First Lady Oyebanji Charges Youths to Embrace Reading Culture, Cultivate Meaningful Relationships 
Ado-Ekiti witnessed a convergence of intellectuals, academics, public servants, and other distinguished personalities as the Peace House Book Club held its 6th edition at the Shores Complex, Peace House.
The intellectual gathering featured a review of Dr Gbenga Emiloju’s compelling publication, Cultivating Strategic Relationships: The Uncommon Advantage to Achieving Personal Fulfilment, which explores the transformative power of purposeful relationships in achieving personal and professional success.
The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji, commended the Convener of the Book Club, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, for her grassroots impact and sustained commitment to promoting reading, values and human capital development.
Dr Oyebanji, who was represented at the event by her Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy, Dr Eunice Fasanmi, described the Book Club as a valuable platform for reflection, reorientation and the enhancement of positive values among citizens.
The First Lady noted that at a time when information is abundant but wisdom remains scarce, creating spaces where people can pause to read, reflect and build meaningful relationships is, in itself, a profound contribution to society.
Drawing a compelling parallel between the central message of Dr Emiloju’s book and the public service trajectory of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the First Lady demonstrated how relationships built on honour, character, trust and selfless service can shape lives and open doors to greater opportunities.
She highlighted the Governor’s journey from his formative years as a university lecturer, where he sowed seeds in young minds, to his various roles as Secretary to the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government, describing his journey as a living testimony to the power of strategic relationships and relational wisdom.
Unpacking three foundational lessons for personal and leadership success, Dr Oyebanji charged participants, particularly young people, to build meaningful networks before they need them, stressing that while competence and skills may attract initial attention, a proven track record and character sustain relevance over time.
She emphasised that integrity remains the most valuable currency of access in governance, business, career and family life, adding that true net worth goes beyond financial wealth to include a dependable circle of mentors, peers, friends and associates.
The intellectual tempo of the gathering was further heightened by insightful literary critiques from the lead reviewers, Hon. Fola Richie-Adewusi, a seasoned public office holder, and Prof. Oluwole Adebayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Ekiti State University.
Prof. Adebayo provided an extensive review of the 256-page, 17-chapter publication, describing strategic relationships as vital bridges, elevators and multipliers capable of achieving what financial resources alone may not accomplish.
The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, who also served as Special Guest of Honour; the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola; Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa; Chairman, Senate Committee on
University Ranking, EKSU, Prof. Tunde Olofinbiyi; General Manager, NTA Ado-Ekiti, Alhaji Ishaq Akande; political analyst and author, Dr Oke Aruleba; as well as Permanent Secretaries in the Office of Cabinet and Special Services and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr (Mrs) Yemi Kayode-Ojo and Mrs Sola Adeluyi-Femi, respectively.
The 6th edition of the Peace House Book Club concluded on an inspiring note, with participants challenged to consciously examine the company they keep, nurture strong values and deliberately cultivate relationships and networks that promote personal fulfilment, professional growth and meaningful impact.
The gathering once again underscored the enduring power of books and purposeful relationships in shaping individuals, strengthening communities and building a better society.