Oyebanji pledges to increase women’s visibility.

Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji has vowed to treat women with the respect and deference they deserve in order to advance the state.
His spokesperson, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, claimed during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday that Oyebanji made the commitment when he met with Mrs. Pauline Tallen, the minister of women’s affairs, in Abuja on Friday.

According to him, the governor insisted that his government will, in accordance with the state’s equal opportunity policy, exceed the 35 percent threshold for the representation of women in elective and appointed positions.

He continued by saying that the meeting was a component of the governor’s visit to development partners as well as federal ministries, departments, and organizations.

He added that the governor had informed the minister that his government’s working plans included achieving gender parity and addressing women’s issues.
With the appointment of a woman as the deputy governor and another as the secretary to the state government, Oyebanji said, his administration had gotten off to a good start.
He observed that women are considerably more able than men to discern things and see far into the future.
The governor took use of the opportunity to praise former governor Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, for their accomplishments in the area of women’s development.
According to the spokesman, “the governor also committed to build on the records, particularly in gender mainstreaming and affirmation.

He continued by saying that in her response, the minister praised Ekiti’s efforts on behalf of women, especially its Gender-Based Violence Law, which she recognized had been very successful in reducing domestic and sexual abuse.

The minister said that all states will profit from the approximately N3 billion Nigeria has set aside for women’s projects.

“I am certain that you will build upon the excellent work done by your predecessor.

“You already have a woman serving as secretary of state government and deputy governor. That is a great place to begin.

“Kwara holds the record for having the most women in elected office. Gov. Oyebanji was instructed by the ministry to “try and surpass Kwara in this regard.”

(NAN)