Ekiti State Government has reinforced its commitment to inclusive governance and human capital development as it graduated and empowered 60 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre for PWDs, Ado-Ekiti, while another batch of 60 commenced specialised vocational training.
The programme, which forms the third phase of the state’s empowerment initiative for PWDs, is valued at N100 million and provides beneficiaries with start-up kits, cash grants and Trade Test Certificates issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. The event, themed “Celebrating Courage, Craft and Capability,” was held on Tuesday at the centre in Ado-Ekiti.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, stated that the initiative reflects the administration’s resolve to ensure that no citizen is excluded from development opportunities. He emphasised that human capital development remains a core priority of his government, with special focus on empowering persons living with disabilities.
The governor highlighted several achievements of his administration in advancing the welfare of PWDs, including the employment of 28 persons with disabilities into the state civil service, free healthcare services at primary health centres, free education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary levels, and free therapeutic services at special schools and designated centres. He also noted ongoing awareness campaigns to promote public sensitivity towards the rights of PWDs.
Congratulating the graduands, Governor Oyebanji urged them to make productive use of the skills acquired and contribute meaningfully to their communities. He also commended the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her unwavering dedication to the advancement of disability inclusion in the state.
The Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, described the programme as unprecedented in structure and stakeholder participation, applauding the enabling environment created by the governor for such impactful interventions.
Chairman of the Ekiti State Board for Disability Affairs, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, praised the administration for renovating and equipping special schools with modern facilities, describing the level of investment in disability welfare as a reflection of compassionate leadership.
Princess Agboola described the occasion as a celebration of resilience and progress, noting that the trainees underwent six to nine months of vocational training. She disclosed that over 100 PWD-owned businesses had benefited from grants, while several others received assistive devices and job placements.
She further revealed that the state is prioritising women with disabilities through a mental health support programme and announced an upcoming empowerment scheme supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.
According to her, of the 120 approved beneficiaries for this year, 60 have completed their training while the remaining 60 are currently undergoing sessions. All participants are expected to graduate with certifications, start-up kits and financial support. She also encouraged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support continuity of inclusive governance.
The Executive Secretary of the Office of Disability Affairs expressed delight over the success of the programme, noting that beneficiaries enjoyed free accommodation, meals, transport allowances and industrial attachment opportunities.
The 120 beneficiaries were selected from the 16 local government areas and 38 LCDAs of the state, receiving training in ICT, tailoring, styling, shoemaking, catering, business management and other vocational skills, after completing nine months of training and a three-month industrial attachment.
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