GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, and his wife, Feyisetan, on Thursday, rolled out the drums to celebrate Ekiti women on the occasion of the 2018 International Women’s Day celebration, and called for the support of the womenfolk for his “continuity agenda.”
Governor Fayose said on the occasion, celebrated at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, that he would support whoever emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate in the July 14 governorship election in the state, but insisted that he was unwavering in his support for his deputy, Professor Kolapo Olusola.
Addressing the large crowd of women who had trooped to the stadium, Fayose charged the women of the state to support Professor Olusola and vote for him at the election, saying it would amount to the continuation of the development of the state.
Speaking on the reconciliation that was said to have been brokered among the PDP bigwigs in the state recently, the governor said “in the spirit of understanding we had with Senator David Mark-led reconciliation committee, knowing that we have more than one aspirant, I will ensure a level-playing ground.
“However, since they are more than one aspirants, I have pitched my tent with Professor Olusola. I stand with him today and I stand with him tomorrow. We are going to give everybody the right to a primary.”
On the Women’s Day, Fayose said: “My dear wives, mothers, sisters, I love you very sincerely and you are worthy of this celebration. There were about 11 female councillors in Ekiti State before now but we have about 60 women as councillors and supervisors.”
He said he would continue to celebrate some in the state and sought for their continued support as, according to him, “I will be coming from Aso Rock next year as a guest to celebrate you when Professor Olusola would have become the state governor.”
He said his government had been fair to women in terms of appointments, saying he had successfully distributed N200 million empowerment to women across the state.
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“I will not even stop at that, I will add another N100m meaning that N20,000 will be given to 5,000 people within the next two months.”
Speaking on the theme of the celebration: “Press for Freedom”, human rights and gender activist, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, charged Ekiti women to collectively press for freedom but not to abuse the privileges Governor Fayose had given them.
Okei-Odumakin commended Fayose for appointing women into positions, saying “some, utilise this enabling environment in Ekiti State to enhance your status and utilise the N20,000 empowerment from the governor for something meaningful.”
In her goodwill message, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose described women as the pivots of democracy, saying their support for Fayose will make the continuity agenda come to fruition.
She said: “Women are resolute voters, they used to vote on the day of the election.
“I know you love my husband and if you collect your PVCs and support him the more, it will make the continuity agenda a reality.”
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