Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), saying deliberate efforts to advance disability inclusion are gaining momentum in the state with support from the Presidency.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing the 36th Annual National Conference of the National Association for Exceptional Children (NAEC), held at the Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, Oyebanji said his administration remained committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities had equal access to education, healthcare, employment and other opportunities.
During the event, the governor was honoured with the Friendly Governor of Persons with Disabilities Award in recognition of policies and programmes implemented by his administration to improve the lives of people living with disabilities in Ekiti State.
Addressing educators, therapists, caregivers, parents and other stakeholders at the conference, Oyebanji commended the NAEC for its 36 years of advocacy and praised professionals working to support children with special needs.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by practitioners and families, assuring them that government recognised their efforts and remained committed to strengthening support for inclusive education and rehabilitation services.
The governor highlighted several initiatives introduced by his administration, including free and compulsory education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary school level, the establishment of adapted classrooms in public special schools, and the recruitment of speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists into the state’s special education system.
Other measures, he said, include the development of a new curriculum for special and rehabilitation classes, free healthcare for persons with disabilities at primary healthcare centres, free therapy services in special schools, and the establishment of a therapy centre for children with severe disabilities.
Oyebanji also disclosed that the government had distributed hearing aids worth more than ₦12 million, organised the state’s first Paralympic Games to identify sporting talent among persons with disabilities, and provided vocational training, start-up grants, equipment and trade certificates to more than 130 beneficiaries. He added that another 100 persons were currently undergoing apprenticeship training.
The governor further noted that his administration had employed 41 persons with disabilities into the Ekiti State Civil Service, approved the recruitment of 17 therapists and 91 support staff, and created the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion. He added that persons with disabilities had also been appointed to key public offices, including Executive Secretary, Special Assistant and board positions.
According to him, Ekiti’s approach demonstrates that inclusive governance is achievable and could serve as a model for other states across Nigeria and the African continent.
Oyebanji urged parents not to conceal children with disabilities, stressing that ongoing training for head teachers and school principals was aimed at ensuring public schools remained accessible and welcoming to all learners. He also encouraged participants at the conference to translate their discussions into practical actions that would improve outcomes for persons with disabilities.
The governor’s latest recognition follows the Disability Champion Award and Fellowship conferred on him by the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) during its national conference in June 2025. He has also received several other honours for his administration’s disability inclusion policies and people-centred approach to governance.
