Traditional Rulers Back Oyebanji’s Social Inclusion Outreach as Ekiti Govt Expands Drive, Empowers Hundreds of PWDs

News Update

In a human-centred move that underscores Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s commitment to inclusive governance, the Ekiti State Government has expanded its outreach to People With Disabilities (PWDs), delivering life-changing support across several communities in the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, reached hundreds of PWDs in Erijiyan, Ikogosi-Ekiti and Ipole-Iloro, offering everything from mobility aids and eye care referrals to vocational training and financial empowerment.

The outreach, which is part of the ongoing BAO Social Inclusion initiatives, goes beyond mere welfare as it signals a strategic, long-term investment in the social and economic participation of a marginalised group often ignored in development planning.

In Erijiyan, dozens of PWDs received mobility devices such as wheelchairs, crutches and guide canes, while others were referred to eye specialists for corrective treatment.

Financial support was provided to petty traders to boost their businesses and those in livestock farming and needed farm inputs and processing equipment like smoking kilns to scale their operations were attended to.

Children with disabilities were recommended for enrollment into special schools suited to their needs, while adults, both skilled and unskilled, were mapped for vocational training.

Those without existing skills will also benefit from a three-month intensive programme at the PWD Skill Acquisition Centre in Ado-Ekiti, with accommodation, daily meals, monthly stipends, and start-up tools upon completion.

In her remarks, Princess Agboola, who led the delegation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering every Ekiti citizen, regardless of physical ability.

She emphasised that disabilities, especially in children, could often be corrected or properly managed with early intervention and community support.

Citing the example of Eniola, a physically challenged Ekiti indigene who recently won a national art competition, Princess Agboola stated that disability should never be a limitation, saying it is a collective expectation to equip and uplift, not to pity.

She added that the financial support given to PWDs was for strengthening their means of livelihood, while food and clothing needs were separately addressed.

Princess Agboola also pledged consistent follow-up to ensure that the beneficiaries not only receive aid but are also monitored for progress and impact.

The outreach received royal endorsements from traditional rulers in the visited communities. At Erijiyan, the Olohan of Erijiyan, HRM Oba (Dr.) Adegoroye Oluwadare Omosebi, described the social inclusion efforts as a blessing to the people, praying for the continuity of Governor Oyebanji’s policies through 2030.

At Ipole-Iloro, the Olupole, HRM Oba Ezekiel Oladele, also praised the initiative and commended the governor for recognising the dignity and potential of PWDs, urging community members to support the governor’s second-term ambition, describing him as “a listening leader who backs his words with action.”

For beneficiaries like Mr. Kehinde Adebusuyi, who received crutches, food items, and financial help, the outreach was more than a government gesture—it was personal.

“We’ve never seen this kind of direct intervention before, i urge all PWDs to get their voter cards ready and support Governor Oyebanji. He has shown that we matter,” he said.

The ongoing social inclusion drive under Governor Oyebanji’s watch is fast becoming a reference point in participatory governance as he has laid the foundation for a more inclusive, productive society by investing in the welfare, education and economic empowerment of PWDs.