By Gbenga Ojikutu
Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has urged the people of the state to sustain the good legacies of the present administration by voting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 18 governorship election.
The wife of the governor said the Dr. Kayode Fayemi Administration has bettered the lives of women, children and the aged in Ekiti with various policies, programmes and empowerments noting that a vote for the APC candidate, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji would ensure their continuity beyond October 16, 2022.
The First Lady spoke on a Yoruba public accountability programme, S’ETIGBO, expressed confidence in the ability of the wife of the APC flag bearer, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, to sustain the policies, programmes and empowerments under her supervision.
In the simulcast which was aired on Ekiti 91.5 FM, Ayoba 95.1 FM, Our People’s 94.1 FM, New Cruse 92.7 FM, Progress 100.5 FM and Voice 89.9 FM, on Tuesday, Erelu Fayemi also disclosed that a Gender Composition Law to affirm 35 per cent of political positions to women in the state.
While driving home her point on the need for continuity, Erelu Fayemi said the gains recorded in the first tenure of her husband between 2010 and 2014 could not be sustained by the succeeding government as the Gender Based Management Committee became moribund after Dr. Fayemi left office in 2014.
While urging the electorate in the state to keep APC in power with their votes at the forthcoming governorship poll, Erelu Fayemi said a vote for Oyebanji is a vote for continuity of good welfare package for the less privileged, women, children and the aged who had enjoyed support and care in the last three and half years.
She said: “How can we sustain our good works? I believe Ekiti people love what Governor Fayemi is doing and they also love what this government is doing. We want you to vote for our party (APC), we want you to vote for BAO (Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji).
“Dr. Yemi Oyebanji is a good woman, she will sustain our good legacies. I have been taking her around to see what we have been doing and I believe that she will do well for our people as well.”
Erelu Fayemi explained that she has influenced the passage of six bills into law at the State House of Assembly which have enhanced the status of women and children and also protected them against victimisation and dehumanisation.
The laws, according to her, include Gender Based Violence Law, Equal Opportunities Law, HIV Anti-Stigma Law, Treatment, Care and Protection Law for Sexually Abused Minors and Gender Composition Law which affirm 35 per cent representation for women in political positions.
The First Lady noted that the Obirin Kete Cooperative Scheme set up in all the local government areas of the state has provided 3,544 poor women with access to credit facilities to boost their businesses while also serving as a platform for a virile political participation for women.
She disclosed that more women were elected into political positions in the last local government elections in the state as three (3) of them were elected as chairpersons, fourteen (14) as vice chairpersons and forty three(43) as councillors.
Erelu Fayemi said Ekiti now has a woman, Mrs. Peju Babafemi as the Head of Service, for the first time in history while the House of Assembly also has four female lawmakers who were elected at the last general elections.
The Governor’s wife revealed that over 1,000 aged persons benefit from a food support programme known as “Ounje Arugbo” in all the local government areas of the state to give them succour.
The First Lady explained that the Sexual Assault Referral Centre otherwise known as Moremi Clinic was constructed and equipped with professionals and facilities to attend to victims of rape and other sexual violence free of charge.
She said rape victims from neighbouring states like Kwara, Ondo and Osun have been coming to the Centre to access treatment, counselling and legal services on offer without paying any kobo and to give them a new lease of life.
Erelu Fayemi added that a 208-bed Shelter and Vocational Centre for Women and Children in Distress has also been put in place to provide a temporary abode and skills acquisition platform for victims chased away from their homes.
The First Lady said the state government also established a Gender Based Violence Survivors Fund to assist victims to resettle and live a normal life. She advocated a stoppage to violence against women and children in the state.
Erelu Fayemi called on parents and religious leaders to join the campaign against domestic violence and abuse of women expressing regrets on the killing of a popular gospel musician, Osinachi Nwachukwu by her husband.
She said: “It is better to leave an abusive marriage than to lose one’s life. When you are being abused, leave that home temporarily at least to save your life.
“Let our religious leaders talk to our men to stop violence against their wives. When you are in a church where they are telling you to stay in an abusive marriage, leave that church and go to another church. Your life is important to you.”
