Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Saturday presented 21 million naira cash gift and food items to the three special schools and two special centers catering for people with special needs, in commemoration of his 57th birthday.
The three special schools and the rehabilitation center were given five million naira each while the therapy center for children with disabilities received one million Naira.
Recall that Governor Oyebanji had, in a statement earlier in the week, urged his friends, associates and the general public not to organize any birthday party or newspaper advertisement to commemorate his birthday. Instead, he urged them to make cash and material donations to the less privileged children, particularly the three special schools in the state- Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro Ekiti; Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti; Government Special School for the Mentally Challenged, Ido Ekiti; as well as the State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre for the Mentally Challenged in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking while presenting the cash and food items to the Special Schools at a brief event at the Oshuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by his Wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Oyebanji, said the gesture was in line his administration’s commitment to improving the living standard of people with disabilities and ensuring that no one is left behind in the developmental agenda.
Emphasizing that the welfare of the PWDs would remain a top priority for his administration, the Governor said he remained committed to programmes and policies aimed at providing sustainable livelihood for the PWDs community.
He called on well-meaning individuals and associations to partner with him and his government in supporting vulnerable groups in the state, stressing that collective efforts were crucial in creating a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to truly thrive and prosper.
The Wife of the Governor, who announced the donation, told the cheering students that her husband believe in the power of education and inclusivity. “This is why, every year, he ensures that the needs of students in special schools across Ekiti are met. He is a leader who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those who need it the most.”
“in celebration of his birthday today, I am pleased to announce to you that food items and cash gifts have been provided for the Special Schools. This is to support what government and well meaning individuals are doing to ensure the students enjoy a better living conditions and to let the students know that their welfare and wellbeing is of paramount interest to the Governor.
She urged other prominent citizens and associates of the Governor who would have loved to buy expensive gifts for him on his birthday to send the money or the gifts to the special schools as directed by Governor Oyebanji.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Adetoun Agboola, who commended the Governor for his commitment to improving the lives of the PWDs in the state, said the gesture was a clear demonstration of the Governor’s belief that everyone regardless of their challenges, deserves a better and quality life.
She explained that the Governor has given the children with special needs a platform that has significantly changed the societal perception about them, noting that through the Governor’s initiatives, programs and policies, many parents of special children are now proud to celebrate their uniqueness and talents.
The children led sessions of praise and worship. They also prayed for the Governor and his family. Thereafter they cut the birthday cake with the First Lady and members of the state executive council present.
Also at the event were, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, among others