The Likes Group, (TLG), a high profile club in Okemesi-Ekiti, Headquarters of Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA of Ekiti has expressed determination to do everything humanly possible to return normal banking operations to the community without further delay.
Former Deputy Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly and Mayor of TLG, Adesina Animasaun, made this known to newsmen in Okemesi-Ekiti at the weekend, while speaking at the 3rd Socio-Economic Summit of the club, and Investiture of new executives for 2025/27.
The theme of the summit is, “Reimagine Okemesi-Ekiti Dialogue- Achieving Consensus on Our Socio-Economic & Political Growth”.
He explained that the club was well aware that no business would thrive without a functional banking environment, and that summits like the one being organised by the group, may likely not yield the totality of expected results, if the banking industry is ignored.
The pledge is coming about 11 years after the Dec.24, 2015 deadly armed robbery attack on a First generation bank, First Bank, the only bank branch available in the town at the time, which left two persons dead, and many, severely injured.
Since the affected bank closed shop, as a result of the incident, no known banking activities had taken place in the community, with the exception of some underground POS activities.
But shedding light on latest development, Animasaun disclosed that efforts were already ongoing to partner a prominent private university in the town, for the return of the banking activities.
The partnership, he said would see the coming bank, or banks to operate, only within the campus, where it is assured that there is adequate security.
He said it had always been the agenda of the group to seek the reengineering of the economic and commercial focus of the community, by way of intervening and contributing to the welfare and well-being of the able class, particularly the youth, mostly the unemployed, students, farmers, traders and artisans alike.
” The responsibility of The Likes Group, transcends self-interest. We have a responsibility to help our community flourish. It’s about lifting one another and facilitating opportunities where everyone can access the resources and support they need to realize their full potential.
” The Likes Club Reimagine dialogue, is a catalyst aimed at creating a ripple effect that should transform our community.
” This one-day community dialogue event, is aimed at fostering collaboration, learning, and empowerment within our local community. It will address critical issues and aspirations that impact our collective well-being and future.
“We aspire to create a dynamic and inclusive event that inspires positive change and action through engaging sessions, meaningful dialogue, and community participation”, he said.
His speech was corroborated by the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, who commended the contributions of TLG to the development of the club since it’s inception, describing it as one of the few most functional and responsible groups in the town.
The ruler, who is a former Chairman of the Ekiti Traditional Council, urged other clubs to emulate the good works of TLG, even as he commended Gov
Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for it’s relentless efforts in uplifting Ekiti to it’s pride of place, saying the governor deserved a second term in office, going by his performance so far.
In response to the challenge, posed by the Oba and the group, Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, four state Commissioners, who were present at the occasion, pledged the continued support of the state government to the development of the town, asking residents, especially the youths to tap into the various opportunities and programmes of government, and stop attempts at engaging in any lazy and idle practices.
The Commissioners present, included those of Agriculture and Food Security, – Ebenezer Boluwade, Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, Commissioner for Youth Development,Gold Adedayo
and Commissioner for Public Utilities and Infrastructure, Prof Bolaji Aluko.
Speaker Aribasoye said the future belonged to the youths, and that everything must be done to safeguard them.
” The government is trying all it’s possible best. Our problem as a people is a lack of vision. We can’t see into the future, especially those of the youth.
” Let the youth be involved in this kind of summit, because the future they don’t envision, they can’t be part of it.
“They must stop having the notion that things happen by happenstance. Our youths must stop having rent mentality and tokenism.
” If they don’t stop, their future will be bleak. Begging for money and tokenism is a devaluation of our value system. We must not tow the line of a beggarly practice “, he said.
Earlier in a keynote address, the lead discussant, and Chairman/CEO, Conference For Africa Studies, Chief Bayo Ajijola, saluted the courage of TLG, for championing the struggle for the economic emancipation of the community on yearly bssis, describing it’s members as purposeful ambassadors of the Okemesi-Ekiti community and Ekiti in general.
