Dr. Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti, has appointed Ayodele Fayose, his predecessor, into the the COVID-19 response resource mobilisation committee.
Fayose alongside Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni, also former governors of Ekiti were named patrons of the committee while Afe Babalola, a notable lawyer, was named the grand patron.
In a statement on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Biodun Oyebanji, secretary to the state government, said the governor set up a 47-member panel of eminent citizens of the state to help mobilise resources to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Panel which is officially known as Ekiti State COVID-19 Response Resource Mobilisation Committee has the former Minister of Health and Chairman, Juli Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi as Chairman,” Oyebanji said.
“The Founder/Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola will serve as the Grand Patron, while three former governors of the state were named as Patrons.
“The Committee has as members captains of industry, distinguished private sector players, renowned professionals and prominent members of Ekiti in the Diaspora.
“The list include Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank, Sir Remi Omotoso; former Chairman United African Company (UAC), Ayo Ajayi; Principal Partner, Aluko and Oyebode & Co, Gbenga Oyebode; CEO of Ecobank International, Ade Ayeyemi; Chairman, Boyage Oil and Gas, Otunba Olutoye Ariyo; President, Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce, Otunba Toyin Akomolafe; a former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Senator Ayo Arise.
“Others include renowned Oncologist and Director, Global Medicine, University of Chicago, USA, Prof Funmi Falusi-Olopade; Vice President, International Affairs, Kings’ College, London, Prof Funmi Olonisakin; former Executive Secretary, NHIS, Dr Femi Thomas; Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN); Managing Director, Luk Oil Nigeria Ltd, Kunle Gidado, CEO Agro Innovate, Mrs Foluso Olaniyan and former NBA National Secretary, Mr Dele Adesina (SAN).”
Ekiti currently has two COVID-19 cases.