By Amb. S. YASIR ABIOLA
Mature Minds Digital Radio TV
ILAWE-EKITI/ADO-EKITI — August 25, 2026
A team from Mature Minds Digital Radio TV on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, paid a working visit to the residence of the Distinguished Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, in Ilawe-Ekiti, to observe his interaction with constituents and engage him on issues concerning the development of Ekiti State.
The visit formed part of the organisation’s commitment to providing credible, balanced and fact-based reports on public officials, governance and issues affecting the people.
Hundreds of Constituents Engage Senator
During the visit, hundreds of constituents were observed at the Senator’s residence, with many seeking his attention on personal, family and community-related matters.
The crew observed the Senator receiving a considerable number of the people in his office, listening to their requests and, in several instances, responding immediately to their needs.
Conversations among some of the constituents also suggested that many expected to leave the residence with some form of assistance.
The Senator’s calm disposition and direct interaction with the people were notable features of the visit. He later stood among the constituents, relating with them in a cordial manner and displaying gestures that reflected a relatively informal relationship with the people.
The scene also brought to mind an award presented to Senator Adaramodu during the 2021 anniversary of Mature Minds Community, where he was recognised as the “Most Accessible Grassroots Politician.”
While an award or public perception cannot, by itself, constitute a comprehensive assessment of a public official’s performance, the interaction witnessed during the visit offered an observable basis for understanding the perception of accessibility associated with the Senator.
One-on-One With Senator Adaramodu
In keeping with its commitment to obtaining direct responses from public officials on matters of public interest, the Mature Minds Digital Radio TV crew also engaged Senator Adaramodu in a one-on-one interview in Ado-Ekiti on the same day.
The discussion focused on issues surrounding the development of Ekiti State, particularly as the state prepares to mark 30 years of its creation on October 1, 2026.
Among the questions put to the Senator were his message to Ekiti people at 30, the possibility of leveraging the state’s natural resources for development, his assessment of the political ideology of Ekiti State, and the role of young people in leadership.
“Ekiti Is a Collective Interest”
Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the state, Senator Adaramodu described the creation of Ekiti State in 1996 as a collective interest of its people.
He noted that Ekiti had recorded tremendous development since it was carved out of the old Ondo State, while acknowledging the need for further progress.
On the possibility of leveraging the state’s natural resources, the Senator explained that the state has limited access to resources deposited beneath the earth, noting that their exploitation involves the Federal Government and may require legislative action.
He, however, stated that resources found on the earth’s surface could be utilised by the state government, adding that the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji was working towards harnessing such opportunities.
Political Stability and Continuity
Senator Adaramodu identified political stability as an important factor in achieving sustainable development in Ekiti.
He argued that the state’s political instability has affected continuity in governance, particularly in situations where different political parties succeed one another in government.
According to him, successive administrations may come with projects and programmes that best define their individual tenures, making long-term continuity more difficult.
He therefore stressed the importance of political stability and continuity, while highlighting Governor Oyebanji’s re-election and what he described as the administration’s inclusive governance approach as an opportunity for sustained development.
The Senator’s position represents his assessment of Ekiti’s political experience and remains subject to broader public debate and independent assessment.
Asked to describe the political ideology of Ekiti State, Senator Adaramodu said:
“The political ideology of Ekiti is social welfarism.”
Adaramodu at 29: “I Emerged Not Because of Money”
The Senator also encouraged young people in Ekiti State and Nigeria generally not to relent in positioning themselves for leadership, stressing that age should not be a limitation when young people deliberately prepare themselves to serve their communities.
Reflecting on his political journey, Senator Adaramodu disclosed that he was 29 years old when he became Chairman of Ekiti South Local Government in 1999.
He explained that his emergence into leadership was not driven by financial influence, but by the value he had already created within his community through service and educational support.
“I emerged not because of money, but because I assisted the people with WAEC and JAMB coaching,” he said.
The Senator’s account suggested that his early political acceptance was rooted in community engagement and investment in the educational development of young people before he attained political office.
He therefore urged young Nigerians to begin contributing meaningfully to their communities rather than waiting until they acquire political positions before seeking to make an impact.
From “Empowerment” to Human Capacity Development
Senator Adaramodu also explained his preference for human capacity development over what he described as the conventional use of the term “empowerment” in political engagements.
He argued that simply providing material items does not necessarily amount to sustainable empowerment.
Using the example of giving someone a generator, he said such an intervention could be regarded as enhancement rather than empowerment if it does not build the person’s capacity for sustainable productivity.
He advocated greater emphasis on developing people’s skills, knowledge and productive abilities as a more sustainable approach to improving lives.
Mature Minds Digital Radio TV’s Perspective
The August 25 visit provided the Mature Minds Digital Radio TV crew with an opportunity to observe Senator Adaramodu’s interaction with constituents and obtain his direct views on some of the issues shaping Ekiti’s development and political future.
The crew observed significant interaction between the Senator and constituents, including his willingness to listen to their requests and respond to some of their immediate needs. His account of his early political journey also provided insight into his stated belief in community service and human capital development.
However, Mature Minds Digital Radio TV recognises that a single visit or interview cannot constitute a complete assessment of a public official’s overall performance.
A comprehensive evaluation would require consideration of Senator Adaramodu’s legislative record, constituency interventions, policy contributions, representation at the National Assembly and the views of constituents across Ekiti South Senatorial District.
Mature Minds Digital Radio TV remains committed to fairness, balance, verification and ethical journalism—providing public officials the opportunity to explain their positions while ensuring that reports distinguish between direct observations, statements made by interviewees and independently verifiable facts.
Reporting:
Amb. S. YASIR ABIOLA
Mature Minds Digital Radio TV
