The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has commended the Ekiti Summit News Media Group for sustaining the Ekiti Summit Awards, describing the initiative as a vital platform for celebrating excellence, leadership, and social impact across the State.
In her remarks at Ado Ekiti, where she was honoured with the Personality of the Year award at the 2026 Ekiti Summit Awards ceremony, Dr. Oyebanji said the recognition continues to serve as a bridge between outstanding contributions and public appreciation. She noted that such platforms encourage positive service, accountability, and a renewed commitment to community development.
Dr. Oyebanji, who spoke under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Leadership and Social Impact in Ekiti State,” said she was impressed by the organisers’ consistency in promoting an awards culture that honours individuals and institutions driving meaningful progress in Ekiti.
She spoke through the Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship (BCOC), Ekiti State, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa.
She appreciated the organisers for “sustaining this important platform” that honours people and entities making significant contributions to the growth of Ekiti State. She observed that in a society where criticism often comes quickly, it was “refreshing” to witness an awards platform that intentionally highlights service, positive influence, and shared values.
The First Lady emphasised that the occasion was more than a celebration, adding that it reminded stakeholders of the essence of leadership. “Today is not just about awards. It is about values. It is about reminding ourselves that leadership still means something,” she said. She added that recognition should reinforce commitment to betterment rather than create complacency.
Dr. Oyebanji expressed humility and gratitude for the honour, stating that she does not see herself as extraordinary, but rather as “privileged with an opportunity to serve.” She stressed that service, to her, is not about titles or visibility, but about people listening to them, understanding their challenges, and showing compassion to those whose struggles may remain hidden behind smiles.
The wife of the Governor also called for compassionate leadership, noting that impact is not always measured by the scale of actions. “Sometimes a kind word changes a life,” she said, adding that “one opportunity restores hope,” while “one intervention saves a family from collapse.” According to her, Ekiti remains known for honour, integrity, education, and strong moral values, and sustaining those values requires deliberate efforts from government, families, schools, religious institutions, community leaders, and citizens alike.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Oyebanji urged young people to remain grounded in their values despite social pressure, stating that true success lies in purpose, growth, and impact—not noise or appearance. She called on women to recognise that their voices and contributions are essential to development. She further emphasised the importance of strengthening families and supporting vulnerable groups at the grassroots.
Dr. Oyebanji thanked Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for what she described as inclusive, people-centred governance, reaffirming that leadership is about responsibility, sacrifice, and using influence to improve lives. She dedicated the honour to “every woman striving quietly and every young person refusing to give up.”
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Ekiti Summit News Media Group, Mr. Femi Alufa, said the gathering was not only to celebrate achievements, but also to honour enduring values of service, integrity, leadership, excellence, and community impact—values that strengthen society, preserve heritage, and inspire future generations.
Mr. Alufa noted that the Ekiti Summit People of the Year Award is more than a ceremony; it is a platform of recognition and responsibility. According to him, it celebrates individuals whose lives and contributions continue to uplift communities, strengthen institutions, promote culture, encourage innovation, and advance progress for Ekiti State and Nigeria.
