By Bola Lawal
The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Female Elders Forum to strengthen cooperation, unity and mutual respect as the party prepares for key political engagements in 2026.
Dr. Oyebanji made the call in Ado-Ekiti during the forum’s maiden meeting for the year, which focused on building solidarity among female party leaders and fine-tuning the APC’s agenda across the state.
She noted that the present administration has created an enabling environment to enhance women’s participation in leadership, describing it as a strategic step toward achieving the party’s goals and boosting inclusiveness.
The wife of Ekiti State Governor encouraged members to cultivate a spirit of selflessness, contentment and service to the party and the people.
Commending the forum’s leadership and other dignitaries in attendance, Dr. Oyebanji highlighted the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Financial Support and Empowerment Programme championed by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which she said continues to uplift households nationwide.
Earlier, the President of the APC Female Leaders Forum, Chief Ronke Okunsanya, praised the First Lady for her consistent support for widows, orphans and vulnerable groups, noting that such interventions had strengthened social welfare and improved livelihoods across the state.
In separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Pastor Peju Babafemi, along with female leaders from the North Senatorial District and other stakeholders, applauded Dr. Oyebanji for her role in enhancing health infrastructure and social development.
They urged party members to secure their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and mobilize grassroots support ahead of future elections.
The forum also expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration for infrastructural improvements, including the construction of roads and the completion of previously abandoned public facilities such as town halls.
The meeting attracted high-ranking dignitaries including the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; forum executives; senatorial women leaders; commissioners; female LG/LCDA chairpersons and other stakeholders.
