Tinubu backs Oyebanji’s re-election, unveils N100m grant for Ekiti women

By Boye Oyeyemi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday endorsed the re-election bid of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, while announcing a N100 million empowerment package for 2,000 women in the state ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Speaking at a women’s rally in Ado-Ekiti, the first lady urged residents to maintain their support for Oyebanji and the All Progressives Congress, describing the governor’s administration as deserving of another term in office.

“We are here for BAO. We are here to appreciate your support for Governor Oyebanji and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji. Vote for Governor Oyebanji,” she told the cheering crowd.

Tinubu also disclosed that 2,000 women would receive grants of N50,000 each to boost their businesses, stressing that the initiative was not a loan programme but a direct intervention aimed at improving their livelihoods.

She expressed confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying she would return to the state to canvass support for his re-election in 2027, adding that the country would witness greater progress under a second term.

Earlier, the first lady inaugurated a one billion naira Information and Communication Technology Centre at Ekiti State University, a project facilitated through her Renewed Hope Initiative to enhance digital learning and innovation.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the wife of the governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, appealed to women across the state to continue supporting the APC and vote for Governor Oyebanji in the forthcoming poll.

In his response, Governor Oyebanji thanked the First Lady for her visit and various interventions in the state, noting that her empowerment programmes and the support of President Bola Tinubu had contributed to progress in critical sectors, including healthcare, road infrastructure and job creation.