In a stark revelation that has ignited public discourse, prominent businessman Isaac Fayose has painted a grim picture of the economic hardship plaguing Ekiti State, declaring that the 'Fountain of Knowledge' has tragically become a 'Fountain of Poverty'.
Civil Servants Queue from 3am for Essential Donation
The catalyst for Fayose's emotional outcry was a now-viral video that captured a distressing scene. Ekiti state civil servants were seen forming long queues as early as 3am on a December morning. Their goal was not to collect salaries or bonuses, but to receive a 2kg cylinder of cooking gas donated by a philanthropist.
Taking to his social media platform on December 15, 2025, Fayose shared the video and expressed his profound dismay. He lamented the depth of impoverishment that has forced state workers, who should be living with dignity, to resort to such measures for a basic household commodity.
A Slogan Betrayed by Harsh Reality
Fayose directly contrasted the state's proud motto with its current reality. "The state which has the slogan 'Fountain of Knowledge' has now become the 'Fountain of Poverty'," he stated emphatically. This sharp critique underscores a perceived failure in governance and economic management, suggesting that the intellectual prowess the state is known for has not translated into tangible welfare for its workforce.
The act of queuing in the dead of night, according to Fayose, is not just an inconvenience but a significant risk. He emphasized that these workers are compelled to risk their lives and safety, stepping out in the early hours, just to secure a means to cook for their families. This scenario highlights a severe cost-of-living crisis where a donation of cooking gas becomes a precious lifeline.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
The shared video, originally posted by popular blog Linda Ikeji, has sparked widespread reactions online, turning the plight of Ekiti workers into a national talking point. It raises critical questions about:
- The welfare and timely payment of civil servants' salaries and allowances.
- The effectiveness of social safety nets and poverty alleviation programs in the state.
- The growing dependency on philanthropic gestures for basic survival among public sector employees.
This incident serves as a potent symbol of the economic pressures facing many Nigerians beyond Ekiti. It moves beyond statistics to show the human face of inflation, stagnant wages, and economic hardship. The image of workers scrambling for a 2kg gas donation is a powerful indictment that is likely to fuel further debate on living standards and governance accountability in Nigeria.
