The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, while addressing a gathering at the Abiodun Adetiloye Hall of the State Trade Fair Complex in Ado Ekiti on Thursday spoke passionately about the significance of adopting widows and orphans for economic and educational empowerment. He emphasized that it was a collective responsibility that should be embraced by privileged individuals across Nigeria.
The Governor expressed his firm belief that supporting these vulnerable groups was a vital step toward offering them a brighter, more fulfilled life.
Mr. Oyebanji highlighted that the Widows and Orphans Hope Project (WAOH Project) as an initiative conceived by his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the Ekiti First Lady would go a long way to compliment his shared prosperity for all mantra.
He praised her dedication to continuing the exceptional work of her predecessor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi. Erelu Bisi Fayemi was also present at the event and played a pivotal role in distributing the education empowerment to orphaned beneficiaries.
Governor Oyebanji explained that he is committed to ensuring that the 30,000 widows already registered under the scheme would receive support throughout his administration. Furthermore, he promised that this initiative would be an ongoing one, underlining his administration’s dedication to making a positive and lasting impact.
In addition to the financial and material support, the Governor also shared his administration’s plan to organize business development seminars for widows, administered through the state Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. This commitment to empowering widows and orphans was an integral part of his vision for a more prosperous and equal society.
He went on to stress the importance of this initiative and shared a touching moment of his readiness to adopt a “double orphan,” a young child who was a beneficiary of his wife’s “Back to School Initiative” held the previous month. This sincere and personal gesture underscored the Governor’s deep commitment to the cause.
Governor Oyebanji’s speech set the tone for the day, echoing the passion and dedication displayed by his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, who had conceived the WAOH Project to uplift widows and orphans. Her commitment and drive had led to the formation of the initiative, which aimed to provide hope and support to the most vulnerable in society, aligning with the vision of shared prosperity for Ekiti State.
Recall that in a bid to uplift widows and orphans, wife of the Ekiti State Governor,Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji introduced the Widows and Orphans Hope Project (WAOH Project). The program extends vital support to these vulnerable groups, fostering self-sufficiency, diminishing poverty, and promoting gender equality. Three distinct categories of widows, ranging from active to inactive, as well as 25 orphans pursuing higher education, were beneficiaries of the first phase of the project, totaling 375 beneficiaries. The First Lady expressed her commitment to the continued expansion of the initiative, subject to funding availability, with the goal of positively impacting the lives of more widows and orphans in Ekiti State.
