By Ayodele Afolabi, Ado-Ekiti,
Vows to address agitation over neglect
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has said that his administration would ensure that people with disabilities (PWDs) and students of special schools in the state get desired attention, with the appointment of a Special Adviser (to the Governor), in charge of PWDs.
This, according to the governor, will give PWDs a voice in his administration and help redress their usual agitation over neglect.
He said that the occupant of the position would be someone with requisite knowledge in special education and who has genuine passion for welfare and well-being of PWDs.
Oyebanji, who stated this, at the weekend, when he made a surprise visit to the State Special School for the Blind in Ikere- Ekiti, said people with disabilities are special to his administration and that his government would work hard to bring out the best in them.
The governor, who was conducted round the school for an on-the-spot assessment of facilities by the Principal, Mrs. Amogbonjaye Felicia, said the students and teachers of the school would witness a facelift that would make the environment more friendly, accommodating and conducive for learning.
Oyebanji appealed to well-to-do people in the society to come to the aid of people with disabilities. He said individuals could adopt some of the special students or volunteer to fix facilities in their homes and schools to compliment government’s efforts.
Oyebanji, who spent some time singing and addressing the students after assessing the state of facilities in the school, urged them to see themselves as specially created by God for a purpose, adding that they are as precious to God as other children and should not feel inferior to anyone.
“I want to let you know that you are not an accident. God created you for a purpose and you will fulfill the purpose. I have come to let you know that you are not inferior to anybody and to assure you that Ekiti State government will stand by you, partner with you in a way and manner that will give good meaning to your lives.”
“I assure you, there will be changes. There is ability in disability and we will work so hard to ensure that we play up those abilities in you.
“We are going to have a Special Adviser for people with special needs and our special schools so that you can stand alone and have someone in the cabinet that will be speaking for you,” the governor said.
