By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting gender equality and implementing affirmative action across all sectors of the state.
The governor disclosed this while addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti,
According to Oyebanji, Ekiti currently has the highest number of female lawmakers in any state House of Assembly in the country.
He added that the Deputy Governor, Head of Service and Secretary to the State Government are all women.
He further noted that the State Accountant-General, the Accountant-General for local governments, as well as many female council chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and councillors, also occupy key leadership positions across the state.
Oyebanji, however, emphasised that gender equality must extend beyond political appointments and elective positions.
“We have a strong structure in place to protect the rights of women, but it should go beyond political appointments and elective offices. There are opportunities for women in the informal sector as well.
We are committed to providing them with resources to support their businesses and trades. In every area and department of government, there is a desk dedicated to affirmative action,” he stated.
On youth development, the governor revealed that his administration has, in the past year, moved over 5,000 youths from the streets to the farms across 13 agricultural clusters in the state.
He explained that the government provided land clearing, tractorisation, and improved seedlings for the young farmers, and also established an agrarian company to purchase their produce.
Oyebanji disclosed that the initiative has now been expanded with the construction of what he described as “Renewed Hope Farm Dormitories,” equipped with modern amenities such as kitchens, common rooms, internet facilities and DSTV to enhance the comfort of participants.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to address challenges in infrastructure, healthcare and other social services, pledging to sustain reforms that will consolidate Ekiti’s status as the “Fountain of Knowledge” through a comprehensive transformation of the education sector.