Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has called for deliberate and sustained engagement of women in politics, particularly those in tertiary institutions and at the grassroots, to entrench political participation as a culture rather than a seasonal ambition.
She made the call in Ado Ekiti during a strategic engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs) themed “Collaboration for Enhancing Women’s Political Participation”, where she outlined practical steps to boost women’s representation across all tiers of governance in the state.
Dr Oyebanji stressed that early political orientation and structured mentoring would help demystify leadership for young women and build their confidence to participate actively in governance.
“To achieve meaningful inclusion, we must begin to groom our girls and young women early, on our campuses, communities and local councils so that participation in politics becomes a natural progression and not an afterthought”. She said.
The First Lady proposed a multi-pronged approach to advancing women’s political inclusion, including increasing women’s representation at all levels of governance, establishing a Women’s Caucus in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, creating structured mentorship platforms for aspiring female leaders, and investing in political capacity-building and leadership skills training.
According to her, women in Ekiti possess the competence, resilience and leadership capacity required to contribute meaningfully to governance but often lack the institutional support and encouragement needed to step forward.
“Our women are ready. They are capable and strong. They simply need support and sometimes, a little encouragement to step forward”. She aded.
She commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for what she described as a firm commitment to inclusive governance, citing the increased number of female appointments under his administration.
She, however, urged stakeholders to complement the administration’s efforts with deliberate policies and coordinated action.
Dr Oyebanji explained that the engagement with CSOs was strategic, given their proximity to women at the grassroots in markets, community associations and faith-based centres to position them as key partners in mobilising, mentoring and advocating for greater female participation in politics.
She called on civil society groups to intensify advocacy campaigns, collaborate rather than compete, and train women as election monitors to safeguard electoral integrity and ensure their voices are protected throughout the democratic process.
Earlier in her remarks, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, emphasised the need to dismantle structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s access to leadership positions.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, the Head of Ekiti State Civil Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi and the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Bolaji Olagbaju, also underscored the importance of empowering women through policy reforms, political education and institutional backing.
Participants at the forum engaged in solution-driven discussions, identifying key challenges such as limited funding, cultural stereotypes and inadequate political exposure, while proposing practical strategies to strengthen networks, mentorship and advocacy structures for women.
The engagement also featured a shared commitment among stakeholders to work collectively toward building a more inclusive political landscape in Ekiti State, one where women are not only participants but decision-makers to shape the future of the state.