The First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oyebanji, has charged youths and other citizens to embrace a strong reading culture and deliberately cultivate meaningful relationships capable of promoting personal fulfilment, career growth and positive impact in society.
The First Lady gave the charge at the 6th edition of The Book Club @ Peace House, held in Ado-Ekiti, where participants reviewed the book, Cultivating Strategic Relationships: The Uncommon Advantage to Achieving Personal Fulfilment, authored by Dr. Gbenga Emiloju, PhD.
Dr. Oyebanji, who was represented at the event, described the book club as an important platform for intellectual development, reflection and the promotion of positive values, while commending its Convener, Hon. Olapeju Babafemi, for her sustained commitment to encouraging reading and human capital development.
She noted that in a society where information is increasingly available, reading provides an avenue for people to develop wisdom, broaden their perspectives and make informed decisions.
The First Lady also emphasised the importance of building relationships founded on integrity, trust, character, honour and selfless service, stressing that meaningful connections can create opportunities and contribute significantly to an individual’s success.
She urged young people to build valuable networks before they need them, explaining that competence and skills may open doors, but character, integrity and a proven track record are essential to sustaining relevance.
According to her, true wealth extends beyond financial resources to include dependable mentors, friends, colleagues and associates who can provide guidance, support and opportunities for growth.
The book, Cultivating Strategic Relationships, which examines the role of purposeful relationships in achieving personal and professional fulfilment, formed the centrepiece of the intellectual gathering.
The event attracted the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Prof. Abibat Adubiaro, who attended as a Special Guest of Honour, alongside other government officials, academics, public servants, professionals and distinguished guests.
Among other dignitaries in attendance were the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola; Director-General, Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawunmi Famuyiwa; Chairman, Senate Committee on University Ranking, Ekiti State University, Prof. Tunde Olofinbiyi; General Manager, NTA Ado-Ekiti, Alhaji Ishaq Akande; and political analyst and author, Dr. Oke Aruleba.
The literary review session also featured contributions from Hon. Fola Richie-Adewusi and Prof. Oluwole Adebayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Ekiti State University, who provided critical perspectives on the book and its lessons on strategic relationships.
The 6th edition of The Book Club @ Peace House ended with a renewed call for individuals, particularly young people, to make reading a habit, choose their associations carefully and consciously build relationships that will contribute to their growth and fulfilment.
The well-attended gathering further underscored the enduring value of books, knowledge and purposeful relationships in shaping individuals and building stronger communities.
