The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji has thrown her weight behind the newly launched Women in Governance Club initiative, a collaborative programme designed to enhance women’s participation in politics, public service, and community leadership.
Speaking through one of her aides, Mrs. Omolara Aina, the first lady applauded the organisers for their dedication to empowering women and expanding spaces for female involvement in leadership and policy formulation. She noted that women possess the capacity to shape inclusive, people-centered governance when given the opportunity.
“Women are key agents of change, and their voices must be heard in every sphere of governance. This initiative will go a long way in breaking barriers and encouraging more women to participate in decision-making processes. She said.
She reaffirmed that her Office remains committed to advancing programmes that promote gender equality and women’s socio-political development. Dr Oyebanji however encouraged participants to utilise the platform to network, share knowledge, and build leadership skills capable of driving meaningful societal impact.
In her remarks, Hon. Opeyemi Oni, the programme anchor, expressed satisfaction with the strong collaboration among government institutions and women-focused organisations. She described the initiative as a reflection of Ekiti State’s commitment to inclusive governance.
According to her, empowering women to lead enriches society with diverse perspectives, empathy, and innovation.
She urged young women to see the programme as an opportunity to prepare themselves for leadership roles in both public and private sectors.
Also the Director General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Hon.(Dr.) Asabe V. Bashir in her speech, informed the gathering of plans to launch the MBNCWD South West Zonal Office which will house the South West Resource Centre for Women in Governance and Decision Making in Ekiti State.
The move she said will in-turn enhance capacity building and more employment opportunities for Ekiti Women.
She urged young women to see the programme as an opportunity to prepare themselves for leadership roles in both public and private sectors
In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Education Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, represented by Mrs. Yewande Adesua, emphasized the importance of education in building women’s confidence and leadership potential. She encouraged female students to aspire toward positions of influence.
Similarly, Senator Biodun Olujimi described the initiative as timely, stressing that strengthening women’s voices in governance is critical to achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth in the state and the nation.
The Women in Governance initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Office of Ekiti State First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth Development and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.
The consultant to the project, Mr. Falana Martin-Mary also called for continued support from all stakeholders to promote policies and programmes that uphold equality, inclusion, and the leadership aspirations of women across Ekiti State.