International Women’s Day: ABUAD Joins First Lady, Ekiti State, in Celebration

•  Over 1,000 Women Thrive Through Adire Hub

The vibrant hues of Adire filled the Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on March 11th, 2025, as Ekiti State celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD). The event was more than just a celebration, it was a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the Adire Hub programme.

The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Associate Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, proudly announced that over 1,000 young women and widows have been equipped with sustainable vocational skills, weaving a future of independence and prosperity.

“Our commitment to supporting women, widows, and the girl child is unwavering. We are not only training women in Adire making, but also actively protecting them from gender-related violence, domestic abuse, and harmful practices like female genital mutilation. We are dedicated to ensuring their self-reliance.” The First Lady declared, urging women to seize the opportunities offered by the government’s empowerment initiatives.

Shared Vision: ABUAD Joins the Celebration

The celebration was graced by the presence of a delegation from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), led by Vice Chancellor Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde. She commended the Ekiti State government and the First Lady’s office for their impactful efforts in empowering women, widows, the girl child, and the broader community.

“These efforts are truly visible,” Prof. Olarinde stated, conveying the goodwill of ABUAD’s Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN “The remarkable strides of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration resonate deeply with ABUAD’s core values of excellence, integrity, equity, and a commitment to inclusive societal development.”

The ABUAD delegation, including Registrar- Lady Christie Iyabode Oluborode, Librarian- Dr. Subair, Roselyn Esoname, and Director of Nursing Services Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Olukolade, joined the celebration, highlighting the university’s dedication to supporting women’s empowerment.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, emphasized the IWD’s 2025 theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, highlighting the government’s prioritization of women through impactful projects and the unprecedented number of women in leadership positions across the state.

Women’s Health & Stress Management: A Call to Action

Delivering a compelling public lecture on “Women’s Health & Stress Management”, an expert in obstetrics, gynaecology, and adolescent reproductive health, Prof. Olofinbiyi Babatunde, urged women to prioritize their health and well-being, stressing that unmanaged stress could lead to severe health complications and even premature death.

“Life is short—live it fully. If you pass away, life moves on, and even the customary one-minute silence for the dead is fading away,” he cautioned, reinforcing the need for self-care.

Celebration of Culture, Strength, and Resilience

The event was a vibrant display of unity, culture, and resilience, with women from all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State proudly dressed in colourful Adire attire. With songs of praise, dance, and shared stories of empowerment,

The event was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of empowerment, showcasing the remarkable strides being made in Ekiti State towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all women and girls.

FROM THE VC’s DESK