Shekinat Abubakar
The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has called for effective and sustained empowerment of women as a critical driver of growth and economic sustainability in Nigeria.Dr Oyebanji made this known during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, where she emphasised that investing in women remains a strategic pathway to national development.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” the Governor’s wife noted that the theme underscored the need to recognise women’s achievements and challenges while intensifying efforts to promote gender equality and rights.
“When we give women access to education, empowerment, and holistic development, we gain stronger families, more prosperous communities, and a more inclusive nation”. She stated.
She further highlighted that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji prioritises women’s empowerment through its Human Capital Development agenda.
According to her, this is being driven by deliberate investments in girl-child education, women’s economic empowerment, and social protection programmes.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, institutions and organisations to accelerate progress toward gender equality.
She stressed the need to dismantle systemic barriers and biases confronting women in both personal and professional spheres.
Babafemi noted that this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” alongside the campaign slogan “Give to Gain,” reinforces the vision of a society where women and girls enjoy equal rights, power, and opportunities.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Professor Kemi Ogundana of the Department of Sociology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, explained that empowering women creates a multiplier effect that positively impacts all sectors of society.
In their goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; Special Adviser on Gender Mobilisation, Mrs Kemi Olaleye; the Wife of the Ogoga of Ikere, Olori Funmilola Adejimi; and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata SAN, urged women to continue supporting the present administration in its drive for inclusive development.
The celebration also included colourful dance past competition, with Ado Local Government emerging first, Ilejemeje Local Government placed second, and Ekiti East Local Government secured the third position.
