RT.HON.HAKEEM JAMIU CELEBRATES 61ST BIRTHDAY WITH A CALL FOR SUSTAINED AGRICULTURAL LEGISLATION IN EKITI
By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole
Former Deputy Speaker and member, Ekiti State House of Assembly (EKHA) and sponsor of the Ekiti State Food Security Law, Rt. Hon Hakeem Jamiu has used the occasion of his sixty-first birthday to urge government authorities across the country to encourage and sustain agricultural development initiatives in the interest of the people.
He charged them to building on the legislation he initiated, while urging,him not to relent in implementing the agricultural policy framework.
Rt.Honorable Hakeem Jamiu made the call on Sunday in Ado Ekiti at his residence during a low-key celebration of his sixty-first birthday with his constituents, where he reflected on the journey of the bill from its passage in 2021 to its current implementation under the state government.
Reflecting on his political journey, the lawmaker who rose from being a classroom teacher to a special assistant, senior special assistant, deputy speaker and now a ranking member of the Ekiti House of Assembly (EKHA ) attributed his rise to divine providence rather than personal ambition. He stated that he never dreamt of going to the House of Assembly, adding that he never liked the idea initially but fate had other plans for him and he eventually enjoyed the experience.
He noted that the best moments of life are never planned and simply happen, which he described as his philosophy of life.
The political science scholar who holds a Master’s degree and a PhD specialising in Peace and Security Studies said his academic background shaped his understanding of people and governance. He explained that political science is about people and their character, philosophy and behavioural patterns, adding that he considers himself both a theorist and a practical politician. He expressed gratitude for the gift of another year, emphasising that being alive is a privilege and not a right that should never be taken for granted.
On the landmark Food Security Law which he sponsored in 2021 during the administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi, Jamiu revealed that the legislation was born out of the COVID-19 crisis when farmers were unable to access their farms. He noted that Ekiti is known for agriculture and that their parents were farmers, yet there was no law on agriculture in the state before he sponsored the bill. The law, he explained, aims at mass producing food and mandates that all political office holders including the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers must own farms and be actively involved in agriculture.
The lawmaker expressed satisfaction that the law is being implemented by the present government, stating that even though it was a private bill, once it becomes law it becomes the law of the state. He noted that the law ensures that if mass produce is achieved with silos and stored food, the state would not need to rely on netting during emergencies. He further stated that the law aims at ensuring everybody is involved in agriculture and expressed confidence that it is working.
Despite the low-key nature of the birthday celebration, constituents from his hometown and surrounding communities gathered to celebrate with the lawmaker, whom they described as accessible and deeply connected to the people.
Rt.Hon. Hakeem Jamiu noted that he has been hosting his people for the last twenty years even before he became rooted in politics. He added that the bond he shares with his constituents brings him great joy.
The lawmaker, born in 1965, concluded by expressing gratitude for life and the opportunity to serve, explaining that while last year’s sixtieth birthday was a week-long milestone celebration, he returned this year to his tradition of intimate gatherings with his people. He reiterated his belief that power belongs to God and that he does not bother himself about what the future holds, trusting that whatever will be will be.
