30th October, 2022
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has promised to give adequate recognition and respect to women in Ekiti to move the state forward.
Oyebanji made the promise when he visited the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, in Abuja on Friday.
The meeting was part of the governor’s visit to federal ministries, departments, and agencies as well as to development partners.
According to the statement issued by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, the governor said his administration would exceed the 35 per cent representation for women in elective and appointive positions, in line with the equal opportunity policy of the state.
Oyebanji told the minister that gender balance and women-related issues were part of his government’s working plans.
He noted that his administration had started well with the choice of a woman as the deputy governor and another as Secretary to the State Government.
Also, the governor promised to build on the records, especially in gender mainstreaming and affirmation.
In her response, the minister lauded Ekiti’s contributions to women-related issues particularly its Gender-Based Violence law, which she acknowledged had been quite effective in curbing domestic and sexual abuses.
The minister said Nigeria had earmarked about N3 billion fund for women’s projects which all states would benefit from.
“I know you will continue the good work of your predecessor and do more. You already have a woman as deputy governor and a woman as Secretary to State Government. That is a good way to start.
“Kwara has the record as the state with the highest number of women in government. Try and surpass Kwara in this regard,’’ the minister told Gov. Oyebanji.