Investing In Women Key To Progress, Says First Lady As Ekiti Celebrates International Women’s Day 
Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has stressed the importance of investing in women as sure way to accelerate progress in the society.
Dr. Oyebanji made the remarks on Friday during the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day which which took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Speaking while inspecting different products exhibited by women from the 16 local government areas and 22 local council development areas, Dr. Oyebanji stressed the need for the people of the state, especially women, to take agriculture more seriously.
The First Lady, who took particular interest in the agriculture produce on display at the event, advocated the need to go back to the farm in order to ensure food security in the state.
She said if Ekiti citizen goes back to farm, everybody will feed their family and hunger will be banished from the state.
Dr. Oyebanji used the opportunity of the occasion to canvass the implementation of “Every Home a Garden” initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to boost agriculture, produce more food and ensure food security in the country.
She further stated that the “Every Home a Garden” initiative, spearheaded by Senator Tinubu, empowers women to mitigate economic downturns through sustainable food production.
The Governor’s wife also suggested that Adire Ekiti fabrics would be worn as commemorative dresses by delegates as each local government and local council development areas have their designs of the fabrics in next year’s International Women’s Day Celebration.
Dr. Oyebanji, in her speech at the event, said this year’s International Women’s Day “marks a celebration of resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of our women and girls in Ekiti State.”
She said: “We are grateful for Governor Oyebanji’s approval to distribute food commodities, addressing immediate needs while championing long-term economic empowerment.
“This aligns with our ongoing efforts to mitigate global economic challenges through various empowerment programs. Today serves as a reminder of the urgent need to accelerate gender equality in all aspects of life.
“Investing in women accelerates progress. Governor Oyebanji’s shared prosperity vision prioritizes lifting women from economic challenges. His administration creates an enabling environment for women to thrive, fulfilling our shared commitment to gender equality.”
Earlier in her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, said the theme for this year’s celebration speaks to the human capital development pillar of the Oyebanji Administration which provides enabling space for women and girls to thrive.
The Director General Office of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, said women need to work harder on their children and curb the get rich quick syndrome and inculcate in the the values of integrity, hard work, honesty and industry.
The celebration which was supposed to have been held last week’s Friday was postponed by one week in honour of the late All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in the state, Mr. Paul Omotoso, who died last last week Tuesday.
Other highlights of the celebration included exhibition of products from the council areas, distribution of food commodities, and march past.