Sports

Fayemi Under Fire For Closing Schools To Host NAFEST In Ekiti

Published

4 years ago

November 20, 2021

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has slammed Governor Kayode Fayemi over the closure of schools in the state for the hosting of the National Festival of Arts & Culture (NAFEST).

The opposition party which derided the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government described the development as ridiculous and unexplainable.

The Ekiti PDP State Working Committee (SWC) took this position after an emergency meeting held at the State party Secretariat in Ado Ekiti on Friday, to deliberate over various developments in the state. The meeting which was presided over by the PDP acting State Chairman, Hon Lanre Omolase, unequivocally declared the APC ruling government as an enemy of education.

The State Publicity Secretary of the opposition party , Raphael Adeyanju, in a statement made available to journalists said that it was appalling that Ekiti children have been made to stay at home since last week just because the state is hosting NAFEST.

“While we are not against the celebration of our culture and tradition, it is unexplainable that a government who goes about claiming to be restoring our values in Ekiti could close schools for two weeks just because the State is holding NAFEST,” the party said.

It lamented that education, which is the pride of Ekiti and its people, has been sacrificed for a mere festival of arts and culture by the APC government ostensibly because Governor Fayemi and his party do not value education.

The statement read; “Up till now, we are still unable to fathom out the reason any government will close primary and secondary schools, including private ones for two weeks simply because Festival of Arts and Culture is holding in the state capital.

“Here in Ekiti, pupils were simply told to stay at home until further notice with no explanation from anyone.

“We wonder the benefits of NAFEST in which the only activities that can be seen at the venue is display of wares, including used clothes and shoes, to Ekiti State such that the future of thousands of our children will be put into jeopardy.

“Most importantly, even if NAFEST has become so much a priority to Governor Fayemi and his APC government, what is the rationale behind closure of schools in other towns where the event is not being held? Or is NAFEST holding in all the towns and villages in Ekiti State?

“In all these, what we have seen is a clear misplaced priority on the side of a party and government that do not care about the future of Ekiti children and by the power of God, just like all the afflictions of the Israelites, this phase too shall pass next year.”

But responding,the APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said the one-week vacation was declared to prevent students from sneaking out of schools, by being attracted by the festival, observe their midterm and prevent students cohabiting with strangers, who are presently occupying some hostels owned by public schools.

Dipe, who described the vituperation as unreasonable and belated, said no governor could have loved education like Fayemi, who declared free education in primary and secondary schools and abrogated the levy allegedly imposed on pupils by the immediate past PDP administration.

Speaking with journalists via telephone on Saturday, the APC spokesperson insisted that Fayemi has not committed any crime for declaring the holiday for students.

“Let me remind the PDP that the holiday was declared to prevent students from sneaking out of schools to go and watch the cultural fiesta. But if they are under the custody of their parents, nothing of such would happen. Again, it is also a time for them to observe their midterm holidays, having got to the middle of the first term.

“How can they expect visitors to be cohabiting with students in hostels? Because the contingents are using the school hostels. There was no governor that has been education-friendly like Governor Fayemi. He was the one that removed the pupils out of tax net. These show that the governor is a caring leader.

“We all know the economic value of NAFEST. It amazes me that the PDP could be talking now after the expiration of the vacation. For Fayemi’s love for education, school enrolment has gone up, teachers’ salaries are paid regularly, they can access loans easily and they are given incentives like training and workshops to sharpen their performances.”

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Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

14 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.