The biggest highlight from the Day One of the Obinrin Kete Tour embarked upon by Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi was the voluntary submission of local surgical female genital muty tools by women who engage in the act of Female Genital Mutilation in exchange for financial empowerment opportunities.
The birth attendants, after due sensitization by Her Excellency, submitted their tools in exchange for small business empowerment kits. This will enable them engage in other meaningful trading activities.
Speaking on this, Special Assistant to Her Excellency on Gender and Vulnerable Persons, Barrister Oluwaseyi Ojo said that the International Federation of Women Lawyers, through the office of Her Excellency, in the cause of this tour will be sensitizing the people on issues concerning Rape, Violence against Women, Female Genital Mutilation and other vices against women in Ekiti State.
“This is a drive initiated by Her Excellency to so stop women engaging in the act of Female Genital Mutilation in Ekiti in exchange for financial support on trade empowerment. Currently, Ekiti state occupies the third spot in the index of states engaged in this act but through continuous sensitization and consultations such as this, we want to ensure we move in the rank down to number 36.
“We are also in full support of Erelu Bisi Fayemi’s agenda on women empowerment and advocacy in the state,” she said.
Highlighting the activities of the tour so far, Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Mrs. Mary Osho-Omotosho said the tour is all about touching the lives of women in Ekiti State.
“This will continue till next week Tuesday. So far we have been able to visit two local governments namely; Ekiti East and Ikole-Ekiti LGAs, addressing salient issues at the grassroots concerning women.
Speaking on what motivates the team, Special Assistant to the First Lady on Public Affairs and Advocacy, Olatokunbo Gbadamosi said that, “the passion burning in the mind of Her Excellency on women matters is a source of motivation to the team in general. She has taught us to be proactive and enthusiastic about women issues and we are gladly doing the work.”
Hon. Oluremi Ajayi Babington, Senior Special Assistant to Erelu Bisi Fayemi on Community & Political Affairs said the tour also serves as medium to appreciate the support of Ekiti women shown to Governor Kayode Fayemi and other elected public officers during the elections.
“Erelu Bisi Fayemi’s tour of Local Governments on empowerment and advocacy is also an avenue to show appreciation to our women for their support and massive votes during the elections.
Correspondent for the Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Ayodele Afolabi said the Media is acting in publicity capacity for the tour, spreading the news across board on activities of Her Excellency on empowerment, sensitization on issues affecting women and general community engagement.
“The success of the tour also reflects on a very key issue affecting women in the state. The case of women voluntarily surrendering their working tools for Female Genital Mutilation is as a result of the First Lady’s efforts on Gender issues and it is highly commendable. As watchdogs of the society, we are billed to give this tour a befitting coverage to further sensitize the people on relevant issues,” he said.
