Ekiti First Lady Charges Lawmakers-elect to Advance Gender Issues through Legislations

 

By Ayo Ajofoyinbo

The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, on Thursday urged members of the 7th Ekiti State House of Assembly to advance gender equality through the creation of legal frameworks which would challenge societal norms and stereotypes to promote inclusivity.

The Ekiti First lady said that she envisioned a future where gender equality would become a tangible reality for every citizen of the state.

Dr Oyebanji gave the charge at Ikogosi Ekiti while addressing the lawmakers at a retreat organized by the state government for the outgoing and newly elected House of Assembly members.

The Governor's wife encouraged the newly elected legislators to give their wives adequate support and platform to impact their constituencies while challenging the female members to ensure they stand out in their assignment so as to give room for inclusion of more women in governance.

Earlier in her presentation titled: Political Will and Gender Mainstreaming in Ekiti State, the immediate past First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi  encouraged the legislators to be open minded about gender issues and women's rights.

Erelu Fayemi called for cooperation with the executive and judiciary to ensure that there is no reversal of all existing laws that has been made.

According to her, there is need for the EKHA to commission an implementation review of all gender laws in the state in collaboration with the executive. 

She thereafter advised the lawmakers to familiarize themselves with the provisions of existing laws and policies as she also called for review of all existing laws where necessary for strengthening.

In her remark, the Speaker House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba appreciated the Governor's wife and her predecessor, Erelu Fayemi for impacting the honorable members and assured that with the level of intellectuals in the 7th Assembly, the state would enjoy more equitable society.