Ekiti State Government has strengthened its commitment to inclusive economic development with the graduation of 60 persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre, Ado-Ekiti, while another 60 have commenced training under a N100 million empowerment program designed to boost self-reliance and income generation among persons with disabilities.
The graduation ceremony, themed “Celebrating Courage, Craft and Capability,” marked the third phase of the state’s specialized training scheme targeted at enhancing economic independence for PWDs across Ekiti.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, said the initiative reflects the administration’s resolve to ensure no citizen is excluded from development opportunities.
“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,” he said.
The governor highlighted several interventions already implemented for PWDs, including the employment of 28 PWDs into the civil service; free healthcare at primary health centers; free education for children with disabilities; compulsory assessments for affected children; free therapeutic care; and statewide campaigns to boost public awareness of disability rights.
He congratulated the trainees and encouraged them to apply their skills productively while contributing to their communities. He also commended the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her leadership in advancing the welfare of PWDs.
Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, described the program as unprecedented in structure and collaboration, praising Governor Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment for impactful empowerment initiatives.
Chairman of the Ekiti State Board for Disability Affairs, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, applauded the government’s investment in renovating and upgrading special schools. According to him, only a governor “with a big heart” would commit substantial funds to disability support services despite their high financial demands.
Special Adviser Agboola said the event symbolizes resilience and progress, noting that trainees spent six to nine months in intensive vocational classes. She added that implementing the 2020 Disability Act had improved protection and opportunities for PWDs in the state.
She disclosed that more than 100 PWD-owned businesses had received grants, while many others had benefited from assistive devices and job placements. This year’s empowerment efforts also include a mental health support program for women with disabilities and a forthcoming empowerment scheme supported by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.
Agboola encouraged the beneficiaries to put their training into productive use and reminded them of the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support continuity in inclusive governance.
The Executive Secretary, Office of Disability Affairs, said the program offered free accommodation, meals, transportation, and industrial attachment placements to ensure trainees were fully equipped.
This year, 120 PWDs across the state’s 16 local governments and 38 LCDAs are benefiting from the program, undergoing training in ICT, tailoring, shoemaking, catering, styling, and business management. Each participant will graduate with certification, start-up kits, and cash support to enable them to establish sustainable livelihoods.
