EKITI SUMMIT
Personality of the Year
Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji
Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Olajumoke Oyebanji, First Lady of Ekiti State, stands as a distinguished academic, seasoned educator, and compassionate public servant whose life reflects a seamless blend of scholarship, service, and societal impact.
Born into the revered royal lineage of Ado-Ekiti in the early 1970s, Dr. Oyebanji has built a public profile defined not by fanfare, but by substance anchored in humility, intellectual depth, and a deep commitment to human development.
She holds advanced qualifications in Educational Management and has sustained an illustrious academic career spanning over two decades. Her professional journey began at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, around the year 2000, where she served meritoriously as a lecturer for over a decade. In 2013, she transitioned to the University of Ibadan (UI), where she currently serves in the Department of Educational Management.
At the University of Ibadan, Dr. Oyebanji rose through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer and was subsequently elevated to the position of Associate Professor, with her promotion backdated to 2022. She is presently awaiting the final approval of her elevation to the rank of Professor.
A prolific scholar, she has authored over 90 academic publications in reputable local and international journals, and has supervised and mentored numerous postgraduate and doctoral candidates. Her academic footprint also includes active participation in both local and international conferences across countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Dublin etc.
Notwithstanding the demands of her role as First Lady, Dr. Oyebanji has remained actively engaged in academia, contributing to teaching and mentorship at Ekiti State University and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti pro-bono, an enduring testament to her unwavering dedication to education and knowledge dissemination.
In her capacity as First Lady, she has demonstrated purposeful leadership through impactful social intervention programmes. Among these is the Widows, Aged, Orphans and the Homeless (WAOH) initiative, through which she has provided sustained support to the aged, women, youths and vulnerable groups across Ekiti State.
Her commitment to empowerment is further exemplified by the establishment of the Adire Ekiti Hub, a pioneering initiative that has trained and empowered over 3,000 women and youths, including structured internship opportunities aimed at fostering economic independence.Those empowered are now employers of labour.
Additionally, her Back-to-School programmes have consistently delivered educational support, including learning materials, to orphans and underprivileged children, scholarships for undergraduate students in all the higher institutions reinforcing her belief that education remains the most potent tool for societal transformation.
Widely regarded for her humility and hands-on leadership style, Dr. Oyebanji maintains a direct and personal connection with communities and the young ones alike.
She embodies the timeless Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi, a value system rooted in integrity, respect, discipline, and moral uprightness.
She is married to His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State.
Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji represents a compelling model of contemporary leadership one that bridges academia, governance, and humanitarian service. Her enduring contributions to education, social development, and community empowerment continue to inspire and uplift.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements and far-reaching impact, the EKITI SUMMIT AWARDS 2026 proudly confers on Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the honour of Personality of the Year.