My Father, source of my feminism struggle - Bisi Fayemi

By Gani Salau

Wife of Ekiti state Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has declared that her late father was the inspiration behind her feminism activities.

Bisi Fayemi made this assertion during the week at the Adetiloye Hall in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti at the presentation of her book, ‘Where is your wrapper?’ as the guest reader for the April reading of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Ekiti state chapter.

"My father was my feminist mentor. He had always been my writing spirit and that is why I take inspiration from him. You have a father that tells you there is nothing you cannot do. Please, fathers here, always love your children, encourage them, inspire them always." She declared.

The Ekiti state chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr Sola Balogun had earlier in his welcome address described Erelu Bisi Fayemi as a mother and a pillar of support for the association and used the occasion to remind the Governor of his promises to the association.

The book reading had  three panelists from academic and professional circles.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti state on communication, Segun Dipe took excerpts from the book and asked her how she came about her detail attention to the fact without exergeration while writing memoir as a book?

" I have always like to write and read stories through the books of the legends, Achebe, Soyinka. I don't like to write what people will struggle to understand ".

On being a feminist and always refers to her father in her writing without fiction ,she stressed further,  " I write fiction in my Loud Whispers, the same thing, Where is your wrapper has element of fiction ". 

Oludayo  Olorunfemi, a lawyer, also took excerpts from the book and sorted  her mind on female presidency." Nigeria is ready for a female president. Very soon, we are happy for Aminna Muhammed,, Okonjo Iweala ,but if Iweala decides to take the shut today, she will hear where she comes from, what her father has done".

An Associate Professor of English Labguage at the Department of English and Literary Studies, Ekiti state university, Dr Lara Owoeye  expressed her conviction that the book, "Where is your wrapper" has been on the range of activities like feminism, activism, politicking and an author. The University don asked why had she been defending indefendable and what she stood to gain?

The Ekiti State first Lady responded, "I can defend the right of the women, children and the voiceless. What I am fighting for is to ensure that women have their fulfillment and I can defend indefendable."

The Governor of Ekiti state, Dr Kayode Fayemi took time to commend the zeal her wife has for the women fold and opined that the book was philosophical. "One needs to thank God for what she is having. She is my life wrapper'.

Government functionaries at the occasion included the Deputy Governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Speaker of Ekiti state House of Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye, members of the state House of Assembly and members of the state executive council.

Other dignitaries include the national secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Akogun Tai Oguntayo, the state Chairman, Dr Sola Balogun and other members of the association.

The troops from Ekiti state Arts and culture and the students of Theatre and Media Arts of Ekiti state university trilled the occasion.