Ekiti First Lady Engages With CSOs On Women’s Political Participation

In a decisive move to enhance women’s political participation, the First Lady of Ekiti State, H.E (Dr) Olayemi Oyebanji convened a strategic meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), as she proposed strategies aimed at enhancing women’s political participation.

Speaking on Wednesday at a high-level engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Adunni Olayinka Women Centre, Dr Oyebanji asserted that while the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has broken records with an impressive number of female appointments, the work must now transition to measurable grassroots impact. “History will not remember how many meetings we held; it will remember what we changed,” the First Lady declared. “Our women are ready. They need more support and, encouragement for enhanced participation in politics.”

To bridge the gap between participation and decision-making, Dr Oyebanji proposed a structured roadmap designed to produce tangible outcomes. These strategies include a massive drive to register new women voters across the state and the creation of a Mentorship Hub for young women to nurture the upcoming generation of female political leaders.

Additionally, the strategic action includes the establishment of a formal Women’s Caucus in the State House of Assembly, the training of women as election monitors to safeguard democratic integrity, and vigorous advocacy for legislative reforms that institutionalise female representation at all levels of governance.

The event featured a powerful show of solidarity from Ekiti’s top female executives and political stakeholders, and representatives of CSOs demonstrating a unified front for the cause.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, delivered a stirring address highlighting the “level playing field deficit” caused by political violence, limited financing, and entrenched stereotypes. She praised the First Lady’s vision as a vibrant social worker and advocate who understands that policy must meet community welfare to be effective. Similarly, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, alongside the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, commended Dr Oyebanji for her strategic collaboration with CSOs, identifying them as the most effective “bridge” for carrying the message of inclusive governance to the grassroots.

Adding significant weight to the gathering were notable leaders and dignitaries, including Chief Mrs Ronke Okusanya; the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju Egbeyemi; and the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola. Also in attendance were the Director General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawumi Famuyiwa; the Director General of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Oso Omotosho; and the Spouses of House of Assembly Members led by the wife of the Speaker, Mrs Nike Aribasoye. The engagement further saw the participation of the wives of Chairmen, Female Local Government Chairpersons, and various key political stakeholders.

Responding to the call for action, representatives of various CSOs and NGOs expressed their enthusiastic support for the roadmap. In their feedback, the advocates commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for setting a high bar in women’s involvement through significant political appointments, officially declaring the current administration a “women-friendly and CSO-friendly Government.” They pledged their full cooperation with the Office of the First Lady to ensure the message of political participation reaches every corner of the state.

Furthering the call for action, Mrs Olawumi Famuyiwa delivered a lecture titled “Collaborating for Enhancing Women’s Political Participation.” She noted that while Ekiti currently ranks high nationally with a 0.752 score on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index, the transition to elective offices remains the final frontier. The First Lady concluded the engagement by urging all stakeholders to choose “collaboration over competition,” committing her office to champion enhanced female participation in politics and public administration.