An internationally renowned pharmacist of Ekiti State origin, Pharmacist Adedayo Oluwasanmi, has commended the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her pivotal role in supporting her husband’s administration, especially in the area of health sector development.
Oluwasanmi, in an article entitled “Ekiti First Lady, A Princess of Wellness,” described the First Lady as a silent but formidable force whose humility and dedication have catalyzed several impactful health initiatives across the state.
According to the article:
“The corridor of power is where influence often speaks louder than compassion, Princess Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of the Ekiti State Governor, stands out as a beacon of humility and public service. An Ado-Ekiti princess by birth and a professor by profession, Dr. Oyebanji’s contributions to the wellness of the people—particularly women and children—go far beyond ceremonial obligations. The history of public health reforms in Ekiti would be incomplete without her name. With intellect, empathy, and a deep cultural connection, she has helped shape the health landscape in support of her husband’s shared prosperity agenda.
The article highlights her unconventional approach to leadership, citing her now-famous act of appealing to Pastor Enoch and Mrs. Folu Adeboye to solicit a dialysis centre for the state.
This single act of humility led to the establishment of the Enoch and Folu Adeboye Dialysis Centre at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), now equipped with three dialysis machines, specialized chairs, a high-capacity water treatment plant, and a 50KVA generator.
Oluwasanmi in the article, explained that the commitment of the first lady goes beyond infrastructure saying that her Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project provides medical and emotional support to widows, orphans, and single mothers across all 16 local government areas of the state has changed the narratives in hundreds of homes.
“Under her leadership, indigent patients have received not only medical treatment but also financial aid and psychosocial support. In July 2024, she sponsored free mammogram screenings for 200 women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, complementing the state’s unveiling of a mammography machine at the Funmi Adunni Olayinka Diagnostic and Wellness Centre. Her campaign, themed “No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” championed early detection and lifesaving awareness.
The First Lady has also played a major role in state-wide immunization efforts, especially during Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week. Her mobilization of resources enabled thousands of mothers and children to receive vaccines, vitamin supplements, deworming tablets, and vital health education”
Oluwasanmi further stated that the wellness interventions sponsored by the wife of the Governor extend into mental health, an area often neglected in traditional communities with various programmes focusing on emotional wellness, trauma recovery, and psychological support for girls and women, gradually breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the state.
“Through her “Keep Girls in School” initiative, Dr. Oyebanji has helped reduce absenteeism among adolescent girls by distributing reusable sanitary pads and conducting workshops on menstrual hygiene—demystifying taboos and reinforcing education access. Her Wellness for Widows Project offers free health check-ups, counselling, and microgrants to widows, empowering them with better healthcare and economic stability. Many beneficiaries have since regained control over their health and livelihood.”
Describing the First Lady as a strong advocate of community mobilization, Oluwasanmi highlighted her engagement with grassroots stakeholders saying that “she actively engages stakeholders—religious leaders, market women, political influencers—to promote health awareness, particularly around cancer and reproductive wellness.
He said that the efforts of the First lady have created a ripple effect of informed action at the grassroots level, noting that she has also supported the state’s health insurance scheme by sponsoring premiums for vulnerable households and promoting enrolment to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses among the poor.
“As an academic, Dr. Oyebanji appreciates the value of research and training. The dialysis centre at EKSUTH not only provides treatment but also serves as a training hub for nephrology professionals and health researchers. Promoting preventive care and physical fitness, she has led wellness walks, dance therapy sessions, and public fitness campaigns to encourage healthy lifestyles. Her collaboration with organizations like His Love Foundation underscores her belief in partnership-driven development.”
According to the article, her interventions span maternal care, cancer prevention, mental health, menstrual hygiene, financial empowerment, and beyond, noting that the comprehensive approach has not only saved lives but built a resilient community health system.
Oluwasanmi called on all Ekiti people to rally behind the administration of which he described as a synergy of excellence and silent achievers making fortunes for the state.