Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has promised to give adequate recognition and respect to the women folk to move the state forward.

His spokesman, Yinka Oyebode, stated at Ado-Ekiti on Sunday that Mr Oyebanji made the promise when he visited the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, in Abuja on Friday.

He stated that the governor maintained that his administration would exceed the 35 per cent representation for women in elective and appointive positions, in line with the equal opportunity policy of the state.

Mr Oyebode added that the meeting was part of the governor’s visit to federal ministries, departments, and agencies as well as development partners.

He also stated that the governor told the minister that gender balance and women-related issues were part of his government’s working plans.

The spokesperson added that Mr Oyebanji’s administration had started well with choosing a woman as the deputy governor and another as Secretary to the State Government.

He noted that women have the ability to see things far ahead and discern things much better than men.

“The governor also promised to build on the records, especially in gender mainstreaming and affirmation,’’ the spokesman stated.

He added that in her response, the minister lauded Ekiti’s contributions in women-related issues, particularly its Gender-Based Violence law, which she acknowledged had been quite effective in curbing domestic and sexual abuses.

The minister said Nigeria had earmarked about N3 billion for women’s projects, and all states would benefit from the fund.

(NAN)