Kayode Fayemi

Former Governor of Ekiti State, former Chairman, Nigeria Governors' Forum and President, Forum of Règions of Africa.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

I am grateful to the leadership and members of our great party, the All Progressive Congress (@OfficialAPCNg), my fellow progressives, and to you, the good people of Ekiti State for your heart-warming reception in our state capital, Ado-Ekiti today.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

Today marks one year since the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was a man of conviction whose perseverance shaped his remarkable political journey. Despite repeated setbacks, he never abandoned his belief in democratic leadership or his commitment to the Nigerian project. Those who worked closely with him also came to know a disciplined, principled, and patriotic leader whose intentions were always based on service to the nation.

May Allah (SWT) grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and continue to comfort his family and all who mourn him.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

What a remarkable Wimbledon journey this has been for Seun and his doubles partner.

Their run to the semi-finals of the 2026 Wimbledon Junior Championships showcased resilience, determination, and tremendous fighting spirit. Although they came up just short today, they have every reason to be proud of what they achieved on one of the biggest stages in world tennis.

Well done, Seun and Raguin. You have represented Ekiti, Nigeria, and Africa with distinction throughout the tournament. I have no doubt that this is only the beginning of many greater accomplishments. The future is yours.

[Nigeria Tennis Live @naijatennislive]

UP NIGERIA! UP BOTSWANA! ALLEZ AFRICA 😂😂💪🏽

The beautiful moment Nigeria’s Seun Ogunsakin and Botswana’s Ntungamili Raguin delivered a masterpiece to secure their semifinal spot at the #wimbledon Junior Championship!

Nigeria 🤝🏽 Botswana = Grand Slam Glory 💪🏽🫡

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

Congratulations to our own Seun Ogunsakin and his doubles partner on an impressive victory to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 Wimbledon Junior Championships.

It is heartwarming to see Seun continue to make steady progress on one of tennis’ biggest stages. We are all proud of what he is achieving and wish him continued success in the tournament.

Ekiti and Nigeria are firmly behind you. Keep flying our flag high.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

It was an honour to join family and friends of the late PK Gupta in celebration of a life of service to industry and entrepreneurship. Mr Gupta, who died at the age of 83, was the founder of African Foundries and African Steel Ltd, Nigeria’s biggest steel producer, which has also extended into the steel industry in the UK and Romania, as well as the finance and banking industry.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr PK Gupta and his sons, Raj and Alok, when they embarked on the ambitious Kujeni Iron and Steel Project in Kaduna State, Nigeria, while I was Minister of Mines and Steel Development. I encouraged African Steel to intensify their backward integration strategy after visiting their factories in Ogijo, Ogun State, and Abuja, FCT. They eventually built the 1.5 million metric tonnes capacity steel plant in Kaduna and have remained the leading producer of steel products in Nigeria. They also simultaneously rescued the steel industry in Wales, UK, among other projects around the world.

PK Gupta’s life was exemplary in several ways, not least for his foundational entrepreneurial acumen, but also for his understated humility and service to humanity. May he continue to rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the worthy life he lived. Amen.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

Bisi and I were delighted to watch Ekiti tennis prodigy and Africa’s Under-18 champion, Seun Ogunsakin, compete on Court 6 at the Wimbledon Championships in London yesterday.

I have followed Seun’s meteoric rise since my time as Governor, when we sponsored him to the ITF Tennis Academy in Tunisia. Since then, he has competed in several major tournaments in and out of Africa, including the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris. This was his first outing at Wimbledon and he gave a good account of himself despite a narrow defeat to Oliver Gray of Great Britain.

Seun has great prospects because of his exceptional talent and I look forward to greater strides from him in future. My gratitude also goes to his coach, Jan Richfield Dongo, for the outstanding work he has done in nurturing Seun’s development. I equally acknowledge my good friends, Bayo Okauru and Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, whose steadfast support and investment in him over the years have contributed immensely to his journey.

Seun, thank you for making Ekiti and Nigeria proud on the global stage. Better luck next time.

[Udara Books @udarabooks]

If This Giant Must Rise

What will it take for Nigeria and Africa to fulfil their potential? In If This Giant Must Rise: Interventions on Leadership and Governance in Nigeria, former governor, minister, scholar, and democracy advocate Kayode Fayemi offers an informed answer. Drawing from decades of public service, policy engagement, and intellectual leadership, Fayemi examines the forces shaping governance in Nigeria and across the continent while presenting a compelling vision for building stronger institutions and more effective leadership.

Rather than merely diagnosing Africa's challenges, this book provides a roadmap for addressing them. It explores the realities of insecurity, political instability, democratic governance, economic inequality, and institutional reform, demonstrating how visionary leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative governance can unlock sustainable development.

As the global balance of power continues to shift, Fayemi also explains how Africa can position itself confidently within an increasingly multipolar world.

Why Read This Book:
The book combines personal experience with rigorous analysis to reveal the principles of effective governance and nation-building. Readers will discover why strong institutions matter more than strong individuals, how democratic leadership can be strengthened, and what practical reforms are needed to create lasting prosperity and stability across Nigeria and Africa.

Whether you are interested in politics, public policy, leadership, or African development, this book offers fresh perspectives grounded in real-world experience.

What You'll Gain:
A deeper understanding of leadership and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Practical insights into institutional reform, democratic development, and public policy.
A broader perspective on Africa's place in an evolving global order.
Valuable lessons in strategic leadership, teamwork, and nation-building.
A richer appreciation of the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa's future.

Who Should Read It:
This book is ideal for policymakers, public servants, political leaders, academics, researchers, university students, diplomats, development professionals, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, and anyone passionate about the future of Nigeria and Africa. It is equally valuable for readers seeking to understand how effective leadership can transform societies and create enduring institutions.

Add It to Your Library Today:
If you're looking for a serious, insightful, and inspiring work on leadership, governance, public policy, democracy, and African development, If This Giant Must Rise deserves a place on your bookshelf. Whether for personal growth, academic study, or professional reference, this hardcover edition offers enduring lessons from one of Nigeria's most accomplished public intellectuals.

Author: Kayode Fayemi
Format: Hardcover
Order your copy today: https://t.co/CoSxEECkrb
Or contact Udara Books on WhatsApp:
[phone]
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[TheECSSR @TheECSSR]

In an interview on the sidelines of Hili Africa Dialogue, H.E. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Former Nigerian Minister of Mines and Steel Development, emphasized the importance of Africa being a central partner in shaping the rules of international cooperation, rather than merely receiving agendas set by others.

He noted that the future of partnerships with the continent should be built on a clear African vision, stronger negotiating capacity, and a model that ensures value is added to Africa’s resources and minerals within the continent.

#HiliRegionalDialogue
#HiliAfricaDialogue
#HiliUAEAfrica
#TheECSSR

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

It was a pleasure to address the General Assembly of the Smile Train African Alumni Network (STAAN) in Abuja, a network of cleft care leaders and professionals, particularly plastic surgeons and ENT specialists, committed to advancing cleft care across Africa. I delivered the keynote on “Leading Beyond the Scalpel: Why African Surgeons Must Become Health Advocates.”

Our conversation examined the wider challenge of strengthening health systems across Africa. While surgical expertise remains indispensable, better outcomes for patients also depend on timely diagnosis, good nutrition, accessible financing, multidisciplinary care, effective referral systems, and sustained follow-up. These are policy questions as much as they are clinical ones.

Drawing on our experience in Ekiti State, I reflected on how close collaboration between policymakers and frontline health professionals enabled us to translate evidence into action. That approach informed reforms in maternal and child health and contributed to measurable improvements in nutrition outcomes, including significant reductions in stunting and wasting among children under five.

I encouraged the surgeons to see their professional responsibility as extending beyond the operating theatre into research, public policy, institutional development, and community engagement. Africa’s health systems need clinicians who are prepared to shape policy, strengthen institutions, generate evidence, and advocate for equitable access to quality care.

I thank the leadership and members of STAAN for the invitation and for creating an important platform to reflect on how surgical excellence can contribute to stronger health systems and better lives for millions of Africans.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

I congratulate Governor Biodun Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji on his well-deserved re-election as Governor of Ekiti State. The outcome of the election is a strong affirmation of the confidence that Ekiti people have reposed in his leadership and record of service.

I commend the people of Ekiti for once again demonstrating their democratic maturity and commitment to peaceful participation. I also acknowledge the efforts of INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders who contributed to a peaceful process.

Now that the contest is over, it is time to close ranks and focus on the task ahead. I urge all our people, irrespective of political affiliation, to rally round Governor Oyebanji as he begins a new term of service to our dear state.

Ekiti has always moved forward when we place the common good above all else. I have no doubt that the Governor will continue to justify the trust and confidence of our people.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

Earlier today, Bisi @bisiafayemi and I exercised our civic responsibility by casting our votes at Ward 11, Isan-Ekiti, in the Ekiti State governorship election. I was encouraged by the impressive turnout and the orderly manner in which voters came out to perform their civic duty and exercise their democratic right.

Before proceeding to the polling unit, I met with leaders of the Isan Progressive Union following the unfortunate incident that occurred in the community last night. Isan-Ekiti has always been a peaceful community, and what transpired was an isolated altercation between two individuals. It had nothing to do with politics or the election. I commend the swift response of community leaders and residents, whose efforts ensured that normalcy prevailed and that citizens turned out to vote as expected.

I have also received assurances from the police authorities, up to the level of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, that a thorough investigation is underway and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice. We must ensure that this unfortunate incident does not disturb the peace and harmony for which our community is known. May the soul of the departed rest well.

I urge all Ekiti people to remain peaceful and continue to conduct themselves in the finest traditions of our democracy.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

It was a pleasure to receive a delegation from the International Republican Institute (@IRIglobal), a non-profit, non-partisan organisation dedicated to advancing democracy around the world, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

Our conversation focused on the democratic journey in Ekiti and Nigeria, the importance of credible elections, and the imperative of strengthening institutions that guarantee transparency, inclusion, and peaceful political competition.

I remain convinced that democracy is strengthened when electoral processes command public trust and when political actors conduct themselves with civility and respect for the will of the people. I wish the people of Ekiti a peaceful and successful election.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

It was a delight to join our party faithful and the good people of Ekiti at the grand rally in support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s @biodunaoyebanji re-election.

The massive turnout and enthusiasm on display reflected what many of us already know. Governor Oyebanji has earned the trust and confidence of Ekiti people through his humility, inclusiveness, and commitment to development.

I have always maintained that leadership is ultimately about service to the people. I am pleased that he has remained focused on that responsibility while preserving the unity and stability that are essential for progress.

As we approach the election, I urge all our supporters to remain peaceful, focused, and committed to the values that have distinguished our party over the years. Ekiti must continue on the path of progress.

[Kayode Fayemi @kfayemi]

Labisi, ...as another year rolls in, my immense gratitude is to God Almighty for the gift of your love, sacrifice and friendship. You are not only the love of my life but also my best friend ever, the one who gets me - even in my most inscrutable silence, the one with the wisest counsel in moments of uncertainty, my one and only - in sadness and in joy. Happy birthday, darling. JK

[Thabo Mbeki Foundation @TMFoundation_]

Exciting progress is unfolding at the Thabo Mbeki Presidential Centre!

Since November 2025, work has been underway on a mockup structure to test construction methodologies, colors, and materials for this unique project.

Current milestones include:

Rammed Earth Walls: We have completed the first lift of the mockup walls using this ancient, sustainable building method.
Energy Centre: Piling is nearly complete, which will allow us to start the platform for the foundation.

This centre is a physical manifestation of Africa’s Renaissance, a place to store the knowledge of the past and present to nourish future generations.

#ThaboMbekiPresidentialCentre #AfricanRenaissance #Sustainability #ProgressUpdate

[Unisa @unisa]

Unisa successfully concluded the final engagement of the week-long Thabo Mbeki Africa Day activities with a vibrant post-lecture Townhall engagement hosted at the University’s Parow Campus in the Western Cape.

Students from universities across the Eastern and Western Cape, TVET colleges, and the Regional Student Representative Council (SRC) engaged rigorously with Unisa Chancellor and former President Dr Thabo Mbeki, and guest lecturer, Prof Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria, on issues shaping the future of the African continent.

Hosted by Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng @LenkaBula, the engagement created a powerful platform for student voices, leadership dialogue, and intergenerational engagement in advancing the African Agenda.
The week closed on a high note with moments of reflection and a shared commitment to Africa’s renewal.
#MbekiLecture | #Unisa150andBeyond | #AfricaDay2026

[Thabo Mbeki Foundation @TMFoundation_]

Still reflecting. Still inspired. Still committed to Africa’s Renaissance. #AfricaDay2026
@unisa @MbekiSchool @NEPAD_Agency

[Amandla Institute @AmandlaInstitut]

Speaking at the 16th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in Cape Town, @kfayemi Co-Founder of Amandla Institute, called for a more strategic and realistic African response to shifting global power dynamics.

🎥 Credit: @SABCNews

[Thabo Mbeki Foundation @TMFoundation_]

Taking place now at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: President Mbeki hosting our keynote speaker, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, and Prof @FunmiOlonisakin. Witnessing his deep love for nature is truly inspiring. He moves through these magnificent gardens with the wonder and joy of a child discovering a playground.
@kfayemi @KirstenboschNBG
#MbekiLecture #AfricaDay2026