…Says Oyebanji’s Second Term Will Deliver More Democratic Dividends
By Editor
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has extended food and cash assistance to 500 elderly citizens across the state’s 16 local government areas as part of activities marking Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term inauguration.
The intervention, which was carried out in Ado-Ekiti, was aimed at appreciating the contributions of senior citizens to the development of the state while providing support for their welfare.
Speaking during the distribution exercise at her office, Dr Oyebanji said the beneficiaries were drawn from different communities in recognition of their years of service, sacrifices and contributions to their families and society.
She described the gesture as an expression of love, appreciation and solidarity with the elderly, noting that their contributions to the growth and development of Ekiti deserved recognition and sustained support.
The First Lady acknowledged that the assistance might not address all the needs of the beneficiaries but expressed hope that it would provide relief and reassure them of the government's concern for their wellbeing.
“We understand that this provision may not meet every need, but we hope it brings some comfort to your homes and serves as a reminder that you are valued, remembered and deeply cherished by this government,” she said.
Dr Oyebanji stressed that the welfare of senior citizens should remain a priority for any responsible government, adding that older people deserved to live in dignity and enjoy the benefits of the society they had helped to build.
She said the Oyebanji administration would sustain its people-oriented policies and social interventions to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, women, children and other disadvantaged members of society.
According to her, the governor’s second term would provide greater opportunities to deepen the delivery of democratic dividends and extend the benefits of governance to more residents of the state.
She assured the beneficiaries of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, irrespective of age, social status or political affiliation.
The First Lady also urged senior citizens to continue promoting love, unity and fellowship within their families and communities, describing these values as essential to building a peaceful and cohesive society.
In separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, commended the elderly for their contributions to Ekiti’s growth and development.
They also acknowledged the senior citizens’ support for the Oyebanji administration and appreciated their continued commitment to the peace, stability and progress of the state.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Elders’ Council, Pa Gabriel Oni, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Joel Akinola, expressed gratitude to the state government for recognising the importance of senior citizens through the initiative.
They described the intervention as a demonstration of appreciation for the elderly’s contributions to the state and their support for the administration.
The leaders further commended the government for recognising the role of senior citizens in the renewal of the governor’s mandate, pledging their continued support for policies and programmes aimed at advancing Ekiti’s development.
The distribution of food items and cash formed part of activities marking the commencement of Governor Oyebanji’s second term in office.
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