Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said women would enjoy a better deal under his administration.
He said his administration would exceed the 35 per cent representation for women in political positions, in line with the operational equal opportunity policy of the government.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said the governor spoke during a working visit to the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, in Abuja at the weekend.
He said women had the capacity to succeed in any position of responsibility, adding that his administration would support them and tap their unique abilities.
The meeting was part of the governor’s visit to federal ministries, departments and agencies as well as development partners.
Oyebanji said gender balance and women related issues were part of his government’s working plans, adding that his administration had started well with the choice of a woman as the Deputy Governor and another as Secretary to the State Government.
He said women had the ability to see things far ahead and discern things much better than men.
Oyebanji hailed the achievements recorded in women development by former Governor Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi, promising to build on the records, especially gender mainstreaming and affirmation.
Tallen lauded the state government’s contributions in women related issues, particularly its Gender Based Violence law, which she said had been effective in curbing domestic and sexual abuses.
She said about N3billion had been earmarked for women project, adding that the largesse would spread to all states.