During the vibrant celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day, Ekiti State’s Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye, echoed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and harnessing the intellectual and entrepreneurial prowess of women and girls across the state.
Chief Afuye emphasized the indispensable roles played by women and girls in various societal spheres, emphasizing the administration’s relentless dedication to empowering them to achieve their fullest potential.
Assuring attendees of the government’s steadfast resolve to an enabling environment for women and girls to thrive, Chief Afuye highlighted their invaluable contributions to Ekiti State’s socio-economic development. Her remarks echoed a collective determination to promote gender equality and advance women’s rights, reflecting a shared vision for an inclusive and prosperous future for all residents.
Her Excellency Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State, emphasized the event’s significance as a tribute to the resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of women and girls in the state. She lauded Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s leadership in addressing the challenges faced by women, particularly in economic spheres, and expressed gratitude for his support in distributing food commodities to address immediate needs while championing long-term economic empowerment initiatives.
Dr. Oyebanji highlighted the imperative of investing in women to propel progress, citing her husband’s vision of shared prosperity and the administration’s commitment to an environment where women can thrive. She applauded initiatives such as the “Every Home a Garden” project and the Widows and Orphans Hope Project (WAOH) as tangible steps towards empowering women across the state. Dr. Oyebanji commended the collaborative efforts of women, government bodies, civil society organizations, and religious leaders in advancing gender equality and economic empowerment in Ekiti State, expressing optimism for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Mrs. Peju Babafemi, Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, explained that the celebration’s unique nature, highlights Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his wife’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of women in the state. She aligned the theme of the celebration, “Count Her in: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment,” with the human capital development agenda of the Oyebanji administration, aimed at providing inclusive opportunities for girls and women to thrive.
Mrs. Babafemi lauded the initiatives spearheaded by H.E Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, focusing on the empowerment of adolescent girls, widows, and indigent families, including the Adire Ekiti Hub, as enduring programs for women in Ekiti State. Urging women to continue collaborating with the gender-friendly Governor in advancing the state’s development agenda, she expressed appreciation for their presence and extended blessings to all attendees.
In her presentation, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, emphasized the broader societal implications of gender equity, calling for targeted interventions to address structural barriers hindering women’s economic empowerment. She commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and First Lady, HE Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for their tireless efforts in empowering women through various initiatives, urging collective action to accelerate gender equality through economic empowerment.