Ekiti State joined the global community in marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a vibrant celebration themed“For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The event, held in Ado Ekiti, brought together women from across the state’s local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs), showcasing their cultural heritage, agricultural produce, and advocacy for gender equality.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, featured talks, cultural displays, and a parade by the women. Hundreds of women adorned in purple Adire fabrics gathered to celebrate their achievements and advocate for greater inclusion in society.
In her keynote speech, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for societal development. She stated, “Women’s rights are human rights. Equality is not a privilege but a fundamental necessity. We must reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl enjoys full rights and is empowered to fulfil her potential.”
Dr. Oyebanji highlighted the state’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, which focused on empowering women and girls through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. She also mentioned Ekiti’s local initiatives, such as the Widows, Aged, and Orphans Hope Support Foundation (WAOH) and the Adire Ekiti Hub, providing opportunities for young women’s economic empowerment.
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Monisade Afuye commended the state government’s efforts in mitigating gender-based violence and promoting women’s inclusion in governance.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, remarked that International Women’s Day is a unique occasion to reflect on women’s contributions to society and the challenges in advancing their rights and empowerment. In line with this year’s campaign team, #Accelerate Action, she emphasised the need to speed up efforts in implementing various commitments to women’s development.
The Commissioner commended the Governor,Mr.Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his passion for women’s development and described him as gender-sensitive and family-friendly. She also acknowledged the invaluable roles of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, in enhancing women’s development and the educational advancement of pupils and children in Ekiti.
Mrs Babafemi remarked that the high number of women in public leadership positions across all levels in Ekiti State reflected the administration’s recognition of women’s invaluable roles as contributors to development.
She said the government did provide medical, legal, psychosocial and financial support to Gender-Based Violence survivors whilst offenders faced the wrath of the law.
The Commissioner urged all stakeholders to work with the state government to promote women’s rights and development.
The celebration featured a parade by women from various LGAs and LCDAs showcasing their unique agricultural products.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Dr. Yemisi Afolabi, Head of the Department of Gender and Development Studies, EKSU who delivered a keynote address on the theme, Eyesorun Abosede Adejugbe, Wife of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti,Professor Smaranda Olarinde, Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, wives of political office holders and top government functionaries , Oloris in Council and Iyalojas (market leaders).
The celebration culminated in the cutting of the anniversary cake, symbolizing unity and progress in the fight for gender equality. Dr. Oyebanji challenged all stakeholders to continue uplifting one another, breaking down barriers, and creating a world where every woman and girl has the chance to shine.
As Ekiti State joins the global movement for women’s rights, the event served as a reminder for collective action, synergy and collaboration for gender equality and women empowerment.
