Kayode Fayemi

Early Life and Background

Dr. John Olukayode Fayemi was born on February 9, 1965, in Isan-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. His early life was shaped in a region known for its strong emphasis on education and cultural heritage. Growing up in Ekiti, he imbibed the values of diligence, community service, and intellectual pursuit that would later define his career. His foundational experiences in his hometown and later in major Nigerian cities provided him with a nuanced understanding of Nigeria's diverse social and political landscape, laying the groundwork for his future engagement in public service and advocacy.

Education

Fayemi's academic journey is distinguished by a commitment to critical inquiry and a multidisciplinary approach. He began his secondary education at Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti, a prestigious institution known for its academic rigor and holistic development, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. He then proceeded to the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History in 1985. Following this, he pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, obtaining a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in International Relations in 1987. Demonstrating an interest in global security and strategic studies, Fayemi furthered his education at King's College London, University of London, United Kingdom. There, he successfully completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in War Studies in 1993, specializing in civil-military relations and security sector governance. His doctoral research provided him with a deep theoretical and practical understanding of conflict resolution, democratic transitions, and the role of security forces in developing nations, knowledge he would later apply extensively in his professional and political life.

Career

Dr. Fayemi's career trajectory is a testament to his versatility, spanning academia, journalism, civil society, and high-level politics. He began his professional life as a lecturer in the College of Communication, University of Lagos, and later at the Department of Political Science, Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano. His early career also included stints in journalism, contributing to publications such as The Guardian, City Tempo, and Daily Times, where he honed his analytical and communication skills. He subsequently served as a Research Fellow at the African Centre for Development and Strategic Studies (ACDESS) in Bagauda, Kano, engaging in policy-oriented research on African development challenges.

In 1997, Fayemi co-founded and became the pioneering Director of the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), a prominent research and advocacy organization initially based in London and later relocating its main office to Abuja, Nigeria. Under his leadership until 2006, CDD became a leading voice in promoting democratic development, good governance, and human security in Africa. The organization played a crucial role in election monitoring, security sector reform advocacy, and strengthening civil society participation in governance processes across the continent. His work at CDD positioned him as a key intellectual and activist in Nigeria's post-military transition.

His foray into partisan politics began with his bid for the governorship of Ekiti State in 2007 under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Following a protracted legal battle over the disputed election results, the Court of Appeal ultimately declared him the rightful winner on October 16, 2010, marking his first inauguration as Governor of Ekiti State. During his first term (2010-2014), Fayemi implemented an ambitious 'Eight-Point Agenda' focused on governance, infrastructure, education, health, industrial development, agriculture, tourism, and gender equality/social security. Notable achievements included the introduction of a social security scheme for the elderly, extensive road construction (including the '5km road per local government' initiative), renovation of schools, and free health missions. He sought re-election in 2014 but narrowly lost to Ayodele Fayose.

Following his gubernatorial tenure, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the Minister of Mines and Steel Development on November 11, 2015. In this role, he spearheaded efforts to diversify Nigeria's economy away from oil, focusing on revitalizing the solid minerals sector. His initiatives included formalizing artisanal mining, attracting local and foreign investment, and strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure responsible mining practices. He served in this capacity until May 30, 2018, when he resigned to contest the Ekiti State governorship election for a second time.

On July 14, 2018, Dr. Fayemi, contesting under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, secured victory in the gubernatorial election, leading to his second inauguration as Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2018. During this second term, which concluded on October 16, 2022, he continued to drive development initiatives, consolidate on past gains, and address new challenges. A significant highlight of this period was his election as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) in May 2019, a position he held until May 2022. As NGF Chairman, he played a crucial role in coordinating policies among Nigeria's 36 state governors, engaging with the federal government on critical national issues, and advocating for fiscal federalism and state autonomy. In 2022, he declared his intention to run for President of Nigeria under the APC but later withdrew from the primary election to support the eventual nominee, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Major Achievements

Dr. Kayode Fayemi's career is marked by several significant achievements across various sectors. As the founding Director of the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), he established a formidable platform for research, advocacy, and training on democratic governance and human security in West Africa, contributing immensely to the region's post-conflict and democratic transitions. During his first term as Governor of Ekiti State (2010-2014), he implemented the innovative 'Eight-Point Agenda,' which notably included the pioneering Social Security Scheme for the Elderly (known as 'Owo Arugbo'), providing stipends to senior citizens, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria. His administration also embarked on aggressive infrastructure development, completing over 1,000 kilometers of roads, and significantly improved educational standards and healthcare access through free health missions and renovation of medical facilities. As Minister of Mines and Steel Development (2015-2018), he was instrumental in developing a roadmap for the sector's growth, leading to increased revenue generation, formalization of artisanal mining, and attracting substantial investments. In his second term as Governor (2018-2022), he consolidated these efforts and, as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (2019-2022), he provided crucial leadership in inter-state cooperation, policy harmonization, and engagement with the federal government on national development issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic response and economic recovery strategies.

Personal Life

Dr. Kayode Fayemi is married to Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, a distinguished gender advocate, writer, and social entrepreneur. Their marriage is blessed with a son, Folajimi Fayemi. Dr. Fayemi is known for his intellectual pursuits and his commitment to family values. He is also an author, having published several books and articles on governance, security, and development, reflecting his continuous engagement with intellectual discourse beyond his political responsibilities. His wife, Bisi Fayemi, has been a strong partner in his public life, particularly in advocating for women's rights and social justice in Ekiti State and nationally.

Legacy

Kayode Fayemi's legacy is multifaceted, defined by his contributions as an intellectual, a civil society leader, and a political administrator. He is remembered for his pivotal role in establishing the Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), which significantly influenced democratic discourse and practice in Nigeria and West Africa. As a two-term Governor of Ekiti State, his administration championed human capital development, social welfare, and infrastructure growth, laying a foundation for sustainable development. The 'Owo Arugbo' social security scheme remains a landmark achievement, showcasing a commitment to inclusive governance. His leadership of the Nigerian Governors' Forum demonstrated his capacity for national coordination and consensus-building among diverse political interests. Fayemi is widely regarded as a technocrat in politics, bringing an academic rigor and strategic thinking to public service. His consistent advocacy for good governance, rule of law, and a diversified economy positions him as a significant figure in Nigeria's contemporary political history, influencing policy and governance beyond his direct political offices.