Wife of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Mrs. Olukemi Oluyede, has assured women, youths and vulnerable groups that the administration of her husband, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, will place their welfare and empowerment at the centre of governance if elected in the June 20 governorship election.
Speaking with journalists at her country home in Ikere-Ekiti on Monday, Mrs. Oluyede said the PDP candidate had designed comprehensive programmes aimed at improving the lives of women, widows, unemployed youths and other disadvantaged members of society.
She therefore urged Ekiti residents, particularly women and young people, to come out in large numbers on election day and vote for the PDP candidate.
According to her, Dr. Oluyede is committed to building an inclusive government that will create opportunities for all segments of society irrespective of gender, age or social status.
Mrs. Oluyede disclosed that women empowerment would receive special attention through the provision of soft loans, grants for small-scale businesses, vocational training programmes and support for female entrepreneurs across the state.
She said the proposed administration would also strengthen programmes aimed at promoting girl-child education, women’s participation in governance and economic independence for women in both rural and urban communities.
The PDP candidate’s wife further revealed that widows would not be abandoned under an Oluyede administration, noting that special social intervention schemes would be introduced to support widows struggling to cater for their families.
She explained that such programmes would include economic empowerment initiatives, access to healthcare support and periodic welfare packages to cushion the effects of hardship on vulnerable households.
On youth development, Mrs. Oluyede said her husband recognised the challenges of unemployment and economic hardship facing many young people and had therefore prioritised job creation, entrepreneurship development and skills acquisition.
She stated that the administration would collaborate with private investors and development partners to create employment opportunities and establish youth-focused programmes designed to equip young people with modern skills required in today’s economy.
“The youths are the future of Ekiti State. Dr. Oluwole Oluyede is determined to provide opportunities that will enable them to realise their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the development of our state,” she said.
Mrs. Oluyede also promised that her husband would pursue policies aimed at protecting women and girls from abuse, discrimination and all forms of gender-based violence.
She urged women and youths not to be intimidated by anyone during the election, stressing that every vote would count in determining the future of the state.
“The June 20 election offers Ekiti people an opportunity to choose a government that cares for the ordinary people. I appeal to our women, youths and all eligible voters to come out peacefully and vote massively for the PDP and Dr. Oluwole Oluyede.
“My husband is prepared to serve the people with compassion, fairness and a commitment to improving the welfare of every citizen, especially women, widows, youths and the less privileged,” she added.
She expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls, saying the party remains the best platform to deliver prosperity, inclusive governance and sustainable development to Ekiti State.
