His Excellency, Dr. Ayodele Peter Fayose, the executive governor of Ekiti state, Nigeria.

His Royal Highness, the Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Adetula Adeleye.

His Royal Highness, the Olofinkinmileyin III of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, JP.

His Royal Highness, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, Oba Popoola Odundunwa I.

His Royal Highness, the Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, Oba David A. Ajayi.

Senator (Dr.) Bode Olowoporoku, Chairman, Federal Senate Committee on Agriculture.

Honorable Olufemi Dada, Member, Federal House of Representatives Executive commissioners.

Professor I. O. Orubuloye, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Ado-Ekiti Titled dignitaries.

Special Advisers.

Other members of the High table.

Members of EKAINA chapters.

Invited guests and observers.

My fellow Ekiti sons and daughters from far and near, I bring to you Texas-size greetings from the entire members of my association, the Ekiti Progressive Union (EPU) of North Texas, based in Dallas, Texas.

Before I go on to my short exhortation today, I would like to congratulate our host, Rev. John Ayodele, his able executives and all members of Ekitiparapo Association of New York for their selfless efforts and hospitality, before and during this convention. "Ekiti a gbe kete ra o."

The inspiration for this speech evolved from a book I read recently, written by Thomas Kuhn, titled "The Structure of Scientific Revolution." In the book, the author asserted that scientific advancements are caused by "agents of change" rather than natural evolution. He argued that these advancements occurred intermittently between peaceful interludes and violent revolutions that help spur new conceptual worldview. Half way through the book, my psychic-RAM began to draw some parallels between Kuhn’s assertions and the current, unfolding events in our state.

For some time now, the economic and social developments in Ekitiland have been abhorrent. In all honesty, the state of our State was not good. So, dear Ekiti sons and daughters, how do we shift our focus away from the paralyzed paradigm of yesteryears, and concentrate on a flexible paradigm of a new millennium? Foremost, we must free our minds from any predisposed ideals that have become antiquated, stale and unproductive. The time is ripe to challenge us to choose a new paradigm. We must venture out of our comfort zones, jettison our old, tired and traditional ways of operating, and chart a new course for our people, to help break the yoke of helplessness and hopelessness that permeates the social fabric of our people. The stakes are too high, and we must not fail.

My fellow Ekitis, some of you would probably say this notion is easier said than done, and I hasten to counter that I do not begrudge those souls for exercising the thought. However, I also would challenge those souls with all humility, to produce any credible evidence to show how those antiquated modus operandi have benefited all Ekiti people in recent times. The current reality is that drastic results require bold and drastic measures. This thought reminds me of a Yoruba adage that states, ikoko to ma je'su, idi e a gbo'na.

The situation in Ekitiland calls for a new paradigm, a new mission, and a broader vision. The task is not for the faint of heart, because those who are on board for this transformation must be courageous. The mission is fraught with dangers. Trials and tribulations will come their ways, but they must be steadfast and have the undying faith in the new paradigm and in Ekitiland.

Finally, I would like to leave you with these words, that each of us has a role to play, and a choice to make. You can choose to be a part of the solution in helping to advance the progress of Ekiti, and restore her as the "Fountain of Knowledge." A state where students can once again be academically recognized as the best Nigeria has to offer, not ridiculed as mere mirage of their past. Conversely, you also can choose to remain as an embodiment of the old conceptual worldview, reminiscing about how things used to be in Ekiti. Either way, it is my conviction that God is not finished with Ekiti, and sooner, very soon, Ekiti will rise again.