Ado Ekiti – In a recent interview, Mr. Oni Femi, the General Secretary of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ekiti State, commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his exceptional dedication to the disability community. Speaking on Thursday, Mr. Femi highlighted the governor’s unprecedented efforts to address the needs and rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
“Governor Oyebanji stands out as the first governor genuinely committed to disability inclusion. He acts promptly on our requests, ensuring that the needs of PWDs are met without unnecessary delays,” said Mr. Femi. He added, “For both his first and second birthdays as governor, he redirected all gifts meant for him to special schools and other vulnerable groups in the state. This gesture is profoundly touching and unprecedented.”
Mr. Femi detailed several initiatives and policies that Governor Oyebanji has implemented to support PWDs in Ekiti State. These include:
- Ekiti Kete Online Sign Language Lessons: Governor Oyebanji approved sign language lessons for civil servants and political office holders to facilitate communication with the deaf community.
- Employment Initiatives: The implementation of a 5% employment quota for PWDs, ensuring job opportunities within the state’s workforce.
- Healthcare Access: In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the administration has granted free medical access to all PWDs.
- Technological Advancements: Special schools have been equipped with laptops, desktops, and Wowbii boards to enhance learning and accessibility.
- Specialized Employment: The state has employed vocational teachers in ICT, music, physical education, and fine arts, along with speech therapists and physiotherapists for government special schools.
- Skill Acquisition Training: Ongoing free training programs for adults with disabilities at the Skill Acquisition Center for Persons with Disabilities.
Moreover, Mr. Femi highlighted a significant directive from the State Executive Council on May 30th, mandating that all public buildings in the state must comply with the Disability Law by the end of 2025. This includes providing ramps and other equipment to facilitate access for individuals with mobility difficulties. The directive was signed by Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information.
“As the JONAPWD Secretary, I deeply appreciate His Excellency’s unwavering support, love, and constant attention to our community,” Mr. Femi stated. He also made a heartfelt appeal to Governor Oyebanji: “Given your belief in our competence and abilities, we kindly request the appointment of PWDs as the Executive Secretary of EKSODA, as stipulated in the Ekiti Disability Law.”
Governor Oyebanji’s administration continues to set a benchmark for disability inclusion, reflecting a profound commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all residents of Ekiti State. The disability community, led by advocates like Mr. Femi, remains hopeful and grateful for the positive changes brought about by these initiatives.
