By Bolanle Olusola
Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Mrs Yemi Oyebanji has assured Ekiti Women that gender equality and women’s empowerment programmes would continue to be given priority in Ekiti State inorder to promote fairness and justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that she stated this in Ado-Ekiti at the celebration of year 2023 International Women’s Day held at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.
The governor’s wife who noted that there were much grounds to cover as touching gender inequality, recalled that
Women’s activism for equality had in time past been driven by oppression.
She said this year’s theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality,” emphasized the need to empower women and girls around the world through the use of technology and education.
“In this digital age women and girls must not be left out in digital education as government is committed to ensure that women have equal access to opportunities in all aspects of human endeavors, particularly in education, politics, and socio-economic participation, resulting in a more gender-balanced, diverse and inclusive society”. She added.
Dr Oyebanji said government had made the welfare of women a top priority in its Seven-Point Agenda, nothing that it would continue to be given consideration in its development plans.
“I encourage all women in attendance to support all APC candidates, especially our women aspirants, in the upcoming Ekiti State House of Assembly election to enhance governance and add a voice towards advocacy for better opportunities for the women.
” Women make up a significant portion of the world’s population, and their active participation in all spheres of life, be it politics, as socio-economic activities, among others, will go a long way in promoting gender equality.” She stressed.
In her contributions, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye urged Women most especially those engaging in business activities to pay more attention to digital economy so as to compete favorably with their counterpart globally.
Also, the Secretary to the state government, Alhaja Adubiaro advocated equitable society where women would have equal rights in all ramifications with their male counterparts.
In their remarks, the special Adviser to the Governor on investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs Tayo Adeola and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Sola Adeluyi, encouraged women to embrace digital economy and internet banking due to the current economy and financial restructuring embacked upon by the federal government especially in the area of cashless policy.
They announced that the state government had concluded arrangements to create digital portal to market agricultural produce of the State across the world.
Women from all statutory local Governments and Council Development Areas were represented in a match past at the occasion, where Ijero Local Government came first, followed by Ado Central LCDA and Ekiti South West took third position.
