Oyebanji lauds Fayemi on advocacy for rights of African women, girl-child

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has described her predecessor, Bisi Fayemi, as a consistent advocate for the rights of African women, a strident voice for the voiceless and a passionate crusader for the rights of girl-child to quality education.

Oyebanji, at a book reading and conversation around the writings of Erelu Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti, which was organised by the Ekiti State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), described the Ekiti State former First Lady as a fertile literary mind, who has done a lot through writing to impact the society.

She congratulated her on the publication of her latest book from which she read and shared her thoughts on various issues.

The governor’s wife emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of reading and intellectual engagement among youths.

“With her passion for writing and reading, Fayemi has heeded the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin that says “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing (about). She has written for us in ‘Demand and Supply’ something worth reading, and her passion for the education and empowerment of Africa’s womenfolk is something worth writing about,” Oyebanji said.

She, therefore, encouraged and admonished Ekiti youths and students to believe in themselves that they could do it and when they believe in themselves, they would achieve great.

Meanwhile, Erelu Fayemi, who was the special guest of honour at the event and author of the book, called on young people not to be engrossed in made-believe life that would take them away from reality.

She also cautioned them against getting obsessed with social media vices that could cause distractions.

Earlier in his welcome address, the state’s Commissioner for Youths Development, Gold Adedayo, said the programme was specially organised in honour of Erelu Fayemi to acknowledge her contributions to humanity as well as listening and learning from her latest book “Demand and Supply.”

He also said that the event was conceptualised to promote reading culture and motivate students and youths as a whole.