The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ekiti State Chapter on Wednesday decorated the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and first Lady of the state, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji as most gender friendly political icon and formidable entrepreneurial first lady, respectively.
The Association honoured the political personalities during its southwest zonal summit, held in Ekiti State, with the theme “Women as Catalysts in Nigeria’s Path to Progress”.
In her address of welcome, NAWOJ chairperson, Ekiti State Chapter said their decorations were necessary, in recognition of Dr Fayemi’s immense contributions and steadfast commitment to gender equality during his tenure as Governor, as well as Dr Oyebanji’s relentless drive and vision for empowering women and improving the lives of the people of Ekiti.
She stressed that the summit served an avenue for relevant stakeholders and gender advocates to brainstorm on the development of women, children and the nation at large.
Meanwhile, traditional rulers and prominent political personalities in the State have urged women journalists across the country to rise above their fear by breaking invisible barriers to leadership positions.
The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye said Nigeria can not experience economic development without the input of women.
Oba Ajakaye, represented by Cosmos Ademilua empasised on the importance of women in nation building, while also calling on them to rise above their fear in order to unlock their full potentials.
The Atayero of Aramoko in Ekiti West Local government area of the State, Ambassador Olusegun Aderemi also stressed on the role of women in nation building, urging male counterparts to support their pursuits for the betterment of the country.
In her lecture, the lawmaker representing Ilejemeje Constituency in Ekiti House of Assembly, Iyabo Fakunle-Okieimen urged men to stop hatred against women, while also urging them to raise responsible boy child.
She also urged women to support their fellow gender aspiring for leadership positions, saying this would enable them to have value in the society.
On her part, the Vice President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), B-Zone, Comrade Ronke Samo also reiterated the essence of supporting women for leadership roles, saying they contribute significantly to economic growth of the country.
The NUJ Chairman, Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi hailed NAWOJ for the initiative, urging them to take advantage of artificial intelligence threatening the profession.
In her keynote address, NAWOJ national president, Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim called on Nigerians to support women in order to be free from the barriers that limit their full participation in politics, business and academia.
Comrade Ibrahim, represented by the Vice President, NAWOJ B-ZONE, Adeola Adekunle, urged women not to relent being advocate of progress, adding that their contributions would bring about the prosperity of the nation.
“Today is not just about celebrating the successes of the past but also about looking toward the future. A future where women will play an even more significant role in driving Nigeria’s progress. A future where women will not just be participants but key drivers of change, innovation, and development.
“As we look ahead, let us challenge ourselves to continue breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Let us support women in every aspect of life whether in the boardrooms, legislative chambers, or the media. Let us create a society where the next generation of women can dream bigger, aim higher, and achieve more.
“I encourage women to continue being the catalysts of progress in your communities. Know that you have the power to make a difference no matter the obstacles you may face. Together, we can build a Nigeria that is not only prosperous but just, equitable, and truly reflective of the contributions and potential of all its citizens”. She added
Other personalities honoured by the association include: the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Olawumi Famuyiwa, retired women journalists and the administrative secretary of Ekiti NUJ, Temitope Bolarinwa for her diligence and commitment to service.