Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, stressed the importance of investing in women to accelerate the wheel of progress in human society.
Dr. Oyebanji made the remarks on Friday during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration which was held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Speaking while being conducted round to observe the products exhibited by women from the 16 local government areas and 22 local council development areas, Dr. Oyebanji stressed the need for all people of the state and women especially to take agriculture more seriously.
While admiring some farm produce exhibited by women at the Day, the First Lady advocated the need to go back to the farm in order to ensure food security in the state and keep hunger at bay.
She emphasized that if Ekiti citizens goes back to farm, everybody will feed his family and feed himself and hunger will be banished from the state.
Dr. Oyebanji used the opportunity of the occasion to canvass the implementation of “Every Home a Garden” initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to boost agriculture, produce more food and ensure food security in the country.
She further stated that the “Every Home a Garden” initiative, spearheaded by Senator Tinubu, empowers women to mitigate economic downturns through sustainable food production.
The Governor’s wife 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 the International Women’s Day Celebration for 2025.
Addressing the gathering later in her prepared speech, Dr. Oyebanji 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.
Speaking in her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, 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.
The Director General Office of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, 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.
