Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State, has hailed her predecessor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, as a steadfast advocate for African women’s rights, a powerful voice for the marginalized, and a dedicated promoter of girls’ education. Speaking at a book reading event in Ado Ekiti, organized by the Ekiti State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Development, Dr. Oyebanji praised Erelu Fayemi’s literary impact on society.
During the event, which focused on Erelu Fayemi’s latest book *Demand and Supply*, Dr. Oyebanji highlighted the former First Lady’s role in strengthening a culture of reading and intellectual engagement among the youth. She commended Erelu Fayemi’s passion for both writing and advocacy, quoting Benjamin Franklin’s advice, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.”
Dr. Oyebanji urged Ekiti’s youth to believe in themselves and pursue greatness, emphasizing that books are not merely sources of knowledge but gateways to new perspectives. She called for a renewed commitment to literacy and education within the community.
As the special guest of honor, Erelu Fayemi encouraged young people to stay grounded in reality and avoid the distractions of social media vices. She also advised them to acquire practical skills alongside their academic qualifications to succeed in today’s competitive world. Additionally, Erelu Fayemi advocated for better communication between the government and the public to dispel misconceptions.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Gold Adedayo, recognized Erelu Fayemi’s contributions to humanity and highlighted the event as a testament to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to advancing education and scholarship in Ekiti State.
