Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has called for the removal of barriers that are capable of limiting the girl-child education in the country and break away from stereotype traditions and customs.
This, he said became necessary for the emancipation of girl-child, end the vicious circle of poverty and set them on the course of self fulfilment and realization.
The Governor who made the call at a Female Students Leadership Summit, Theme: The light we Carry; igniting the power Excellence held at the Federal Polytechnic in Ado on Friday.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Dr Habibat Adubiaro charged the students to embrace self-development, self-improvement and brace up for the challenges ahead.
“I advised that as a female student or a girl child, you must know whom you are so that the society can be proud of you tomorrow because you shall also get to the position in life she advised
“As a country we are almost getting to the point of having a female governor even president in future, the reason why we practice Government of inclusion in Ekiti where our Governor has female as his deputy governor, female as the SSG and also the first female speaker in the house of assembly. she said”
“Ekiti State is first state in Nigeria that occupied women in all this positions in the whole of Nigeria, and this is to tell you that our Governor loves and appreciates you in all spheres of life. she added”.
“Am a teacher and a former lecturer of chemistry in the faculty of science at the Federal University, Oye, where female students are leading in all the subjects in the department of Chemistry, Physics and others, to show that females are breaking the barrear already”.
Adubiaro advised the students to consider choosing a life partner that will share and key-in into their vision whenever they are ready.
“Getting married is not the end of one’s Carrier because I got married when I was in the university and my husband has been a pillar of support for me to attain this position even as I am a PhD holder today, that means you can become whatever you want with the support of a good husband that will aid your aspiration to attain any level in life, she advised”
The Wife of the Governor Dr.Olayemi Oyebanji in her remarks commended the organizers of the summit for choosing such an inspiring theme.
The Governor’s Wife noted that light connotes life, happiness, prosperity and a perfect being.
“As female students in Nigeria, you are the light of the world because you Carry a light that shines brightly in a society that is still grappling with issues of gender inequality, discrimination and Gender based violence. The light represents the potentials, your aspirations and your determination to succeed or excel despite the many challenges you face” she said
Dr Olayemi who was represented by a scholar, Dr. Adenike Kolawole said to unleash the power of excellence the students must be ready to overcome the obstacles that stand on their way and must be prepared to work hard, stay focused and to persevere in the face of adversity.
The keynote speaker who is also the speaker of the State House of Assembly Hon. Bunmi Adelugba, advised the participants to remove distraction in all they do and never to used anyone as their yardstick rather to discover their purpose in life.
Other dignitaries at the event included a Former Commissioner for Women Affairs Hon Fola Richy Adewusi among other.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
