A philanthropist and security expert, Mr Israel Adesokan has celebrated over 1,000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) drawn across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.
Adesokan popularly referred to as Jaru at the ceremony marking his birthday distributed food items, money and other materials to all the special persons who were full of praises for the gesture.
While speaking at the event, Adesokan who expressed delight in identifying with PWDs who he maintained are special people, advocated the need for government to establish a Ministry of Special Persons to cater for their needs.
At this economically challenging period globally where the effects of the novel COVID-19 is hitting hard, the former security aide to governor Kayode Fayemi said it was necessary to assist the special people to mitigate the effect of the hard economic situation in the country.
According to him, “You all know today is my birthday. The idea is to make it special for these special people, identify with them and put smiles on their faces.
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“We are all facing one challenge or the other, but I observed this category of people have not been enjoying the needed support as far as I am concerned, hence, my decision to make my birthday celebration all about them this year.”
The philanthropist also promised that the gesture won’t stop there, rather it will keep expanding so that more of the special people will be captured and enjoy his support.
Adesokan while reiterating that the PLWDs are part of the society and should not be ignored, adding, ” Don’t abandon them, make them understand that they are protected under the Nigeria constitution.
“Provide food for them, their rent, school fees must be our concern, while there should be prioritized.”
He advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of their population and be part of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration to enrol for their permanent voter card in order to actively participate in the electoral process especially the 2022 governorship poll in the state.
Speaking, the Chairman of Ekiti State Agency for Persons With Disabilities, Mr Obanise Akin-Olugbenga, commended the gesture by Adesokan in identifying with the over 1,000 special persons in the state, describing it as unprecedented.