The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has called for effective and adequate empowerment of women as a catalyst for collective growth and economic sustainability in Nigeria.
Oyebanji made the call during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day held in Ado-Ekiti.
She said empowering women remained crucial, noting that the campaign slogan, “Give to Gain,” underscored the need to recognise women’s achievements and challenges, while intensifying efforts to promote gender equality and rights.
“When we give women access to education, empowerment, and holistic development, we gain stronger families, more prosperous communities, and a more inclusive nation,” she said.
The governor’s wife noted that the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji prioritised women’s empowerment through human capital development initiatives.
She said the initiatives included deliberate investments in girl-child education, women’s economic empowerment, and social protection programmes.
In a welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, called for concerted efforts by stakeholders, institutions, and organisations to achieve gender equality.
Babafemi stressed the need for increased momentum and urgency in addressing systemic barriers and biases confronting women in both personal and professional spheres.
According to her, this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” alongside the campaign slogan “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of creating equal rights, power, and opportunities for women and girls.
She added that empowering women would ultimately benefit society at large.
Delivering a lecture, Prof. Kemi Ogundana of the Department of Sociology, Ekiti State University, said empowering women had multiplier effects on society due to their reproductive and social roles.
In their goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mrs Bolaji Olagbaju; Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mobilisation, Chief Kemi Olaleye; Wife of the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Mrs Funmilola Adejimi; and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs Dayo Apata, urged women to support government efforts at ensuring development.
The event featured the presentation of gifts to women by the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, represented by Prof. Funmilayo Bamigboye.
A march past by participating local governments was also held, with Ado Local Government emerging first, Ilejemeje Local Government second, and Ekiti East Local Government third.
