…Expresses Willingness to Partner Ekitis in Diaspora
Busuyi Ogidiolu
The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has promised to ensure that her pet project, “Adire Ekiti,” would be sustained beyond her tenure in office as the first lady.
Dr. Oyebanji made this known in her office in Ado Ekiti while playing host to the Director General, Diaspora Matters to Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Adeola Adeleye -Fasuba.
She pointed out that the fabric initiative is a non-governmental initiative that has provided job opportunities to many women and unemployed youths in Ekiti State.
“My intention is to give back to the society by providing means of livelihood through Adire making and to also support my husband, Mr Governor in his quest to alleviate poverty in the land.
I can assure you that I will put all measures in place to ensure that this project continues even after my tenure as the first lady,” she said.
While applauding Ekiti State indigenes in the diaspora for representing Ekiti well, Dr. Oyebanji called for partnership between her office and Ekiti sons and daughters in the diaspora on the initiative to extend its frontiers and bring the state’s heritage into global reckoning.
Earlier in her remarks, the Director General, Diaspora Matters, Dr Adeola Adeleye -Fasuba commended the first lady for her “Adire Ekiti” initiative and her dedication to showcasing Adire Ekiti as a cultural heritage and to empower unemployed youths and widows.
To contribute her quota to the initiative, the DG who paid a visit to the Adire hub, expressed satisfaction over the production equipment on ground, promised on behalf of the Ekitis in diaspora, to train 50 Ekiti indigenes in the art of Adire making.
She urged the first lady whom she described as a role model and academic giant, to keep up the great work she is doing in the state.
In particular, she commended Dr. Oyebanji for her contribution to the education sector through her volunteer teaching services at various universities in the state.
