…Says Oyebanji’s Second Term Will Deliver More Dividends of Democracy
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has extended the state’s welfare intervention to 500 elderly citizens across the 16 local government areas, distributing food packages and cash support as part of activities marking the second-term inauguration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The initiative, which took place in her office in Ado-Ekiti, was designed to appreciate the contributions of senior citizens to the development of the state, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and well-being of vulnerable members of society.
The beneficiaries, drawn from different communities across the state, received food items and cash gifts in recognition of their years of service, sacrifices and contributions to their families, communities and the overall development of Ekiti State.
Dr Oyebanji described the intervention as a gesture of love, appreciation and solidarity with the elderly, noting that their invaluable contributions to society deserved recognition and continued support.
She acknowledged that the provisions might not address all the needs of the beneficiaries but expressed the hope that the gesture would provide some relief and reassure them of the government’s commitment to their welfare.
“We understand that this provision may not meet every need, but we hope it brings some comfort to your homes and serves as a reminder that you are valued, remembered and deeply cherished by this government,” she said.
The First Lady stressed that the welfare of senior citizens should remain a priority for any responsible government, noting that older people deserved to live in dignity and enjoy the benefits of a society they had helped build.
According to her, the administration would continue to pursue people-centred policies and interventions aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, women, children and other disadvantaged members of society.
She added that Governor Oyebanji’s second term would provide fresh opportunities to deepen the delivery of democratic dividends and expand the administration’s impact across different segments of the population.
Dr Oyebanji assured the beneficiaries that the government remained committed to inclusive governance, irrespective of age, social status or political affiliation.
She urged them to sustain the bonds of love, unity and fellowship within their families and communities, describing these values as essential to the strength and cohesion of society.
In their goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, commended the elderly for their contributions to the growth and development of Ekiti State.
They also acknowledged the support of senior citizens for the Oyebanji administration, expressing appreciation for their continued interest in the peace, stability and progress of the state.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Elders’ Council, Pa Gabriel Oni, and the Chairman Nigeria Union of Pensioners Mr Joel Akinola, equally expressed gratitude to the state government for recognising the importance of senior citizens through the welfare initiative.
The elders described the gesture as a demonstration of appreciation for their contributions to society and their support for the administration.
They particularly commended the government for acknowledging the role of senior citizens in the renewal of Governor Oyebanji’s mandate, pledging their continued support for policies and programmes aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti State.
The distribution formed part of the activities marking the commencement of Governor Oyebanji’s second term, with the intervention highlighting the administration’s stated commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of vulnerable residents.