Stakeholders Rally Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Moba.

Stakeholders Rally Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Moba.

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‎The ongoing stakeholders’ engagement on the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) has been held in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State for day two. The NFWP-SU is a World Bank assisted project aimed at enhancing women's economic development. The event held in Otun-Ekiti was well attended by  traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, artisans, market women , civil society organisations, government officials, among others to deepen awareness and mobilise support for the programme. 

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‎The three-day strategic meeting, which kicked off in Efon, focused on institutionalising Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and other platforms aimed at enhancing women’s economic empowerment and improving access to opportunities for unbanked women.

Speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, appreciated the traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their support, describing the programme as highly beneficial for the women, families and the local economy. 

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‎She noted that Moba is one of the three pilot local government areas selected for the programme in the State.

‎Mrs Babafemi expressed the unflinching commitment of the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to women's empowerment as encapsulated in its Human Capital Development Pillar of its Governance Agenda. She said Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) consist of Women aged 18 years and above who are engaged in subsistence level economic activities and resident in the communities within implementing LGAs.

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‎The Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, alongside the Senior Technical Adviser on the Project in Ekiti, Dr Oyefunke Koleowo, further sensitised participants on the operational details of the programme, encouraging women in Moba to take full advantage of the impactful programme.

‎Representing the Ekiti State First Lady, the Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy to the Wife of the Governor, Dr Eunice Fasanmi, reiterated that the programme is  apolitical and would contribute immensely to grassroots development.

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‎She encouraged the women in Moba to come together through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) of their choices following the programme guidelines .

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‎Earlier, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator, Mrs Oluwatoyin Familoni, thanked Governor Oyebanji for championing  women-focused empowerment initiatives in the state. 

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‎She explained that the NFWP-SU is being implemented in the three senatorial districts of the State in Efon, Moba, and Ayekire/Gbonyin LGAs.

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‎Mrs Familoni remarked that traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders had been adequately consulted on the benefits of the programme.

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‎According to her, the World Bank-supported initiative aims to strengthen women economically so they can better support their families and contribute meaningfully to society.

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‎She called on Moba Local Government to intensify mobilisation efforts to ensure that a large number of women enlist as WAGs' members and actively participate in the programme.

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‎Also speaking, Mrs Opeoluwa Asoro, representing the Ogun State Project Coordinator, said the proven impact and productivity of the programme motivated many states in Nigeria to key into the initiative. 

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‎In their remarks, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Moba, Hon. Mrs Bola Solanke and Hon. Sunday Awoniyi, expressed confidence that the programme would enhance the financial stability of families in the area.

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‎The Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa, reiterated that the state government has continued to roll out life-changing initiatives for the people, urging citizens to take advantage of them.

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‎She also advised parents to encourage their children to learn vocational skills and crafts for economic independence.

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‎Also speaking on the initiative, the Executive Chairman of Moba Local Government, Hon. Bamidele Fadugba, pledged to mobilise all necessary structures to ensure that qualified women across the local government fully benefit from the programme.

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‎Representing the Oore of Otun, the Olosan of Osan Ekiti, Oba Bamidele Jimoh, advised women to engage in profitable ventures, no matter how small, and to remain committed to their affinity groups to maximise the benefits.

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‎On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi, said the state government has committed significant resources to the project, describing it as a rare opportunity for women’s financial empowerment. 

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‎She urged women to justify  the efforts of the state government and the World Bank on the programme. 

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‎Dignitaries at the meeting included the Director of the WAOH Project, Dr Oluwakemi Dairo; Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Adesola Adedayo; Commissioner for Regional Development, Dr Makanjuola Abdulkareem, the Onigogo of Igogo Ekiti, Oba (Barr.) Sunday Adewunmi ,  the Onirare of Irare-Ekiti, Oba Olukayode Olubowale, Chairman of Ero LCDA, Hon. Mrs Felicia Ibiloye, among others.

EKITI GOVT TO ALLOCATE 50 HECTARES OF LAND TO EKSPOLY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

EKITI GOVT TO ALLOCATE 50 HECTARES OF LAND TO EKSPOLY FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

…Pledges Strong Partnership, Increased Support for Polytechnic’s Mechanization Unit.

The Ekiti State Government has assured Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, of the allocation of 50 hectares of land for agricultural purposes, as part of efforts to strengthen food security, practical agricultural education, and institutional collaboration within the state.

The assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, during a courtesy visit by the management of the Polytechnic to his office to submit an expression letter of interest on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Sunday Osinkolu Ajeigbe, was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Rector, Dr. E. A. Ajayi, who led a delegation of senior officers of the institution.

Receiving the delegation, Mr. Boluwade expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with Ekiti State Polytechnic, describing the institution as a critical stakeholder and a “baby” of the Ministry of Agriculture. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to policies that support collaboration between educational institutions and the agricultural sector.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is ready to work closely with Ekiti State Polytechnic. We recognize the institution as a strategic partner in achieving our food security goals, and we will continue to support initiatives that align with the state’s agricultural development agenda,” the Commissioner said.

Mr. Boluwade disclosed that the proposed allocation of 50 hectares of land would enable the Polytechnic to expand its agricultural activities, enhance practical training, and contribute meaningfully to agricultural production in the state.

Earlier, the Rector, through his representative, Dr. Ajayi, had sought the intervention and support of the Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening the Polytechnic’s agricultural programmes and commercial farming initiatives. He explained that the institution is working towards becoming an agricultural hub and food bank for Ekiti State, leveraging its academic expertise, farm structures, and mechanization capacity.

According to him, the establishment of a large-scale agricultural commercial farm would provide hands-on learning opportunities for students, support research and innovation, and promote sustainable agricultural practices, while also contributing to food availability and economic growth in the state.

“The Polytechnic is committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice. With the support of the Ministry, we aim to equip our students with practical, market-relevant agricultural skills and also contribute to the state’s food sufficiency drive,” Dr. Ajayi stated.

In his response, the Commissioner further promised that the Ministry would engage the Polytechnic’s Mechanization Unit more actively in 2026, noting that its expertise would be valuable in advancing mechanized farming and improving agricultural productivity across the state.

He commended the management of the Polytechnic for its vision and proactive engagement, assuring them of continued collaboration and institutional support.

Members of the Polytechnic delegation included the Head of Department, Agricultural Technology, Dr. M. A. Akinsuyi; Head of Mechanization Unit, Dr. Olayemi Olaosebikan; ASUP Chairman, Dr. T. A. Dada; Deputy Director, EKSPOLY Farm, Dr. C. A. Fayose; and the Polytechnic PRO, Mr. Martins Olowoyo.

Synergy key to industrial harmony, academic excellence – EKSU VC.

Synergy key to industrial harmony, academic excellence – EKSU VC.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has said that effective synergy among critical stakeholders remains essential for sustaining industrial harmony and promoting academic excellence in the university system.

Ayodele made this known while delivering the keynote address at a retreat organised by the university management in collaboration with staff union executives, held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ekiti State.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that EKSU’s academic reputation and sustainable future could only be strengthened through collaboration, dialogue and mutual understanding among stakeholders.

According to him, proactive engagement, inclusive planning and integrity in upholding agreements are vital to maintaining a peaceful academic environment, adding that continuous investment in staff welfare and professional development would further enhance institutional harmony and reinforce EKSU’s status as one of the leading state universities in Nigeria.

He explained that the two-day retreat was organised to strengthen institutional harmony, improve industrial relations and promote sustainable academic and administrative excellence within the university.

The retreat featured keynote and technical sessions, interactive discussions and roundtable engagements focusing on conflict management, proactive communication and shared ownership of institutional goals.

Resource persons at the retreat, including Dr. Abdussubur Salaam, Prof. Anthonia Adenike Adeniji and Dr. Dele Ashiru, stressed in their various presentations that early conflict resolution, transparent communication and collective responsibility were critical strategies for preventing industrial disputes.

Participants at the retreat also resolved to sustain continuous dialogue, promote trust and transparency, adopt effective grievance-handling mechanisms and work collaboratively to maintain a peaceful and productive work environment in the university.

The statement was signed by the Deputy Registrar and Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun, who noted that the university management remained committed to fostering a culture of dialogue, mutual respect and institutional stability, in line with EKSU’s vision of excellence in teaching, research and community service.

The crux of 2026 Ekiti governorship election ~ OSV.

The crux of 2026 Ekiti governorship election ~ OSV.

Following the conclusion of party primaries, submission of nomination forms and the resolution of complaints arising from the nomination process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates and their running mates for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022,

With this publication, the campaign period officially enters a critical phase that requires maturity, restraint, and strict adherence to the law by all political actors, as stated by the State INEC Chairman.

INEC had published the final list of governorship candidates and their runningmates for the 12 political parties cleared to participate in the June 20 election.

As usual, all contestants in any election are believing to be potential winners, whereas the winning always comes out with some distinct qualities.

A winning candidate stretches over to win more potential voters, humble, determined, and ready to accommodate everybody yet definite and concise in his or her decision making. A potential winning candidate is the one with the strong support of his or her party structure, party leadership, and strong physical street credibility.

Potential losers complain more of his or her opponents, the processes, the party, the umpire, etc.

So far, so good, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, His Excellency Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji has shown and proved beyond reasonable why they are in pole position to win the forthcoming governorship election in a landslide which promises to be unprecedented. The party remains united, coherent and waxing stronger ever since the completion of the party primary while Governor Oyebanji on his part has always shown the maturity, competence, ethos of great Omoluabi that earn him the maximum confident of every good Ekiti son and daughter both at home and in the diaspora.

Democracy, they say, is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be. Governor Oyebanji has so far shown that he deserves to hold the sovereignty of Ekiti people for another four years of exceptional leadership and physical infrastructural improvement.

#voteapc
#votebao2026

_powered by OSV_

Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter Disowns Fake Group, Denounces Fraudulent Activities.

Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter Disowns Fake Group, Denounces Fraudulent Activities.

The attention of the Ekiti State Chapter of Afenifere, led by Elder Jonathan Yemi Alade and Secretary, Chief Mrs. Ronke Okusanya, has been drawn to a malicious and fraudulent claim by a group purporting to be members and leaders of Afenifere. This group, led by one Olayemi Olajuyinmi, a jobless and fake doctor parading himself as a pastor with no fixed address, has been claiming membership and leadership of Afenifere.

Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter Wishes to State the Following:

We categorically disassociate ourselves from this group of political opportunists and charlatans. They are not members of Afenifere, nor do they have any authority to speak on our behalf. Their claims are baseless, and their actions are a clear attempt to hijack the good name of Afenifere for their selfish and pecuniary interests.

The Facts:

- The group in question is not recognized by Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter.

- They are not listed in our register, and their claims of membership and leadership are false.

- Their actions are a blatant attempt to ride on the coat-tails of Afenifere's reputation and goodwill.

Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter's Position:

We wish to reiterate that Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter is firmly rooted in its philosophy and principles. We are affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), and we unequivocally support the candidacy of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. We do not have any relationship with any other political party, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which appears to be the platform these impostors are using to perpetuate their deceit.

Conclusion:

We urge the public to disregard the claims of this fake group and to note that Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter will not be swayed by the antics of these political opportunists. We will continue to uphold our principles and values, and we will not compromise our integrity for any reason.

Signed:

Biodun Akin-Fasae

Publicity Secretary

Afenifere Ekiti State Chapter

January 20th, 2026.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji, Democracy’s Omoluabi Choice for Continuity and Shared Prosperity.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji, Democracy’s Omoluabi Choice for Continuity and Shared Prosperity.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

With the Independent National Electoral Commission opening the space for campaign activities ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, the political atmosphere is gradually warming up, as expected in a thriving democracy where ideas, records and visions are subjected to public scrutiny.

As parties roll out their plans and aspirants seek the people’s mandate, one fact stands tall and clear to many Ekiti citizens. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) remains the most qualified, tested and trusted leader to continue steering the state on the path of progressive governance, shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Since assuming office in 2022, Governor Oyebanji has governed with calmness, humility and deep respect for democratic values. His leadership style, widely described as consultative and inclusive, reflects the true Omoluabi spirit for which Ekiti people are known, leadership anchored on integrity, empathy, diligence and service to the people.

The administration has recorded steady interventions across key sectors. In the health sector, the Oyebanji administration has strengthened healthcare delivery through the rehabilitation and equipping of primary health centres across the state, ensuring improved access to quality medical services, particularly at the grassroots. These interventions have brought relief to rural dwellers and reinforced government’s commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

Agriculture has also received renewed attention under the current administration. Through strategic support for farmers, provision of inputs and encouragement of agribusiness, the government has boosted food production, enhanced rural livelihoods and created opportunities for employment, especially among youths.

Education, a sector central to Ekiti’s identity, has witnessed steady interventions. From school rehabilitation to teacher recruitment and improved learning environments, the administration has continued to invest in human capital development, reaffirming its belief that education remains the backbone of sustainable development.

Infrastructure development under Governor Oyebanji has followed a people focused and balanced approach. Road construction and rehabilitation projects across urban and rural communities have improved connectivity, eased movement and stimulated economic activities. These projects, spread across different parts of the state, underscore a commitment to equitable development rather than selective progress.

Beyond physical projects, the administration has earned commendation for promoting good governance. Transparency, fiscal responsibility and respect for institutions have strengthened public trust, while the prevailing atmosphere of peace and stability in the state is often attributed to the governor’s inclusive and mature leadership.

Workers’ welfare remains a major pillar of the Oyebanji government. Regular payment of salaries, promotions and constructive engagement with labour unions have boosted morale within the civil service. Pensioners and senior citizens have also benefited from deliberate efforts to address pension and gratuity obligations, restoring dignity to those who devoted their productive years to the service of the state.

In line with democratic ideals of inclusiveness, the government has ensured that persons living with disabilities are not left behind, providing support and opportunities for participation in governance. Youth empowerment has equally received attention through skills acquisition programmes, employment initiatives and support for entrepreneurship.

In sports, Ekiti has witnessed renewed investment in talent development, competitions and facilities, using sports as a tool for unity, empowerment and positive engagement. This renewed focus has provided young people with platforms to discover and showcase their talents while fostering social cohesion across the state.

As Ekiti approaches another defining electoral moment, democracy once again places power in the hands of the people. Stakeholders and the great peoples of Ekiti State believe Governor Oyebanji embodies the Omoluabi values Ekiti cherishes and has translated those values into tangible development rather than empty rhetoric.

With ongoing projects and reforms across key sectors, calls for continuity have grown louder. Supporters argue that sustaining the current pace of development requires stability and consistency in leadership.

As campaigns commence, Ekiti people needs to peacefully and massively exercise their democratic right once again, as they did in 2022, by renewing the mandate of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, a leader many regard as steady, sincere and dependable.

In a democracy where leadership is a trust bestowed by the people, Oyebanji’s record continues to position him as an Omoluabi governor and a compelling choice for continuity, stability and shared prosperity in Ekiti State.

Writes by Olamide Akinwumi from Ise-Ekiti. 

Director of Sky Media Consult 

Stakeholders Engagement on Nigeria for Women Programme - Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) held in Efon Alaaye.

‎Stakeholders Engagement on Nigeria for Women Programme  - Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) held in Efon Alaaye.

...Targets Grassroots Economic Empowerment.

‎Ekiti State has taken a step toward strengthening women’s economic participation by commencing the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP- Scale Up) in Efon Alaaye, a World Bank–supported initiative designed to boost entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods of grassroots women.

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‎Speaking at the Stakeholders Engagement, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, said the project aims at institutionalising Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and other platforms for women's economic empowerment as well as enhance the economic opportunities of unbanked women.

She remarked that the programme which will be implemented in 3 LGAs - Efon, Gbonyin/Ayekire and Moba is strictly non-partisan, noting that it belongs to women across all political parties.

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‎According to her, the initiative is jointly funded by the Ekiti State Government and the World Bank, describing women’s empowerment as a direct investment in nation-building.

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‎“Empowering women is as good as empowering the entire nation. This programme is not about politics; it is about improving lives and strengthening our economy from the grassroots,” Babafemi said.

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‎She explained that beneficiaries would be organised into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs); small clusters of like minded entrepreneurial or business women aged 18 years and above, with members of each group  meeting weekly and contributing savings at an affordable level . The WAGs' members will then be supported with training  and  Community Investment Fund (CIF) for their businesses.

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‎The commissioner added that the programme is aimed at improving economic opportunities of grassroots women.

She said the success of the initiative in the implementing LGAs would facilitate its replication in other LGAs of the state.

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‎Speaking on behalf of the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, the Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy to the Wife of the Governor, Dr Eunice Fasanmi, reteirated the First Lady’s passion for women's development and her commitment to the success of Nigeria for Women Programme in Ekiti State.

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‎Adding that  Dr Oyebanji is deeply committed to the programme, given its numerous socio-economic benefits, urging women leaders at all levels to mobilise women of like minds to take full advantage of the initiative. 

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‎Dr Fasanmi assured participants of the First Lady’s continuous support toward the success of the initiative.

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‎In her remarks, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator, Mrs Oluwatoyin Familoni, noted that the Nigeria for Women Programme had already been implemented across the six geo-political zones of the country, with Ogun State representing the South-West during the maiden phase.

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‎She described Ekiti’s inclusion in the scale-up phase as a major opportunity, urging beneficiaries to demonstrate full commitment so that the combined efforts of the state government and the World Bank would yield lasting results.

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‎Mrs Familoni disclosed that about 34 states have keyed into the programme nationwide, adding that extensive sensitisation had already been carried out with strategic meetings with traditional Leaders and Key stakeholders in Efon Alaye. 

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‎She said each local government was given a target of 1,200 WAGs, with a minimum of 20 women per group.

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‎“The level of commitment shown by participants will determine how much they benefit from the programme,” she said.

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‎Providing further insights into the project, Mrs Opeoluwa Asoro, representing the Ogun State Project Coordinator, reiterated that the initiative has no political undertone and is open to all businesswomen in Efon Alaaye who meet the age requirement.

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‎She said the programme offers women access to low-interest loans, shielding them from exploitative, high-interest credit facilities, noting that the transparent and accountable scheme would also provide business management training, alongside financial and equipment support.

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‎Mrs Asoro explained that the intervention would be implemented in three phases, during which beneficiaries would be trained on effective financial management and business growth strategies, stressing the importance of discipline, sincerity and collective responsibility among group members.

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‎Also speaking, the Director-General/Senior Special Assistant, Office of Transformation Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo, alongside the Obanla of Efon Alaaye and High Chief Olawole Oni, admonished women in the local government to ensure that the required number of participants is met.

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‎They stressed that full participation would position Efon Alaaye as a model for other local governments in the state.

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‎On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi, congratulated Efon Local Government on being selected as a beneficiary of the project. 

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‎Speaking on behalf of women in Efon Alaaye, Chief Mrs Ronke Okusanya highlighted the importance of economic empowerment but emphasised that its success depends largely on strong commitment from all stakeholders.

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‎She called on women across the local government to fully embrace the programme, assuring facilitators that Efon Alaaye would record a successful outing.

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‎“We are determined to take full advantage of this opportunity. Women in Efon Local Government are ready and committed,” she said.

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‎Chief Mrs Okusanya added that the expected number of participants in the local government would be completed before the 2nd of next month, in line with the programme’s target timeline.

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‎The event attracted several community leaders including representatives of non-governmental organisations, New Generation for Girls and Women Development Initiatives (NIGWAD), represented by Mrs Bimbo Aladejare and Balm of Gilead Foundation (BIGIF), represented by Mr Nelson Akelere.

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‎Others in attendance were the Chief Whip, Ekiti State House of Assembly, representing Efon Alaaye, Hon. Bose Olowokere; Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs Olawunmi Famuyiwa; Chairman, Efon Local Government, Hon. Segun Afolabi; Director, WAOH Project, Dr (Mrs) Dairo; and the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, represented by Olori Roseline Aladejare among others.