- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has described her predecessor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi as a consistent advocate for the right of African Women, a strident voice for the voiceless and a passionate crusader for the right of girl-child to quality education.
Giving her remark at a book reading and conversation around the writings of Erelu Bisi Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital which was organized by the Ekiti State chapter of the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Development, Dr. Oyebanji described the former first lady as a fertile literary mind who has done a lot through writing to impact the society.
She congratulated Erelu Fayemi on the publication of her latest book; Demand and Supply, from which she read and shared her thoughts on various issues. She emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of reading and intellectual engagement among youths.
“With her passion for writing and reading, Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi has heeded the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin, “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 encouraged and admonished Ekiti youths and students to believe in themselves that they can do it, and when they believe in themselves, they will definitely achieve greatness.
“Books are not just a source of knowledge. They are gateway to new world and perspectives. As we gather today, let this event inspire a renewed commitment to literacy and education in our communities, “the First Lady emphasized.
Erelu Fayemi, who is the special guest of honour at the event and the author of the book, called on young people not to be engrossed in made-believe life that would take them away from reality Erelu also cautioned them against getting obsessed with social media vices that could cause distractions for them.
To be fully empowered in today’s market, Erelu Fayemi encouraged youths to strive and acquire skills in addition to their various certifications.
The former first lady also advocated for synergy and constant communication between government and the governed to disabuse misconceptions about government.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youths Development, Mr. Gold Adedayo said the programme was specially organized in honour of Erelu Fayemi to acknowledge her contribution to humanity as well as to listen and learn from her latest book;“Demand and Supply”.
The Honourable Commissioner also pointed out that the event was conceptualised to promote reading culture and motivate students and youths as a whole.
Adedayo stated further that the event was a loud testament to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to advance scholarship in alignment with his visionary policy.
The Youth Commissioner further stated that Oyebanji’s administration has made significant strides in providing the youths with quality education that can equip them to thrive in the complexities of the 21st-century economy.
