By YINUSA ISHOLA
ADO-EKITI- Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has promised to give adequate recognition and respect to womenfolk to move the state forward.
His spokesman, Mr Yinka Oyebode, stated at Ado-Ekiti on Sunday that Oyebanji made the promise when he visited the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen in Abuja on Friday.
He stated that the governor maintained that his administration would exceed the 35 per cent representation for women in elective and appointive positions, in line with the equal opportunity policy of the state.
He added that the meeting was part of the governor’s visit to federal ministries, departments, and agencies as well as to development partners.
He stated also that the governor told the minister that gender balance and women-related issues were part of his government’s working plans.
Oyebanji added that his administration had started well with the choice of a woman as the deputy governor and another as Secretary to the State Government.
He noted that women have the ability to see things far ahead and discern things much better than men.
The governor seized the opportunity of the visit to commend the achievements recorded in the area of women development by former Gov. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Mrs Bisi Fayemi.
“The governor also promised to build on the records, especially in gender mainstreaming and affirmation,’’ the spokesman stated.
He added that in her response, the minister lauded Ekiti’s contributions in women-related issues particularly its Gender-Based Violence law, which she acknowledged had been quite effective in curbing domestic and sexual abuses.
The minister said Nigeria had earmarked about N3 billion for women projects and all states would benefit from the fund.
“I know you will continue the good work of your predecessor and do more.
“You already have a woman as deputy governor and a woman as Secretary to State Government. That is a good way to start.
“Kwara has the record as the state with the highest number of women in government. Try and surpass Kwara in this regard,’’ the minister told Gov. Oyebanji. (NAN)
