The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has restated her commitment to protect vulnerable citizens in Ekiti State.
She made this known during a courtesy visit by members of the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) to her office in Ado-Ekiti.
Dr. Oyebanji commended the organisation’s impactful efforts to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), noting that its programmes align with the current administration’s priorities for women, children, and other marginalized groups.
She reaffirmed her readiness to partner with relevant non-governmental organisations on strategic programmes designed to enhance gender inclusion.
Highlighting her Widows, Orphans and the Hopeless (WAOH) initiative, an intervention in her office, the First Lady described it as a deliberate response to social vulnerability in the state.
According to her, the WAOH project has collaborated with relevant institutions to provide educational support and scholarships for indigent students, as well as donations of food items, chairs, and writing materials to schools.
“All my interventions through WAOH aim to create a more conducive learning environment while addressing welfare gaps in disadvantaged communities”. She noted.
Speaking earlier, Blessing Omotunde, who led the Gender Mobile Initiative delegation, praised Dr. Oyebanji for her consistent support for widows, orphans, and vulnerable groups in Ekiti State, describing her social interventions as impactful and community-centered.
Omotunde explained that the visit sought to strengthen collaboration with the Office of the First Lady to promote gender equality and to intensify the fight against gender-based violence.
She further disclosed the initiative’s plan to support the Ministry of Women Affairs in convening up to two Gender-Based Violence Management Committee (GBVMC) meetings annually over the next three years.
As part of its commitment to deepening gender activism in the state, GMI pledged to donate educational materials worth millions of naira to support the WAOH project.
In recognition of her leadership and social impact, the group presented Dr. Oyebanji with an Award for Impactful Leadership, applauding her for championing programmes that improve the livelihoods of residents across the state.