Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, has stressed the significance of investing in women as sure way to accelerate progress in the society.
The Ekiti State First Lady delivered these remarks on Friday during the commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti.
Dr. Oyebanji while inspecting various products exhibited by women from the 16 local government areas and 22 local council development areas, emphasized the importance of the people of the state, particularly women, to prioritize agriculture.
Showing particular interest in the agricultural produce showcased at the event, the Ekiti Governor’s wife advocated for a return to farming to guarantee food security in the state.
Dr. Oyebanji said if Ekiti citizen goes back to farm, everybody will feed their family and hunger will be banished from the state.
The First Lady seized the opportunity to advocate for the implementation of the “Every Home a Garden” initiative, spearheaded by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu aims to bolster agriculture, increase food production, and secure food stability across the nation.
Dr. Oyebanji further stated that the “Every Home a Garden” initiative, spearheaded by Senator Tinubu, empowers women to mitigate economic downturns through sustainable food production.
She also suggested that Adire Ekiti fabrics would be worn as commemorative dresses by delegates as each local government and local council development areas have their designs of the fabrics in next year’s International Women’s Day Celebration.
Dr. Oyebanji, in her speech at the event, said this year’s International Women’s Day “marks a celebration of resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of our women and girls in Ekiti State.”
She said: “We are grateful for Governor Oyebanji’s approval to distribute food commodities, addressing immediate needs while championing long-term economic empowerment.
“This aligns with our ongoing efforts to mitigate global economic challenges through various empowerment programs. Today serves as a reminder of the urgent need to accelerate gender equality in all aspects of life.
“Investing in women accelerates progress. Governor Oyebanji’s shared prosperity vision prioritizes lifting women from economic challenges. His administration creates an enabling environment for women to thrive, fulfilling our shared commitment to gender equality.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, earlier in her welcome address, said the theme for this year’s celebration speaks to the human capital development pillar of the Oyebanji Administration which provides enabling space for women and girls to thrive.
Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, Director General Office of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, said women need to work harder on their children and curb the get rich quick syndrome and inculcate in the the values of integrity, hard work, honesty and industry.
Other highlights of the celebration included exhibition of products from the council areas, distribution of food commodities, and march past.
The celebration which was supposed to have been held last week’s Friday was postponed by one week in honour of the late All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in the state, Mr. Paul Omotoso, who died last last week Tuesday.