The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has presented two brand-new 18-seater buses to the Ekiti State chapters of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) as part of efforts to support faith-based organisations and enhance their activities.
The buses were presented at a ceremony held at the Office of the Wife of the Governor in Ado-Ekiti, with members and leaders of both organisations, top government officials and religious leaders in attendance.
Presenting the vehicles, Dr. Oyebanji said the donation was made through the Abiyamo Esther Oyebanji Foundation to ease transportation challenges faced by the women’s groups and strengthen their efforts in promoting Christian and Islamic values across the state.
She explained that the gesture reflects the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration and Abiyamo Esther Oyebanji foundation to improve the welfare of the people through impactful interventions.
“The administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji remains committed to putting smiles on the faces of our people. We will continue to sustain this commitment, particularly as we prepare to consolidate on the progress already made to serve the people of Ekiti State”. She said.
The First Lady commended the cordial relationship between Christian and Muslim communities in the state, as she described their peaceful coexistence as a model worthy of emulation.
She also appreciated the continued support of both organisations for the Oyebanji administration and assured them that government would continue to prioritise initiatives that promote the welfare of women and other vulnerable groups.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Abibat Adubiaro, applauded the Abiyamo Esther Oyebanji Foundation for the donation and urged the beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles.
She noted that the buses represent not only a gift but also a responsibility that should be preserved for the benefit of present and future members of the organisations.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairperson of WOWICAN, Mrs. Janet Ogbomo and the Amira of FOMWAN, Alhaja Aishat Jimoh, expressed profound appreciation to the First Lady, describing the donation as timely and impactful.
They recalled the difficulties members had experienced while relying on commercial transportation to attend conventions, conferences and other religious engagements within and outside the state, noting that the buses would significantly improve their operations.
Also present at the event were the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ekiti State, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, and the Chief Imam of Government House, Alhaji Abdulfatai Olorunkemi.
The religious leaders called for sustained collaboration between government and faith-based organisations in advancing peace, unity, and sustainable development in Ekiti State.