‘There’s ability in disability’ — Oyebanji assures PLWDs in Ekiti of special attention

Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti, says his administration will give attention to people with special needs in the state. 

Oyebanji spoke when he paid a visit to the state special school for the blind in Ikere Ekiti.

The governor said there would be an appointment of a special adviser in charge of people with special needs in his cabinet.

He said such an office would give people living with disabilities (PLWDs) a voice in his administration and help address their agitation against neglect.

Oyebanji said people with disabilities are special to his administration, noting that the government would work hard to bring out the best in them.

He urged the students to see themselves as specially created by God, adding that they are as precious to God as other children and should not feel inferior to anyone.

“I want to let you know you are not an accident. God created you for a purpose and you will fulfil the purpose,” he said.

“I have come to let you know you are not inferior to anybody and to assure you that your government, the government of Ekiti state, will stand by you, we will partner with you in a way and manner that will give good meaning to your lives.

“I assure you, there will be changes. There is ability in disability and we will work so hard to ensure that we play up those abilities in you.

“We are going to appoint a special adviser for people with special needs so that you can have someone in the cabinet that will be speaking for you.

“You will recall that when I celebrated my birthday last year, I appealed to my friends that they should convert their gifts into financial donations to the special schools in the state.

“I am glad today that the money made from my friends is being used to renovate the school and it speaks to the fact that we can be our brother’s keeper.”

The governor appealed to wealthy people in the society to come to the aid of the PLWDs.

He said individuals can adopt some of the special students or volunteer to fix facilities in their homes and schools, to complement the government’s efforts.

The governor also presented cash and material donations to the school.

He also made a personal cash donation for the sponsorship of five students in arts and crafts at a training school in Lagos, as requested by the students.