Ekiti First Lady Intensifies Fight Against Sexual Harassment

The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has reaffirmed her commitment to tackling sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, saying offenders must be held accountable to ensure students learn in a safe and respectful environment. Dr. Oyebanji made the commitment while receiving the management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, during a courtesy visit to her office in Ado-Ekiti. She stressed that acts of sexual harassment should never be ignored, warning that failure to sanction perpetrators could encourage similar behaviour and undermine the integrity of higher education institutions. As part of efforts to address the challenge, the First Lady announced plans to organise a statewide gender summit and embark on advocacy visits to tertiary institutions across Ekiti State. According to her, the initiative will promote awareness of gender rights, moral values, and the legal consequences of sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence. She added that the campaign would involve students, lecturers, and other stakeholders, with the goal of creating safer learning environments and encouraging responsible conduct on campuses. Speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, commended Dr. Oyebanji for her contributions to women and child development. He also praised the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Foundation for its support for vulnerable women and girls through welfare programmes, advocacy, and educational initiatives. Professor Ogunwole further announced that the university's 11th Convocation Ceremony will hold in February 2027, revealing that the institution's Senate has approved Dr. Oyebanji as the Convocation Lecturer in recognition of her humanitarian service, commitment to women's empowerment, and contributions to social development.

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