Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has restated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and human capital development, especially for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), as the state graduated and empowered another batch of 60 trainees from the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre for Persons With Disabilities, Ado- Ekiti.
Another set of 60 PWDs have also commenced the training and would be equipped with start- up kits, cash and Trade Test certificates from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, under the special programme which is costing the government a whopping N100 million naira.
The event, themed “Celebrating Courage, Craft and Capability,” held on Tuesday at the Centre in Ado- Ekiti, marked the third phase of the State’s specialised training and empowerment programme designed to strengthen the economic independence of PWDs across the Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said the initiative reflects his administration’s resolve to ensure that no citizen is left behind in its development agenda.
The Governor noted that since assumption of office, the administration has made significant strides in addressing the needs of PWDs through deliberate policies and targeted programmes.
He listed key achievements of the government in this regard to include, Successful employment of 28 PWDs into the state’s civil service; free healthcare services for all PWDs at primary health care centres; free education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary school level; compulsory free assessment for children with disabilities;
free therapeutic services in the state’s special schools and designated centres; as well as the ongoing campaigns aimed at increasing public sensitivity to the rights and needs of PWDs.
According to him, “Human capital development remains a major pillar of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration, and special attention is being given to the development of people living with disabilities. Every individual, regardless of circumstance, must have opportunities to thrive.”
The Governor congratulated the graduands and urged them to maximise the opportunity by investing in their skills and contributing meaningfully to their communities.
He also appreciated the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her “relentless effort” in advancing the welfare of PWDs in the State.
The state Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Folakemi Olomojobi, congratulated the trainees and their families, describing the programme as “unprecedented” in its structure and stakeholder involvement, thanking Governor Oyebanji for providing an enabling environment for such impactful initiatives.
On his part, the Chairman, Ekiti State Board for Disability Affairs, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, also lauded the administration for renovating special schools across the state and equipping them with modern devices.
According to him, only a governor “with a big heart” could invest so heavily in the wellbeing of special persons, considering the financial demands associated with disability support services.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, described the event as a celebration of resilience and progress, applauding the graduands for their commitment throughout the training period of six and nine months.
Princess Agboola commended the Governor for implementing the 2020 Disability Act, which she said marked a major step in recognising and protecting the rights of PWDs in Ekiti State.
She stated that more than 100 businesses owned by PWDs had received grants support under the administration’s empowerment initiatives, while several others had received assistive devices and job placements.
The Special Adviser added that the State is prioritising women with disabilities this year through a mental health support programme.
She also disclosed that an empowerment scheme supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, would take place in two weeks.
Speaking further, Princess Agboola disclosed that out of the 120 PWDs approved for training this year, 60 had completed their training, while another 60 are still on sessions, each expected to graduate with both certification, start up kits and cash support.
She urged the beneficiaries to use their skills productively and reminded them of the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support continuity of inclusive governance.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Office of Disability Affairs, expressed delight over the successful completion of the vocational programme, noting that the trainees received free accommodation, meals, transport allowances, and practical attachment opportunities.
The 2025 cohort comprises 120 beneficiaries drawn from all 16 Local Government Areas and 38 LCDAs after they had completed nine months of vocational training and a three-month industrial attachment in ICT, tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, catering, and business management among others.