National Council of Women’s Societies has conferred another honour on the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the enhancement of the living standard of women and girls.
The state chapter of the NCWS conferred the award of Grand Matron and Eye Ayiye (sweet mother) of Ekiti land on the First Lady at an elaborate ceremony, in Ado-Ekiti.
In a welcome address, the President of the state council, Evangelist Nike Obatayo, said that the honour was bestowed on the governor’s wife because of her compassionate zeal for issues concerning the female gender across the globe.
She also acknowledged the achievements of the First Lady within the first one year of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration.
The president listed the governor’s wife accomplishments that attracted the attention of the NCWS as the establishment of the Ekiti Development Foundation, conveyance of the gender summit and the initiation of the gender-based violence bill that has now become law in the state.
Obatayo commended the state government for its support for the council, with particular reference to the donation of a bus for its outreach programmes.
She said,
“Within a year of her assumption of office, Mama Erelu brought us out of our shell, empowered us and made us bold women of Ekiti without hurting anybody and at the same time keeping our homes intact.
She taught us to be very humble, yet very assertive when it comes to lobbying for women and children uplifting and to have zero tolerance for rape. Rape is now forbidden; you rape, you go to jail.
Mama is doing everything possible for the passage of gender equality bill into law and she is doing everything possible to protect Ekiti children against any form of abuse.”
She appealed to the state government to increase the number of women being appointed into position of decision-making in the state.
Responding after her investiture, the governor’s wife said she was overwhelmed by the honour, which she said would ginger her to work harder for the promotion of the interest women and girls.
Erelu Bisi Fayemi declared that the NCWS award was priceless because it came from the heart of the council.
Unlike some award organisers that place price tags on their awards, she commended the women’s societies for not demanding for money directly or indirectly for the award.
She said,
“I receive a large number of invitations to be given awards, but I used to turn many of them down as soon as I discover that the organisers were demanding for money for the award or trying to curry favour.
This award coming from the heart of the women of Ekiti is special and different. It means a lot to me to be honoured by one of the most important groups in the civil society organisations.
I will continue to identify with women who promote the cause of women anywhere in Ekiti. This I will do without sentiments or prejudice for political party affiliation. I will continue to champion legislations that promote the interest of women.”
The governor’s wife seized the opportunity to appeal to Ekiti people to be patient and show more understanding with the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led, with the assurances that the governor was committed to turn around the fortunes of the people.
She said, “It takes a long time to put certain things in place, especially, when things have gone through years of decay or decline. Let us be patient with this government. We will fulfil all our promises.”
…BAGS YOUTH AWARD
Wife of Ekiti state governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has again been honoured for her remarkable and relentless service to humanity.
This time, the honour came from the state chapter of the Nigeria Youth Council of Nigeria, in conjunction with Ekiti Youth Parliament, at their maiden Grandeur Awards and Lectures, held in Ado-Ekiti.
The General Manager, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Premier FM, Ibadan, Mrs. Bolatito Joseph, delivered the lecture titled, “Tackling the cost of Gender Inequality to Africa’s Development.”
Addressing the youths, Erelu Fayemi charged them to stay focused in life and pursue their dreams with the fear of God.
As future leaders, she admonished the youths to be responsible citizens and to refrain from criminal acts that could cut short their hopes and aspirations.
Erelu Fayemi advised them to maintain their identities and take their education serious, adding that they must distant themselves from acts capable of bringing dishonour to them or their parents.
She promised to continue to support the youths by ensuring that they benefitted from the policies and programmes of the Dr. John Kayode Fayemi-led administration.
She disclosed that the state government was working tirelessly to change the face of governance, adding that young people should think and look beyond their borders and brace themselves for future challenges.
The First Lady called on youths to get involved in the politics of their community so as to be empowered to achieve their aspirations of becoming future leaders.
In the lecture delivered by the FRCN boss, she noted that the health standard of Nigerian women was deplorable and was characterised by indicators such as high maternal mortality rate, low life expectancy and low access to health facilities.
Mrs Joseph stressed the need for women to be involved in high profile entrepreneurial activities instead of being restricted to petty trading.
She frowned on Africa patriarchy that confers superior status on the male gender, adding the male and the female gender should be given equal opportunities to compete for space in the highest level of decision-making.
The guest lecturer commended the governor for giving more roles and appointment to women in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of EYC, Mr Ibukun Oluwole, extolled the virtues of the First Lady and described her as a role model and an efficient leader of men.
He pledged the commitment of the youths to serve as whistle-blowers across the state and to collaborate with the office of the First Lady in all her empowerment and developmental programmes.
Oluwole enjoined all Ekiti youths to join hands with the state government in its drive to transform the State.
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Last modified: February 2, 2012
