"BAOress the Lover of Youth: Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji's Inspiring Commitment to Empowering Ekiti State's Youth".
By: Omo Imam Adekunle, Coordinator of the BAO Disciples.
In the heart of Ekiti State, a remarkable figure has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth. Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Olayemi Oyebanji, affectionately known as "BAOress," stands as an epitome of leadership and dedication to the betterment of Ekiti State and its young population. In this article, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, exploring her role as a lover of youth and an apostle of good governance.
A Scholar and Educator:
Prof Olayemi, a princess from Ado Ekiti, is an associate professor, a seasoned scholar with over 80 publications in the field of Institutional Administration, Higher Education, Quality Assurance in Education, Human Resource Development, and Leadership in Education. The Ekiti Governor's wife, a senior lecturer in the Department of Education Management at the University of Ibadan (UI), boasts over 85 publications in reputable journals to her credit and has produced six PhD graduates and several others at Master's and undergraduate levels.
Championing Education:
One of the cornerstones of Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji's advocacy is the promotion of education. She firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking the potential of Ekiti State's youth. Her "Education First" initiative has seen the implementation of various programs aimed at improving educational standards in the state. These programs include scholarship schemes, supporting school kids with writing materials such as bags, school sandals, notebooks, and initiatives to enhance the quality of teachers in Ekiti State. Earlier, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, had showered gifts of school materials on about 400 indigent pupils from the 16 local government areas restating her commitment to ameliorating the suffering of vulnerable people in the state. Dr. Oyebanji distributed brand new schoolbags containing water bottles, mathematical sets, food warmers, six 60 Leaves exercise books, and transport allowance to each of the beneficiaries of the exercise, the majority of whom were orphans under her Back to School Programme for Vulnerable Children.
Empowering Through Scholarships:
Her Excellency Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the Ekiti State Governor's wife, encouraged Sunmonu Olaolorun Daniel, a recipient of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) National Scholarship, to work harder and justify the scholarship award. The advice was given during the scholarship presentation event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The scholarship, awarded by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, entails a yearly sum of N1 million for four years and a laptop for each awardee, provided they maintain a CGPA of 3.0 and above.
Dedication to Education:
In a remarkable gesture, the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has offered to serve as a lecturer at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) on a part-time basis to impart knowledge on students and give them academic mentorship.
Skills and Entrepreneurship:
Recognizing that education alone is not enough, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has championed numerous skill acquisition programs. Her administration has equipped young people with valuable skills essential for self-reliance and job creation. These efforts have not only reduced unemployment rates but have also created a sense of empowerment among the youth.
Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship:
BAOress is a staunch advocate for youth entrepreneurship. She has initiated several programs to support budding entrepreneurs in Ekiti State, providing them with access to capital, mentorship, and business development opportunities. This has led to the emergence of a new generation of young, successful business owners, contributing significantly to the state's economic growth.
Healthcare and Well-being:
Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji is equally committed to the health and well-being of Ekiti State's youth. She has played a pivotal role in improving healthcare facilities, making quality healthcare services more accessible to the people. Her "Healthy Ekiti" initiative emphasizes preventive healthcare and wellness programs, ensuring that the youth are physically and mentally healthy.
Recognition and Impact:
Her Excellency's commitment to youth empowerment has not gone unnoticed beyond Ekiti State's borders. She has been recognized on regional and national levels for her tireless efforts in fostering positive change among the youth. Her dedication to good governance and youth development sets a remarkable example for leaders across Nigeria and beyond.
The AGILE Project:
In a remarkable testament to the gains of continuity and unwavering commitment to education, the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project has thrived in Ekiti State. This World Bank-assisted intervention project, designed to enhance secondary education opportunities for girls in targeted areas, has achieved significant milestones under the leadership of Governor Olayemi Oyebanji and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State.
The AGILE project was initially facilitated by former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, before her exit from office. It was subsequently nurtured and expanded by the current administration, spearheaded by Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, ensuring its sustainability and continuous growth.
One of the primary focuses of AGILE has been the improvement of infrastructure in public secondary schools across the state. In a massive undertaking, 203 public secondary schools have witnessed extensive renovation of old buildings, the construction of modern toilets, and the purchase of computers and school furniture, greatly enhancing the learning environment for students.
To further bolster access to technology-enabled education, a total of 910 laptops were procured and distributed to schools during the project's first phase, followed by an additional 1,690 laptops in the second phase. These laptops have empowered teachers and students alike, transforming the way education is imparted and received in Ekiti State.
The latest milestone in the AGILE project occurred today when the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, personally presented cheques totaling an impressive sum of N916,464,672.04 to 10 selected secondary schools in the state. Each school received at least 90 million naira, earmarked for extensive renovations, with a focus on creating additional spaces to accommodate the anticipated increase in enrollment.
In Conclusion, In the persona of Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Ekiti State has found a First Lady whose love for the youth is unwavering. Her multifaceted approach to empowerment through education, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and healthcare has not only transformed the lives of the youth but has also charted a path towards a brighter future for the entire state. As a beacon of hope, an advocate of good governance, and a true lover of youth, BAOress continues to inspire us all.
I remain my humble self; Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle popular and political address as Omo Imam Adekunle
Impenitent BAO Disciples
Apostle of Good Governance
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