The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has hosted Muslim women from across the state to a Ramadan breaking of fast (Iftar), urging continued prayers for peace and development in Ekiti State.
Dr Oyebanji also called for sustained support for the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, held at the Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, brought together Muslim leaders, women groups and government officials who commended the governor’s wife for her consistent engagement with the Muslim community since the beginning of the administration.
Speaking at the event, Dr Oyebanji thanked the Muslim community for their unwavering support for her husband’s administration and for helping to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
She noted that peace remained a major factor responsible for the steady development being witnessed across Ekiti State.
According to her, the coincidence of the Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season symbolises unity among Nigerians of different faiths, urging Muslim faithful to use the period to pray for peace and security in the country.
The First Lady also sensitised the gathering on the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and supporting the re-election of Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu, noting that the President had demonstrated commitment to the development of Ekiti State.
She further encouraged beneficiaries of the support items distributed at the event to share with others in their various communities.
In her welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, appreciated Dr Oyebanji for identifying with the Muslim faithful, noting that her inclusive approach had strengthened the relationship between the government and the Muslim community in the state.
Adubiaro assured that the Muslim community would continue to support the administration and urged those in attendance to mobilise voters to re-elect Governor Oyebanji for a second term.
Also speaking, a community leader, Alhaji Abdulakeem Afenifere, described a successful leader as one who helps others succeed, noting that testimonies from beneficiaries of the governor and his wife’s interventions showed their commitment to improving the lives of the people.
He encouraged the couple to sustain their humanitarian efforts and prayed for the governor’s victory in the next election.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Monisade Afuye; the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Social and Gender Mobilisation, Hon. Kemi Olaleye, urged women to obtain their PVCs and vote massively for the governor.
They noted that active participation in the electoral process was crucial to sustaining good governance in the state.
The trio also appreciated Governor Oyebanji for his support for women, noting that the governor’s wife, through her pet projects, had empowered many women and contributed to the increasing number of women occupying positions of authority in Ekiti State.
Earlier, the President of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, commended Dr Oyebanji for her support for the Muslim community.
He assured that the Muslim community would continue to support Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu while offering prayers for continued peace, stability and security in Ekiti State and the country.
