By Editor
The Nigerian National Forum of Former Legislators, (NNFL) yesterday, concluded it’s week long inauguration tour of the body across the 16 Local governments of Ekiti State with the grand finale at Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The gala event held at the main Hall of Feyisetan Registry Isato area of Ado Ekiti was attended by large number of former lawmakers including counsellors, State and National Assembly members.
In his keynote address, Dr. Ife Arowosoge, (MHR) who doubles as Ekiti State General Coordinator and Chairman Public Policy of NNFL spoke extensively on the successful inauguration tour of the body across all Ekiti State Local Governments and the positive vision of the newly inaugurated Forum in the polity. His words;
“Today marks the successful completion of the inauguration of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) Chapters across all the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State, with the grand finale held here in Ado-Ekiti. This is indeed a remarkable milestone in our collective effort to further strengthen the Forum and position it for greater service to our dear state and nation.
“At this juncture, I wish to express my profound gratitude to members of Coordinator’s team for their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication throughout the past eight days of rigorous activities, which commenced on May 1, 2026. In particular, I sincerely appreciate Hon. Mrs. Olubunmi Ajayi-Oriniowo Anike (Ekiti North Senatorial District) , the APC National Ex-Officio Member representing the South West Geopolitical Zone; Rt. Hon. Mrs. Olubunmi Adelugba (Ekiti South Senatorial District), the first female Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly; and Hon. Gabriel Ogundele (Ekiti Central Senatorial Distric), Chairman of the Local Government Coordinators Committee, for leaving aside other important engagements to devote quality time, resources, and energy to this programme.
“With the inauguration of the Ado Local Government Chapter today, we have now successfully established the National Forum of Former Legislators in all the Local Government Areas of Ekiti State. This achievement is a continuation of the historic event of April 10, 2026, when the Ekiti State Chapter of the Forum was inaugurated at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
“As part of our strategic political engagement, we have equally constituted Campaign Councils ahead of the June 20, 2026 Governorship Election. It is our expectation that the charge given to our members to deliver a minimum of 500,000 votes in the June 20 Gubernatorial election will be fully realized, considering the fact that our members across the 177 wards in the state have already commenced campaigns in earnest.
“I am confident that both our Governor and Mr. President, who have been overwhelmingly endorsed for a second term in office by former councillors, former members of the State House of Assembly, and former members of the National Assembly, will greatly benefit from the activities of the NFFL through improved electoral support and enhanced voter mobilization and reduction in voters apathy in future elections.
“However, it is important to state clearly that supporting credible candidates during elections is only one of the numerous objectives of the National Forum of Former Legislators, and this objective is presently being vigorously pursued. Beyond politics and elections, the Forum is committed to collaborating with legislative institutions in advancing quality and enduring legislation, advocating for good governance, and contributing meaningful advice on important policies affecting governance and national development.
“In addition, the Forum remains dedicated to mentoring upcoming legislators through the organization of impactful seminars, workshops, and training programmes for new and aspiring legislators. We believe these objectives are best achieved in an atmosphere of stable and progressive governance after successful elections, and we stand ready to continue collaborating in these critical areas.
“Even though we are no longer occupying public office, our Forum will continue to render selfless service to our country and contribute positively to democratic development and good governance.
“I also wish to appreciate all our Local Government Coordinators who worked tirelessly to mobilize councillors from their various wards for these inaugurations.
“To all our newly inaugurated members, I say congratulations. It is our sincere hope that you will perform creditably in your new responsibilities as Chairmen and members of the NFFL Campaign Councils in your respective Local Government Areas, to ensure a landslide victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 election, and to repeat the same feat for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
“I also wish to appreciate all our Local Government Coordinators who worked tirelessly to mobilize councillors from their various wards for these inaugurations.
“To all our newly inaugurated members, I say congratulations. It is our sincere hope that you will perform creditably in your new responsibilities as Chairmen and members of the NFFL Campaign Councils in your respective Local Government Areas to ensure landslide victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 , 2026 election and repeat the same feat for president Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
“Furthermore, I appreciate the Convener of this Forum, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to Mr. President, whose ingenuity and original thinking gave birth to this idea, which will become a ready-made tool for good governance and a reservoir of knowledge from which government can continually draw for the advancement of our country.
“I equally appreciate our cerebral, workaholic, and indefatigable National Coordinator, my respected and highly valued friend, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, and his team, who came to inaugurate the Ekiti State Chapter of the NFFL on April 10th.
“I remain grateful to members of the press who accompanied us throughout these activities in the field, including those who joined us today to report our programmes and activities professionally and objectively.
“Once again, I thank everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of this historic exercise.Thank you and God bless”.
