarce government jobs. To enable this, the ERM plans to work with financial institutions to improve access to industrial and agricultural loans, and to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow.
A key part of the ERM’s agenda is reviving Ekiti’s once-thriving agricultural sector. They recognize the stigma attached to farming, with many seeing it as a profession for the poor. The group wants to change this perception by introducing modern farming equipment and techniques, and establishing agricultural extension services across Ekiti’s three senatorial districts. Addressing the challenges of storage and preservation will also be a priority.
Another critical aspect of the ERM’s vision is attracting investments, both local and foreign, to Ekiti. The group’s leader, who is part of the Ekiti diaspora, has been traveling abroad to engage compatriots and encourage them to come home and contribute to the state’s development. The ERM promises a welcoming and supportive environment for investors, with easy access to loans, land, and other necessary resources.
Importantly, the ERM emphasizes that its mission is not about personal enrichment, but rather a genuine desire to serve the people of Ekiti. They assure the public that they have no intention of “stealing Ekiti’s money,” but rather to utilize the state’s resources judiciously for the benefit of all – the young, old, adults, and retirees alike. The group’s goal is to make Abuja’s federal allocation a mere “bonus,” with salaries paid promptly and on time.
Security is another area of focus for the ERM, which recognizes that crime and instability often stem from the wide gap between the rich and the poor. By prioritizing the improvement of the lives of the less fortunate, the group believes Ekiti can become a more secure and cohesive society, where people have a sense of belonging and confidence in their future.
The ERM’s stance on the recent controversy surrounding the 35% affirmative action for women in political appointments is clear – they believe it should be increased to 50%, as women make up half the world’s population.
The group promises an administration that respects women and provides them with equal opportunities to express themselves and reach their full potential.
Regarding the debate over traditional festivals like Olosunta and Udiroko, which some consider “idol worship,” the ERM takes a nuanced approach. They argue that these cultural events were used by Ekiti’s ancestors to foster social cohesion, and that they need not be seen as conflicting with Christianity or Islam. Instead, the group views these festivals as potential sources of economic development through tourism, much like the Festival of the Seas in Liverpool, UK.
The ERM’s vision for Ekiti is one of a rejuvenated, productive, and self-reliant state, where the people are empowered to create their own prosperity through entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the development of local industries. They are determined to break the cycle of dependency on federal allocations and to harness Ekiti’s abundant human and natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens.
As the group prepares to potentially form the next government in Ekiti, their commitment to serving the people, rather than personal enrichment, is a central tenet of their platform. They aim to create an inclusive, prosperous, and secure Ekiti, where everyone has a stake in the state’s development and a sense of pride in its cultural heritage.
The Ekiti Rebirth Movement’s ambitious agenda touches on a wide range of issues, from economic empowerment to social cohesion and cultural preservation. Their emphasis on self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and the utilization of Ekiti’s inherent strengths presents a compelling alternative to the status quo. As the 2026 elections approach, the ERM’s vision for a transformed Ekiti will no doubt be a key point of discussion and debate among the state’s citizens.
In conclusion, the Ekiti Rebirth Movement has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, offering a comprehensive and forward-looking blueprint for the state’s development. Their commitment to serving the people, rather than personal gain, and their belief in Ekiti’s ability to thrive through its own resources and ingenuity, make them a promising contender in the political landscape. As Ekiti looks to the future, the ERM’s message of “rebirth” and self-reliance could resonate deeply with a population eager for lasting change and prosperity.