By Wasiu Owolewa
Having a chance to pay a glowing tribute to the immediate past first lady of Ekiti state, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the Erelu of Isan-Ekiti, Oluomo of Ilaramokinland, Eye Ajiseye of Ado-Ekiti, Nne Gburugburu, Ekiti state, Enugu state’s Ochiorah of Imezi Owa, Akorewolu of Ilawe-Ekiti, Fiwajoye of Mobaland, who will be celebrating her 60th birthday come June 11.
The renowned feminist activist has used the opportunity given to her by God to touch many lives positively. She has carved a niched for herself through her act of generosity.
During her days as first lady of Ekiti state, she became involved in range of policy advocacy, grassroots empowerment and social inclusion programs. She is always at the forefront fighting for the right of women in our society.
Erelu in her effort to restore the pride and dignity of women led the campaign to enact a Gender Based Violence Prohibition Law (2011, revised in October 2019), an Equal Opportunities Bill (2013) and a HIV Anti-Stigma Bill (2014). She did not only led the campaign for the enactment of these laws but worked on the implementation and sustainability of these initiatives as First Lady of Ekiti state.
When she was at the helm of affairs as First Lady, she ensured that women were given active role to play both at the local and state level. Through her concerted efforts, we had female in elective positions such as House of Assembly members, House of Reps. member, local government chairman, commissioners, board chairmen and others.
As earlier said that Erelu had touched many lives postively, reference can be made of those who had benefitted from her act of benevolence in one way or the other.
In 2019, she took the sponsorship of a female medical undergraduate at Ekiti State University(EKSU). This female undergraduate is the son of the late composer of Ekiti anthem. Another one was the donation of substantial amount to foot the medical bills of a former Nigerian female goal keeper, Mrs Bidemi Aluko, who was downed with cancer.
Erelu Fayemi is noted for one thing, which is her caring for the elderly ones. This informed her decision to embark on the famed “Obirinkete” tour and distribution of “Ounje Arugbo” to the old ones in all the sixteen local governments. The former First Lady during her tenure took care till death the late Mama Jolaade Osho who lived in Ikere-Ekiti.
In recognition of her philanthropical gesture and active role in championing the course of women in our society, Erelu was bestowed with different awards and honours from different recognized organizations. Among these outstanding awards are, “Changing the Face of Philanthropy” award by the Women’s Funding Network in 2007, and was named one of the 20 most influential African women in 2009 by New African magazine. In 2011, Women Deliver listed her as one of the top 100 people in the world, advancing the rights of women and girls.
In 2019, she was awarded the 2018 Zik Leadership Prize for humanitarian Leadership by Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre.
Erelu Fayemi, before bowing out of office was bestowed with different chieftaincy titles by some traditional rulers in Ekiti in recognition of her active role. It is on record that she used her position to stabilize the administration of her husband, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.
We can not thank her enough for the notable she has played and how she has helped to restore the value of women in our society.
As she will be celebrating her 60th birthday in some days to come, our prayer is that God Almighty will grant her long life so that she can continue in her service to God and humanity.
Happy birthday in advance to our mother general.
Owolewa Wasiu writes from Ado-Ekiti.