The Ekiti State Government has successfully graduated and empowered 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who completed intensive training at the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre in Ilokun, Ado Ekiti.
Held under the theme “Empowering Abilities, Building Independence,” the event marked a major milestone for the state’s inclusive governance and highlighted the administration’s sustained efforts to uplift vulnerable groups.
The ceremony brought together key government officials, stakeholders, partners, and families to celebrate the resilience and economic transition of the new trainees from learners to business owners.
Speaking at the historic event, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, noted the remarkable progress of the initiative, which started with just 30 participants in 2023 and scaled up steadily over the years.
She expressed profound gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering political will, compassion, and trust in appointing advocates to drive meaningful change within the disability community. She also highlighted groundbreaking milestones achieved under the current administration, including the employment of 81 PWDs in the civil and local government service, the training of 230 individuals, and the economic support extended to hundreds of PWD-owned businesses.
A notable highlight of this year’s graduation was the inclusion of 10 parents of children with severe disabilities who were able to participate, thanks to the establishment of the EKSG Therapy Centre for Children with Critical Disabilities.
This facility provides professional care and a safe environment for children, freeing their mothers to acquire skills and earn a livelihood. Throughout their program, beneficiaries underwent five months of intensive training in areas such as ICT, tailoring, hairdressing, shoe making, and catering, complemented by practical attachments to seasoned artisans. Additionally, participants were supported with free accommodation and monthly stipends for feeding and transport during their training period.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, who chaired the occasion, congratulated the graduands and described the initiative as a core pillar of Governor Oyebanji’s agenda for shared prosperity and inclusive development.
He commended Princess Agboola for her exceptional leadership, strategic partnerships, and dedication to improving the welfare of the PWD community. Urging the beneficiaries to make responsible use of the start-up equipment and financial grants provided during the symbolic presentation, Mr. Adebayo encouraged them to embrace creativity, avoid laziness, and treat customers with utmost respect.
Goodwill messages from other dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Pastor Olapeju Babafemi, and the immediate past Chairman of the Disability Board, Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, further underscored the collective success of inter-agency collaboration in championing disability inclusion. Speakers praised the graduands for choosing self-reliance over dependence, urging them to remain steadfast, collaborate with peers, and keep their newly acquired skills active.
Representatives from major professional bodies, including the hairdressers, shoe makers, and tailoring associations, were also present to welcome the new entrepreneurs into their respective industries.
The ceremony drew wide representation from across the state’s leadership, including the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kofoworola Adebimpe Aderiye, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, among other special advisers and agency heads.
Partners such as Premium Trust Bank, First Bank, and various non-governmental organizations were also commended for their critical financial and structural contributions toward therapy centers and special schools. As Princess Agboola marked her final official event in office for this tenure, she thanked her dedicated team, family, and security agencies for their unwavering support throughout the tenure.
The event concluded on an inspiring note as the newly minted chief executive officers received their training kits and start-up capital to officially launch their enterprises.
Dignitaries expressed immense confidence that the graduates will break new economic boundaries and prove that empowering abilities translates directly to building a stronger nation. The successful graduation stands as a glowing testament to Ekiti State’s progressive vision of leaving no segment of society behind.