Prominent elders in Ekiti State have urged citizens, especially the youth, to embrace patriotism and selfless service as the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous state.

The call was made during a gathering of respected traditional rulers, elder statesmen, and community leaders in Ado-Ekiti. They stressed that personal interest should no longer come before the collective good of the state and the nation.

The elders warned that the current challenges facing Ekiti  including youth unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and moral decline — can only be tackled when citizens put the state first in everything they do. They urged political leaders, public servants, and young people to serve with honesty and dedication rather than focusing on personal gain.

One of the elders remarked that “a tree cannot grow bigger than the forest that supports it,” emphasising that true development comes when everyone works together for the common good.

The meeting also highlighted the rich cultural heritage and intellectual strength of Ekiti people. Leaders noted that the state has produced many brilliant minds who have excelled in different fields, but called for this potential to be channelled into building a better society instead of individual pursuits alone.

Many participants expressed concern over the “get-rich-quick” mentality among some young people and urged parents to instil better values at home. They also appealed to political office holders to lead by example through transparent and people-centred governance.

The elders pledged to continue speaking up on issues affecting the state and to support any genuine efforts aimed at improving the lives of residents. They called on all Ekiti indigenes at home and in the diaspora to contribute their quota towards the state’s progress.

For many ordinary people in Ekiti, this message comes at a time when economic hardship has made daily living difficult. Residents say they hope leaders and citizens will take the elders’ advice seriously and work towards real change.

The gathering ended with a renewed commitment by the elders to promote unity, hard work, and love for Ekiti State.