The Ekiti State Governor’s wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting, empowering, and creating opportunities that enable every Ekiti child to grow and fulfill their potential.
She stated this in Ado Ekiti during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
Dr. Oyebanji said it was a collective resolve of the government and the people to regard every child as a precious gift and a future leader.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” speaks directly to the responsibility of securing the great future desired for children, adding that achieving it requires collective action.
According to her, the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remains strongly committed to the holistic development of children and is investing in education, child protection, healthcare, youth development, and inclusive social interventions through deliberate policies and programmes.
She added that the state government is strengthening access to education, promoting a safe learning environment, and supporting vulnerable children and families.
“On my part, through the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope Support Foundation (WAOH), I am providing care and support for children in need and orphans across the state. We will continue to stand against child abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children through the Gender-Based Violence Management Committee and other strategies,” she said.
Earlier, the Speaker of the 7th Ekiti State Children’s Parliament, Mr. Anthony Ategbero, thanked the state government for providing an enabling environment for children to excel.
In their goodwill messages, Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; and Ado Local Government Chairman, Chief Bosun Osaloni, urged children to embrace good character, study diligently, and remain focused in the pursuit of excellence.
Prizes were awarded to the best schools that participated in the march past, as well as to students who excelled at a statewide symposium for secondary school students on the topic “Child Development and Good Governance.”
Outstanding pupils and students who performed excellently in the 2025 WAEC, NECO, and Primary School Leaving Certificate examinations were also identified for recognition. They include Miss Oluwadamilola Ooreofe Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado Ekiti, winner of the Africa Spelling Bee, whose achievement has brought honour to Ekiti State and Nigeria. Also recognized was Miss Daniella Owoeye, who recorded the highest score in the country in the recently conducted JAMB examination.
Busuyi.
