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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have congratulated the state’s First Lady, Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, on her birthday, recognising her academic achievements, public service and contributions to women, children and vulnerable residents.
The governor celebrated his wife in a personal tribute released on Sunday, November 8, 2026, through his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti. He expressed appreciation for her love, support, kindness and faith, describing her as a special source of strength and inspiration in his life.
In his birthday message, Oyebanji praised her character and the support she has provided over the years. He also offered prayers for greater opportunities, peace, happiness and fulfilment in the years ahead.
The ruling APC in Ekiti State separately issued a congratulatory message, describing Professor Olayemi Oyebanji as a woman of scholarship, compassion, grace and humility. The party also highlighted her years of teaching, academic progress and programmes aimed at improving the lives of women, children and disadvantaged people.
The birthday celebration comes shortly after her elevation to the rank of professor by the University of Ibadan, a development that attracted congratulations from the state chapter of the APC and the State Universal Basic Education Board in October. Punch Newspapers+2
The APC’s birthday statement was issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, under the title “Happy Birthday to Our Baoress, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji.” The party said the First Lady’s career in education and her involvement in humanitarian programmes had made her an important figure in the state’s public life.
It noted that she had spent more than two decades teaching, including at Ekiti State University and the University of Ibadan, before combining her academic responsibilities with her role as Ekiti’s First Lady.
The party also highlighted three major initiatives associated with her office: the Widows, Aged, Orphans and Homeless Hope (WAOH) project, the Girls for Safer Space Fellowship and the Back-to-School Project.
According to the APC, the WAOH initiative provides support to widows, older people, orphans and homeless residents. The Girls for Safer Space Fellowship focuses on helping female students in tertiary institutions develop confidence and awareness of their safety, while the Back-to-School Project has provided school bags, books and other learning materials to more than 10,000 children in Ekiti.
The party said these interventions reflected her interest in education, women’s development and assistance for people facing difficult circumstances. It also wished her continued success and more opportunities to serve Ekiti State and Nigeria. Punch Newspapers+1
University of Ibadan elevation adds to birthday celebrations
The birthday tribute follows Professor Oyebanji’s recent promotion at the University of Ibadan, where she was elevated from senior lecturer to professor in the Department of Educational Management.
The university’s Appointments and Promotions Committee for Academic Staff approved the promotion at its meeting on October 13, 2026. The development was subsequently announced by the Ekiti State Government, which described the achievement as recognition of her work in teaching, scholarship and institutional leadership.
Her professorial areas include institutional administration, leadership, quality assurance in education and human resources development. Her academic background includes a PhD in Educational Management, and she has been involved in teaching and research in the education sector. Ekiti State Government Website+2
The elevation attracted congratulatory messages from several education and political stakeholders in Ekiti. The APC described it as a source of pride for the state, while the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Femi Akinwumi, praised her dedication to scholarship and willingness to contribute to academic development through teaching and mentorship.
The promotion also drew attention to her ability to maintain an academic career while undertaking public responsibilities as the governor’s wife. Her academic work and community initiatives have been presented by supporters as complementary aspects of her contribution to education and public service.
First Lady’s programmes focus on education and vulnerable groups
The initiatives mentioned in the APC’s birthday message reflect some of the areas of intervention associated with Professor Oyebanji’s office.
The WAOH project focuses on vulnerable residents, particularly widows, older people, orphans and homeless individuals. Its stated purpose is to provide support to people who may face financial and social difficulties, helping beneficiaries access assistance and improve their circumstances.
The Girls for Safer Space Fellowship, meanwhile, focuses on female students in tertiary institutions. The programme seeks to encourage confidence, personal development and awareness of safety among young women.
The Back-to-School Project is directed at children who need educational materials to support their learning. The APC said the initiative had reached more than 10,000 children with school bags, books and other learning resources.
These programmes place education and social welfare among the central themes of the First Lady’s public engagements. They also complement the broader responsibilities of state institutions working in education, women affairs and social development.
The long-term impact of such initiatives depends on their continuity, the number of beneficiaries reached and the extent to which support translates into lasting improvements in education and household welfare.
Oyebanji’s birthday tribute highlights family support
Governor Oyebanji’s personal message was also a central part of the birthday celebration. Rather than limiting his remarks to her public achievements, he expressed gratitude for her companionship, kindness and support.
He praised her strength and faith, while thanking her for the contributions she makes both publicly and privately. He also prayed for greater happiness, peace and fulfilment in the years ahead.
The governor’s tribute offered a personal dimension to the birthday messages from the APC and other supporters. While the party focused on her academic career and humanitarian activities, Oyebanji’s message highlighted their relationship and the role she has played in his life.
The combined messages therefore recognised different aspects of Professor Olayemi Oyebanji’s public and personal journey, from her work as an academic to her involvement in community programmes and her position as Ekiti’s First Lady.
As congratulations continue, her recent elevation to professor and the birthday tributes have placed renewed attention on her work in education, women’s empowerment and support for vulnerable residents.
For more updates on Ekiti State, education and public affairs, visit BusinessTech.ng and the Ekiti State Government’s official website.
