News Update
In its continuous drive to promote economic inclusion and self-reliance among vulnerable groups, the Ekiti State Government has flagged off an eight-month skill acquisition and vocational training programme for more than 100 persons with disabilities across the state.
The programme, which is part of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity Agenda, is designed to equip beneficiaries with market-relevant skills that will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capacity.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre, Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.
Princess Agboola explained that the training was deliberately structured to match each beneficiary with a vocation suited to their ability, assuring that the government would also provide working tools after the completion of the programme to ensure sustainability.
She disclosed that persons with disabilities in Ekiti State currently enjoy free healthcare services at primary health centres across the state, a policy that has been in place since January 2024.
According to her, seven persons with disabilities have also been appointed to leadership positions, while 38 have gained employment in the state civil service in the last three years.
The Special Adviser described the programme as a testament to the government’s dedication to inclusivity, adding that life impacting interventions are ongoing across special schools in the state.
She used the occasion to appeal to parents and guardians not to hide children with disabilities due to stigma or shame, stressing that such children possess immense talents and potential to excel in life if given the right support.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Office of Disability Affairs, Mr Bayo Odewale, said the vocational training programme aligns with the core mandate of the Skills Acquisition Centre to promote education, empowerment and self-reliance among persons with disabilities.
Mr Odewale revealed that over 130 persons with disabilities have been trained at the centre since its establishment, with more than 95 beneficiaries empowered under the current administration.
He added that the 2026 batch of trainees will receive instruction in ICT, catering and hotel management, shoe making, tailoring and fashion design, hairdressing and cosmetology, as well as soap making.
He noted that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from all local government areas and LCDAs to ensure fairness and inclusivity, urging the trainees to demonstrate discipline, punctuality and commitment throughout the training period.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola, congratulated the beneficiaries, describing Governor Oyebanji as a compassionate leader who has consistently prioritised the welfare of persons with disabilities.
She encouraged the trainees to pay close attention to their instructors and maximise the opportunity to improve their lives.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser and Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Pastor J.B. Folorunsho, commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his people-centred initiatives, particularly in the area of social inclusion.
He applauded the appointment of Princess Adetoun Agboola as Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, describing it as a round peg in a round hole, given her passion and commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
On his part, the Director-General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Engr. John Ekundayo, described the programme as life-changing, urging participants to give the training their full concentration to achieve meaningful transformation.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Regional Development and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr M.A. Kareem, commended Princess Agboola for her dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities, describing the initiative as a programme of hope that would open new opportunities for the beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, one of the beneficiaries, Ms Bunmi Afeniforo expressed gratitude to the state government and the Special Adviser for their sustained support, pledging that beneficiaries would fully utilise the training to build better and more independent lives for themselves.
In attendance at the programme were the Commissioner for Women affairs, represented by P.S in the ministry, Olusola Femi Adeluyi, Commissioner for Information, represented by Mrs Sola Fadiran, Chairman EKIRS, Pastor Olaniran Olatona and Chairman Board of Disability Affairs: Dr Ebenezer Ogunlade, among others.