THE Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG), Prof. (Mrs.) Habibat Adubiaro, has marked her 60th birthday in a heartwarming way by celebrating with children at the Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities, Oke-Oriomi, Ado-Ekiti.
Prof. Adubiaro, accompanied by her husband, children and staff of the Office of the SSG, brought joy to the facility with generous donations, including toiletries, instructional materials, stationery and assorted food items; with the visit creating an atmosphere of excitement among the children and staff of the Centre.
Speaking during the event, the SSG described the day as very special in her life, noting that she deliberately chose to celebrate it with children with disabilities rather than organize a lavish party.
“I see today that I clocked 60 years as a special day in my life. I just thought of visiting the children with disabilities instead of lavishing money and throwing big party. I just put resources together and thought of giving them the gifts that I believed will go a long way in adding value to their lives,” she said.
Prof. Adubiaro explained that she had, over the years, consistently reached out to special schools, particularly the School for the blind in Ikere Ekiti, but decided to extend her gesture this year to the Therapy Centre in Ado-Ekiti as part of her diamond jubilee celebration.
The SSG noted that her action was inspired by the advice and compassionate leadership style of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who, according to her, has always marked his birthday with people living with disabilities (PWDs).
She praised the governor for his inclusive policies, including the creation of the Department of Special Education and Social Inclusion; the first of its kind in Ekiti State.
Prof. Adubiaro urged other intending birthday celebrants to emulate the gesture by visiting special schools and motherless babies’ homes rather than spending excessively on social parties, emphasizing that such acts of kindness bring greater fulfillment and lasting impact.
She also expressed joy over the visible improvements recorded among some of the children, commending Governor Oyebanji for creating an enabling environment that supports children with special needs in the state.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Department, Mrs. Kayode Ojo, commended Prof. Adubiaro for her kindness and thoughtful gesture and lauded her for following the exemplary footsteps of Governor Oyebanji, urging other government officials to do the same.
Receiving the SSG and her entourage, the Director of the Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities, Mrs. Amogbonjaiye Bola Felicia, expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Adubiaro for the visit and donations.
Mrs Amogbonjaiye described the gesture as a demonstration of true compassion and humanity, praying for God’s continued blessings upon the SSG and her family.