The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, says the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has created more opportunities for women to participate in governance.
Mrs Babafemi who made the assertion while speaking at a forum in Ado-Ekiti, noted that the government had provided an enabling environment for women to occupy both appointive and elective positions across the state.
According to her, women currently hold several key leadership positions in the State under the Oyebanji Administration including the offices of the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Deputy Speaker and Chief whip of the House of Assembly as well as the Head of Service.
She added that women also serve in the State Executive Council and in local government structures as chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and councillors.
Mrs Babafemi described the development as a positive turning point for women in Ekiti, noting that the state is aligning with the affirmative action benchmark recommended by the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.
She said the increased representation had strengthened women’s political aspirations and encouraged greater participation in leadership and decision-making.
The commissioner also highlighted the government’s commitment to girl-child education, saying programmes aimed at improving access to quality education for girls remain a priority.
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She cited the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, which she said has helped create safer learning environments and opportunities for girls to develop their academic and leadership potential.
Mrs Babafemi added that the state government is also strengthening women’s economic empowerment through the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up, supported by the World Bank.
She said the programme, currently being implemented in three local government areas, is designed to improve women’s economic capacity at the grassroots through skills development, financial support and cooperative networks.
Mrs Babafemi also commended initiatives by the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, particularly programmes focused on women’s empowerment and social protection.
According to her, projects such as the Adire Ekiti Hub have trained and empowered thousands of women with vocational skills, while the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope Support Foundation continues to support vulnerable women, widows and orphans across the state.
She also referred to recent engagement between the First Lady and civil society organisations to discuss strategies for increasing women’s participation in politics.
Mrs Babafemi said groups such as Ekiti Women in Management have been mentoring young girls and promoting leadership, integrity and responsible citizenship.
She added that the state government encourages women to form cooperative and professional groups to strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing and economic opportunities.
The commissioner said her ministry works closely with the Office of the First Lady and women-focused civil society organisations to provide support and mentorship for women interested in politics.
Reflecting on the theme “Give to Gain”, Mrs Babafemi said sustained investment in women would benefit families, communities and society as a whole and remains essential for inclusive development in Ekiti State.