The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has
declared that her principal, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as
being unwavering resolute in his desire to empower and pursue
political emancipation for women in the state to bolster their
relevance in governance.
Mrs Afuye said women empowerment is a conspicuous component in the
Human Capital Development focus of the current government, saying that
accounted for why there are six female lawmakers in the House of
Assembly, with several holding other pivotal positions under
Oyebanji’s government.
The Deputy Governor said this on Wednesday, while playing host to a
political group under the nomenclature Monisade Christianah Afuye
(MCA) Ladies, who paid a courtesy visit to her office in Ado Ekiti.
Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Personal Assistant on Media, Victor
Ogunje, described the body as politically vibrant and played central
roles in the success recorded by Governor Oyebanji, by way of
propagating the policies of government among the masses.
She urged the group to continually propagate the policies of
government, particularly the human capital development focus that
places high premium on broadening political opportunities for women in
strong and central positions.
Speaking about what Oyebanji’s government has done to help the group,
Mrs Afuye, said about six members had secured employment into the
state civil service, while efforts are underway to empower others
without higher certificates, but have vocational and business skills.
“Let me say that I am not for Ikere alone, but for all Ekiti people.
Governor Oyebanji won’t make anyone a used and dumped entity, we will
lay a good example by fulfilling our promises to Ekiti citizens.
“You could all see that Mr Governor is inclusive, we have no enemy to
fight. We are going to consider those who are not in our group for
political positions. It is not going to be winner takes all, we will
all benefit as Ekiti citizens under Oyebanji’s government.
On the coming local government election, Mrs Afuye, said Governor
Oyebanji will place high premium on competence and value addition in
the choices of candidates the All Progressives Congress will field for
the 2023 election.
Mrs Afuye said the era of imposition was long gone in APC, assuring
that only those who demonstrated ability and acceptability among the
masses and who can add value to the lives of the populace will be
supported by Governor Oyebanji.
“You all know that the local government election will be holding in
Ekiti State before the end of the year. Let me inform you that
competence and acceptability are going to be considered in the
choices of those that will be supported by Governor Oyebanji.
“This government will allow the masses and party leaders to make
inputs. We want those who can add values to the lives of the citizens
at the grassroots to emerge.”
Also speaking at the forum, a former APC Acting Chairman, Mrs Kemi
Olaleye, described Mrs Afuye as a loyal deputy, who is adding value to
the present government through initiation of empowerment programs for
the poor .
“Some deputies governors are disloyal, but Mrs Afuye is different.
She has respect for her principal and also adding immesurable values
to this government. I want you to support her and Governor Oyebanji to
be able to achieve success”.
The leader of the group, Princess Taiwo Adegboye-Omotayo, described
the Deputy Governor as an good ambassador of Ikere people, and someone
who is committed to human capital development.
Mrs Omotayo applauded Mrs Afuye for empowering members of the group,
by facilitating their employment into the state civil service and
provided equipment for those who are artisans among them.
“We are here for a thank you visit. We knew that this government is
doing excellently well in the area of women empowerment. We want to
say that we are solidly behind you because you have done well.
“The MCA ladies will continue to support this government by
publicizing the policies of government, and those things our governor
is doing to put smiles on the faces of our people”.