During the July 2014 governorship election of Ekiti state, Governor Ayo Fayose introduced a new term into the political vocabulary of the Nigerian entity.

It was called ‘Stomach infrastructure’- the act of gifting eligible voters with consumable items in order to get their votes.

From then onward, many politicians adopted the tactic during electioneering, and while it worked for some, it failed to produce the same result for the likes of Iyiola Omisore.

Almost a year later, the land where stomach infrastructure originated from- has given it a new meaning.

The term has been broadened and what it entails has been brushed up by the new lawmakers of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Alas, the new stomach infrastructure means; to train and equip a people to be self-reliant and look beyond government patronage.

This new meaning was announced during the week, on Wednesday, June 3, by Hon. (Dr.) STB Omotoso, Ekiti State House of Assembly Member-elect (Oye 1 Constituency, PDP) during a courtesy visit by Ekiti State Assembly Members-elect to the corporate head office of Vanguard Media Ltd, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos.

“Stomach infrastructure is narrowly defined by critics of Governor Fayose. It is not all about just feeding people or giving gifts to people.

“If one should expatiate on the concept, it entails providing the people not only with the basic necessities of life after election, but also empowering them by making them self-reliant, with the best education and training and then giving them employment, which the Fayose government is presently engaged in.”

Speaking further, the lawmaker-elect said the Ekiti State government did not need to waste scarce resources sending Ekiti unskilled youths to Europe or America for training.

“Instead, they could be sent to Aba to learn how to make shoes and bags, and to Onitsha to master trade; while those who are qualified and competent will be given local contracts.

“This is the concept behind the so-called ‘stomach infrastructure’ and not just distributing gift items. Stomach infrastructure goes on after election. It is about helping the poor.

“It is about engaging them in what can feed them earn a living. That’s what Fayose wants to continue doing. He needs stability to achieve for no progress can be made during crisis. We have had enough crisis and we want peaqce in our state.”

Kolapo Olapoju