Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has called for sustained prayers for peace and development in the State, as well as continued support for the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The first lady made the call on Thursday when she hosted Muslim women in the state to a Ramadan breaking of fast (Iftar) at the Government house in Ado-Ekiti.
The event brought together Muslim leaders, women groups, and government officials who commended the governor’s wife for her consistent engagement with the Muslim community.
Dr. Oyebanji thanked the Muslim community for their unwavering support for her husband’s administration and for helping to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the State.
According to her, peace remains a major factor responsible for the steady development being witnessed across Ekiti State.
She also described the coincidence of the Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season as symbolic of unity among Nigerians of different faiths and urged the Muslim faithful to use the period to pray for peace and security in the country.
The Ekiti State First Lady also sensitised the gathering on the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and supporting the re-election of Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu, noting that the President has demonstrated commitment to the development of Ekiti State.
She also encouraged beneficiaries of the support items distributed at the event to share with others in their various communities in the spirit of love and charity that the Ramadan season emphasizes.
In her welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, expressed appreciation to Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji for identifying with the Muslim faithful, noting that her inclusive approach has strengthened the relationship between the government and the Muslim community in the state.
She assured that the Muslim community would continue to support the administration and urged those in attendance to mobilise voters to re-elect Governor Oyebanji for a second term with overwhelming votes.
Also speaking, a community leader, Alhaji Abdulakeem Afenifere, during his lecture, described a successful leader as one who helps others succeed. He added that testimonies from beneficiaries of the governor and his wife’s interventions have shown their commitment to uplifting the lives of the people.
He encouraged the couple to sustain their humanitarian efforts and prayed for Governor Oyebanji’s victory in the next election.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Social and Gender Mobilisation, Hon. Kemi Olaleye, called on women to ensure they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote massively for the governor, stressing that active participation in the electoral process is crucial for sustaining good governance.
They noted that the Governor’s wife, through her pet projects, has empowered many women and contributed significantly to the increasing number of women occupying positions of authority in Ekiti State.
The trio also appreciated Governor Oyebanji for his continuous support for women and urged Muslim faithful to keep praying for the success of the administration so that the people could continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Earlier, the President of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, commended the governor’s wife for her love and support for the Muslim community.
He stated that the Muslim community would continue to support Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu while offering prayers for continued peace, stability, and security in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
