L-R: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; her husband, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and a cross section of women, during International Women's Day Celebration, tagged "Inspiring Change" in Ado-Ekiti.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, joined more than 5000 women who thronged the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, on Saturday.
This year’s event, with the theme “Inspiring change,” was convened by the Wife of the Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, in conjunction with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment.
The Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, were among members of the executive council, female members of the State House of Assembly, and women leaders at all levels across the state.
The colourful ceremony witnessed a fun-filled march past by women delegates across the 16 local government areas, various ethnic communities, professional bodies and associations.
The Governor used the occasion to remind the women of his agreement with them in a blueprint tagged “My Pact with Ekiti women” during the 2007 election campaign and how he surpassed virtually all the promises contained in the document.
Fayemi said he promised and delivered on women and girl’s education, women’s health, gender equity in appointments and promotions, gender mainstreaming in policy formulation, women’s empowerment and eradication of discriminatory practices that undermine women’s development.
As part of the gains of the administration’s efforts, he said that Ekiti now has the highest girl enrolment in schools, lowest maternal mortality and Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in the country.
In his renewed commitment to the women, the Governor pledged to sustain all the gains made in the past by ensuring that women were treated as equal stakeholders in government at all levels.
He also promised to ensure faithful implementation of all laws and policies in the state devoted to the empowerment and enforcement of rights of women, as well as building of a truly egalitarian society.
The governor said, “Over the years, on the global scene, we have witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality and emancipation.
“We, however, still have a long way to go in confronting both the roots and expressions of patriarchy, particularly in our part of the world.
“This administration would continue to erase inequality based on gender, race, creed, ethnicity, class and all other social markers by which societies have typically discriminated among their members.”
The Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu, noted that women were in the forefront of the various developments in the state through their relentless pursuit of sustainable development using their expertise and entrepreneurial prowess.
The convener of the event, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, said that the Day was meant to reflect on the progress made by women, as well as an occasion to call for change and to celebrate heroics by women in their countries and communities.
The Governor’s wife said that the Fayemi-led administration had ensured that women were equal stakeholders, and had raised the status of women through various policies and legislations.
She said, “If there is anywhere in this country where women have inspired change and where change has taken place as far as the empowerment of women is concerned, that place is here in Ekiti state.
“It is therefore my hope that as we move forward, the women of this state will remember all the good things that have happened during the administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi.
“I know the women of Ekiti will remember the changes that have taken place. I’m sure they will never forget that they are not where they were four years ago.”
The Governor’s wife renewed her commitment to the promotion of women and girls’ rights, as well as women’s empowerment and gender advocacy.
She added, “Empowering women is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. When women succeed, the society is safer, more secure and more prosperous.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, said that the event provides the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of women to peace and nation building.
She stressed that it also enables women to reflect on their achievements, explore local and international opportunities and as well to plan for the future.
Last modified: March 9, 2014