Women Affairs Commissioner Reaffirms Ekiti Govt’s Commitment to Less Privileged

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the less privileged.

Babafemi said the commitment was in line with the Human Capital Development pillar of the administration of Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

She made the statement on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti while receiving the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Akomolede, and members of the agency’s management team during a courtesy visit to her office.

The commissioner said people remained the most valuable assets of the government, adding that the administration prioritised the welfare of women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups

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According to her, state-owned welfare institutions provide shelter and care for children in difficult circumstances, persons requiring rehabilitation and survivors of gender-based violence.

Babafemi said the government also partnered with civil society organisations and development partners to ensure wider coverage and effectiveness of its welfare programmes.

She added that the Ekiti State Government co-funded the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) with the World Bank to enhance economic opportunities and improve livelihoods for women.

The Commissioner noted that the wife of the governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, through her non-governmental organisation, Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH), and the Adire Ekiti Hub, was actively involved in the care and empowerment of orphans, widows and adolescent girls.

Babafemi commended the NOA for its dedication to development through public education and collaboration with state institutions in implementing people-centred programmes.

Earlier, the Ekiti State Director of NOA, Mrs Akomolede, assured the ministry of the agency’s continued collaboration with government institutions to raise public awareness of government policies and programmes.

She called on stakeholders to intensify joint efforts against teenage prostitution and harmful traditional practices, and highlighted the plight of widows, urging society to show them care and empathy.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olusola Adeluyi-Femi, commended the NOA for its efforts in enlightening citizens with accurate information.