As the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State draws closer, Mrs. Olukemi Oluyede, wife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, has outlined an ambitious vision focused on empowering women, widows, youths and other vulnerable groups across the state.
Speaking with journalists at her country home in Ikere-Ekiti on Monday, Mrs. Oluyede said her husband’s administration would place the welfare and economic advancement of ordinary citizens at the heart of governance if elected.
According to her, Dr. Oluyede has developed comprehensive programmes designed to tackle poverty, unemployment and social exclusion, while creating opportunities for all residents regardless of gender, age or social status.
She revealed that women would be among the biggest beneficiaries of the proposed administration through access to soft loans, business grants, vocational training and targeted support for female entrepreneurs.
Mrs. Oluyede also pledged stronger efforts to promote girl-child education, increase women’s participation in governance and boost economic independence for women in both rural and urban communities.
Addressing the plight of widows, she assured that they would not be left behind, promising special social intervention programmes to support those struggling to provide for their families. The initiatives, she said, would include economic empowerment schemes, healthcare support and periodic welfare packages aimed at easing financial hardship.
On youth development, Mrs. Oluyede said unemployment remains a major concern and that her husband is determined to address the challenge through job creation, entrepreneurship programmes and skills acquisition initiatives.
She added that an Oluyede administration would work closely with private investors and development partners to create sustainable employment opportunities while equipping young people with modern skills needed to thrive 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 stated.
Mrs. Oluyede further pledged that the PDP candidate would implement policies aimed at protecting women and girls from abuse, discrimination and gender-based violence.
She urged women, youths and other eligible voters not to succumb to intimidation during the election, stressing that every vote would play a crucial role in shaping the future of the state.
Describing the June 20 poll as a defining moment for Ekiti people, she appealed to residents to 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 said.
Expressing confidence in her party’s chances, Mrs. Oluyede maintained that the PDP remains best positioned to deliver inclusive governance, prosperity and sustainable development across Ekiti State.
