The First Lady of Ekiti State, Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged young people to develop a strong reading culture and build relationships grounded in integrity, trust and service, saying character remains critical to lasting success.
Mrs Oyebanji gave the charge at the sixth edition of the Peace House Book Club in Ado-Ekiti, where participants reviewed Cultivating Strategic Relationships: The Uncommon Advantage to Achieving Personal Fulfilment, a 256-page book by Gbenga Emiloju.
The event, held at the Shores Complex, Peace House, brought together academics, public servants, writers, political analysts and other professionals to examine how purposeful relationships can influence personal growth, career advancement and leadership.
Represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy, Eunice Fasanmi, the First Lady praised the book club’s convener, Olapeju Babafemi, for sustaining an initiative that promotes reading, values and human capital development at the grassroots.
Mrs Oyebanji said the abundance of information in the digital age had not necessarily produced greater wisdom, making spaces for reading and thoughtful engagement increasingly important.
She said the central argument of Mr Emiloju’s book also found expression in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s career, which, she said, demonstrated how relationships built over time can create opportunities and shape leadership journeys.
She traced the governor’s progression from university teaching to his involvement in the creation of Ekiti State and subsequent service as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government.
According to her, those stages of his career showed the value of investing in people, maintaining trust and serving others without an immediate expectation of reward.
Mrs Oyebanji urged young people to build their networks before they need them, noting that competence could open doors, but character and a credible record determine how long a person remains relevant.
She also described integrity as a valuable form of currency in governance, business, professional life and family relationships.
“Your net worth is not only about money,” she said, stressing the importance of having reliable mentors, friends, colleagues and associates who can offer guidance and support when it matters.
The book review featured contributions from Fola Richie-Adewusi, a former public office holder, and Oluwole Adebayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ekiti State University.
Mr Adebayo examined the book’s 17 chapters and described strategic relationships as bridges to opportunities that financial resources alone may not provide.
The gathering attracted the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, who served as Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola.
Others included the Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Olawunmi Famuyiwa; Chairman of the Senate Committee on University Ranking at EKSU, Tunde Olofinbiyi; General Manager of NTA Ado-Ekiti, Ishaq Akande; political analyst and author, Oke Aruleba; and senior government officials Yemi Kayode-Ojo and Sola Adeluyi-Femi.
The discussions ended with a call for participants to take a closer look at the people they surround themselves with, strengthen their personal values and build relationships that support growth and responsible leadership.
The sixth edition reinforced the book club’s focus on using literature as a platform for learning, conversation and personal development in Ekiti State.
