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Ekiti: Outrage as lawmakers plan Canadian retreat despite nationwide hardship  

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The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Complex
Ekiti State House of Assembly

The Ekiti State lawmakers’ plan for a Canadian retreat has sparked outrage, particularly given the current nationwide hardship.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the lawmakers amidst the growing economic challenges facing Nigeria announced their plans for an international retreat in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, slated for November 2024.

The purpose of the trip was made known in a letter signed by the Clerk of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mrs. Titilope Agbede.

The letter addressed to the President of Ekiti Kete in Canada, Barrister Adesina, clarified that the main aim of the retreat is to foster cultural ties and promote governance improvements for citizens of Ekiti.

The statement reads, “the retreat seeks to enhance the legislators’ capacity by providing them with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively address policy implementation challenges.”

Besides, the lawmakers disclosed their intentions to leverage the trip as an opportunity to encourage and inspire members of the Ekiti Kete Association in Canada to invest in their homeland, thereby contributing to the state’s economic growth and development.

The lawmakers’ response

The lawmakers have emphasized that their upcoming trip will be self-funded, addressing concerns about utilizing public funds during a period of economic hardship.

One of the legislators clarified that “the upcoming trip to Canada is a self-funded initiative focused on inter-parliamentary capacity building and leadership training.

“The opportunity is extended to honorable members from all 36 states, not exclusively limited to Ekiti State representatives.”

“The trip aims to enhance lawmakers’ skills in navigating policy complexities and foster meaningful connections with the Ekiti Kete Association in Canada.”

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Providing further justification, the lawmaker stated that the upcoming trip to Canada is voluntary and self-funded in nature.

“The circulating document listed 27 names, exceeding the state’s 26-member delegation, highlighting that attendance is optional and participants are attending in their individual capacities.”

According to SaharaReporters, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, endorsed the merits of the upcoming retreat, emphasizing that attendance is strictly limited to those who can personally fund their participation.

“The condition ensures that only genuinely interested and financially capable individuals will attend, aligning with the principle of fiscal responsibility,” Aribasoye stated.

Aribasoye, through his Special Adviser on Media statement, described the trip as an investment in governance improvement.

“The exchange provides Ekiti lawmakers with invaluable insights into best practices and innovative governance strategies, ultimately benefiting the people of the state.

The Speaker further emphasized, “by investing in their own professional development, these lawmakers are, in essence, investing in the future prosperity and well-being of Ekiti.”

Aribasoye addressed public skepticism regarding the Ekiti State Assembly’s recent distinction as the “best state assembly in ICT integration.”

He attributed the achievement to the lawmakers’ consistent participation in local and international learning opportunities, which has enhanced their capacity to effectively integrate technology into governance.

“A legislature that lacks exposure would not have achieved our recent distinction as the best state assembly in ICT integration.”

The Rt. Hon. emphasized the vital importance of legislative investments, stating, “this is not the first of such trips, and I don’t pray it’ll be the last.”

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“We are to also use the opportunity to inspire Ekiti Kete in Canada to come back home and invest,” added one lawmaker

Reactions of Nigerians

Nigerians on social media have expressed strong disapproval of the Ekiti lawmakers’ planned foreign trip, labeling it as a misallocation of resources, despite claims that the trip is self-funded.

It was confirmed that some lawmakers would be accompanied by their spouses for the retreat in Canada.

@FemiOguntayo2 reacting via his X handle, wrote, “Well, let’s all look at the good side to this tho.😀

“Let’s be hopeful they learn one or two things in Canada that will benefit our dear state coz they clearly need it.”

“But, why going with their spouses tho…?😪”

Also, @imOlatunj wrote, “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.”

@Nnekabusybody simply wrote, “If shameless were a group of people, these people are one.”

@djokaymegamixer wrote, “the poverty level in Ekiti is on a very high side, the people’s standard of living is on a steady decline, yet the state’s meager resources are being spent in this manner.

“It’s really unfortunate that we continue to have these self-centered ruiners at the helm of affairs.”

“The move is perceived by the people of the state as insensitive and extravagant, especially when many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet.

“The retreat’s purpose and potential benefits are being questioned, with many arguing that it’s an unnecessary luxury.”

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For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

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