Ekiti Women Mark 2025 IWD with Health Talks, Palliatives.

Ekiti Women Mark 2025 IWD with Health Talks, Palliatives.

By Comr. Chief Bimbo Yusuf.

The Ekiti State Chapter of the Stand Up for Women Society (SWS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, on Friday joined millions of women globally to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a special programme aimed at promoting gender equality, women empowerment, and health advocacy.

Barr.Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, the International President of Stand Up for Women Society.

The event, which took place at the Ekiti Pavilion along New Iyin Road in Ado Ekiti, featured health lectures and the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable women, including widows and indigent girls across the state.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; South-West Coordinator of SWS, Liberator Dolapo-Ojo; Eyesorun Bosede Adejuyigbe (Olori of Ewi, Ado Ekiti); National President of SWS, Alhaja Ojediran; and the Chairperson of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State Chapter, Mrs Roseline Davids.

Liberator Adewumi Badegboyega,the State Chairperson of Stand Up for Women Society, Ekiti State Chapter.

In her welcome address on behalf of the International President of SWS, Barr. Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, the Chairperson of Ekiti SWS, Liberator Adewumi Bade-Gboyega, congratulated women on the global celebration and thanked stakeholders for their continued support in advancing gender equality. She stressed the importance of the year’s theme and called for sustained efforts in empowering women and girls at all levels.

One of the high points of the event was the distribution of palliatives to widows and vulnerable women. Ijadele-Adetona explained that the gesture was part of the group’s broader effort to support disadvantaged members of society and contribute to national development through women empowerment.

Health advocacy also took centre stage, as two lectures were delivered to educate attendees on issues affecting women’s wellbeing. Dr Babatunde Olofinbiyi, in a presentation titled “Women’s Health and Stress Management,” addressed mental health challenges faced by women due to hormonal shifts, societal pressures, and family responsibilities. He urged women to be assertive, prioritize mental health, and advocated for stronger support systems at institutional levels.

Similarly, Mrs Matins Adetoye of the Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka Diagnostic Centre, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, delivered a lecture titled “The Woman and Her Body,” focusing on hormonal imbalance, menopause, and the importance of good nutrition.

Speaking at the event, Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Peju Babafemi, commended the SWS for its philanthropic efforts in supporting indigent women and advancing the cause of gender equality in the state. She noted that the society had continued to complement the state government's initiatives, particularly in the areas of health, welfare, and education.

Babafemi also lauded the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, for her outstanding contributions to women’s wellbeing through her pet project, Widows, Aged, Orphans and the Homeless (WAOH). According to her, “The First Lady’s initiative has transformed the lives of many women and children in our state. Through scholarships, school supplies, and mentorship, she has shown exceptional leadership and care.”

She added that the ministry would continue to collaborate with women-focused organisations to increase female participation in governance and policy-making.

On her remarks on Gender equality in Ekiti State, Barr. Ijadele-Adetona praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for appointing 72 women into key government positions, describing it as a landmark achievements that demonstrates the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.

“Women now have a seat at the table, and this will positively impact policy-making and development,” she said.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Olatunde expressed appreciation to the SWS for the palliatives, noting that the intervention would help cushion the effects of current economic hardships on low-income families.

The State Secretary of SWS, Liberator Akomolafe Helen, in her vote of thanks, appreciated all guests and participants, and called on stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at improving women’s lives. She emphasized that government alone cannot meet every need and urged collaboration in building a more equitable society.

The event concluded with prayers for safe travels and continued progress in women’s development across the state.