News Update
THE Ekiti State Government recently hosted a pivotal Mental Health Programme specifically tailored to empower women with disabilities.
Organized by the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, the event, held at the PWD Centre in Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti, drew over 200 participants from diverse groups, including individuals with albinism, physical disabilities, and those with hearing and visual impairments.
The transformative seminar featured insightful presentations aimed at promoting holistic well-being. Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, Director-General of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, addressed critical aspects of family life, sex, marriage, and self-dignity.
Dr. Adedamola Igbindale, a Senior Registrar Psychiatrist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, spoke on “Stronger Together: Mental Well-being and the Power of Peer Support for Women with Disability,” underscoring the vital role of community and mutual support in fostering mental wellness.
Participants actively engaged with the speakers, discussing strategies for navigating life’s challenges, particularly within family and relationship contexts.
A key component of the program was a mental health assessment session, led by Samuel Oyewole Ajayi, founder of Change Maker Mind Care, and anchored by Dr. Adedamola Igbindale.
They administered questionnaires to evaluate attendees’ mental well-being, providing counseling and follow-up support to those in need.
Adding a significant dimension to the event, Mrs. Toyin Adepoju, Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the First Lady of Ekiti State, encouraged participants to obtain their voter’s cards in preparation for the upcoming elections. She emphasized that this active participation would help them sustain such beneficial programs, which they frequently enjoy from the government of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Mrs. Adepoju also received the community’s appreciation to the First Lady for consistently involving women with disabilities in various empowerment initiatives from her office.
In her closing remarks, Princess Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, urged participants to prioritize their mental health and resist societal stigma that could diminish their self-worth. She highlighted the benefits of engaging in activities like exercise and dance to uplift spirits and cultivate a sense of community.
The program culminated in a significant act of empowerment, with over 100 participants receiving ₦50,000 empowerment grants to support their businesses.
Additionally, individuals in need of specific tools to enhance their livelihoods received assistance, while unemployed women were noted for further support, which would be communicated shortly.
The event concluded on an uplifting note with a vibrant dance session, symbolizing hope and resilience among the women with disabilities.
The government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of individuals with disabilities was reaffirmed by the presence of Dr. Ebenezer Ogunlade, Chairman of the Board of the Disability Agency, alongside Mrs. Olabisi Fatoba, Senior Special Assistant on Rehabilitation and Mental Health, who ably coordinated the program.
This Mental Health Programme marks a significant step, setting a positive precedent for future initiatives in Ekiti State aimed at fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women with disabilities.