The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Olayemi Oyebanji, has called for sustained investment in women’s empowerment as a pathway to social and economic development, stressing that inclusive growth can only be achieved when women are given equal opportunities to thrive.
She made the call at the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where women from across the 16 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas gathered to mark the occasion.
B S E S Reporter, Yetunde Oloye,brings details of the report.
Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain,” the First Lady, said empowering women through education, economic support, and holistic development would lead to stronger families, more prosperous communities, and a more inclusive society.
Dr Olayemi Oyebanji who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to prioritise women, children, and vulnerable groups.
She highlighted the commitment of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to gender equality through investments in human capital development, including girl child education, women’s economic empowerment, and social protection programmes.
According to her, the state government has strengthened collaboration with development partners on programmes such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment and the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale Up to improve the socio economic conditions of women and girls.
The First Lady added that her office would continue to work with relevant ministries and agencies to support women, children, and vulnerable groups through targeted interventions in education, welfare, and economic inclusion.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Monisade Afuye, lauded the various empowerment initiatives of the First Lady and urged women to reciprocate by mobilising support and participating actively in the electoral process.
Earlier In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Olapeju Babafemi, described the celebration as an opportunity to recognise the contributions of women while reinforcing the need to accelerate action towards gender equality and justice.
Babafemi noted that the administration had prioritised women’s advancement through strategic partnerships and empowerment programmes, including support for survivors of gender based violence and the distribution of tools and financial assistance to enhance livelihoods.
In her anniversary lecture, Kemi Ogundana of Ekiti State University emphasised that investing in the education, economic, and political empowerment of women remains a catalyst for development, while goodwill messages were delivered by other dignitaries including Dayo Apata, Kemi Olaleye, Senator Biodun Olujimi, and Bolaji Olagbaju who also highlighted the importance of women empowerment in the society.