I Have Laughed More Than I Have Cried, Says Mrs. Fayemi at 50

‘I REALLY have cause to thank God because since I was born, I have laughed more than I have cried. I have also triumphed more than I have been challenged”.

With these words, wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, who turned 50 Tuesday, summarised her life in the past five decades in a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti.

The celebration, low key but colourful, attracted many dignitaries within and outside the state. Speaking at the event, she thanked her parents for giving her a good upbringing and sound education, which she said gave her the hope of making headway in life.

Describing the death of the late Deputy Governor, Mrs.  Funmilayo Olayinka as a big blow to her, she also thanked God for giving her a husband like  Governor  Kayode Fayemi , whom she described as a “friend, fellow comrade , brother, mentor and role model”.

She prayed to God to grant her the strength to be able to fulfill all the promises made to the late Deputy Governor during her burial ceremony.

Governor  Fayemi, who described her wife’s activities as a plus to his administration, said “ My wife was the pillar in the fight to reclaim our mandate in Ekiti. At a time, I thought of opting out of the struggle, but my wife encouraged me to continue.

“Today, my wife is so active in ensuring that my administration records a huge success. Even some people are confused at times, who is actually the governor”.

Tactically referring to the death of Mrs. Olayinka as the reason for the low-key celebration, Fayemi posited that “my wife started planning for the 50th birthday for over a decade. Even last year, she reminded me that an Ivorian musician  or her friend and South African musician, Yvonne Chaka Chaka would be coming for her 50th birthday, but God knows the best”.

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, who delivered the sermon, urged those in leadership positions in the country to learn how to spread love and unity that would earn the country international respect, rather than placing high premium on materials’ acquisition.

“The bad image about Nigeria is caused by the activities of Nigerian leaders, who are  corrupt and involvement of some Nigerians in criminal activities. Nigeria is what we make it to be in the eyes of the international community”, he declared.

The cleric pointed that something  good could still come out of Nigeria with the emergence of leaders  like Governor Kayode Fayemi and  wife in governance, who believe in selfless service  and making lives more comfortable  for the  poor.

He described Mrs. Fayemi and her husband as the Icon of democracy, who struggled hard in far away England, to ensure that the annulment of June 12, 1993 election, supposedly won by the late business Mogul, Chief MKO Abiola was reversed by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.

The clergyman said, “June, 12, 1993 was a dark time in the history of this nation. After the annulment of the election, Dr and Mrs Fayemi , who was pregnant then, were seen protesting on the streets of London.  

This shows how far a child of God could go to ensure justice and society  that is full of hope.
Describing the 50 years of Mrs. Fayemi as fulfilling, graceful and eventful.

“In fighting for justice or moving on to have a breakthrough in life , a lot of challenges and persecution  would come your way, but as a child of God, you  are expected to serve God to the end”.
Bishop Ajakaye urged her not to derail in her resolve to combat poverty among the rank and file of Ekiti populace.