Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday gifted three State Special Schools and two centres for children with disabilities a total sum of N21 million and assorted food items in commemoration of his 58th birthday.
The Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, made the presentation on behalf of the Governor at a brief event attended by some children and staffs of the schools at Oshuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti.
The event was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Includion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, members of the state executive council and principals of the schools.
As announced by the First Lady, the State Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro- Ekiti; State Special school for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti and Special School for children with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, Ido-Ekiti got N5 million naira each in addition to assorted food items and drinks. The State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre , Ado Ekiti got N5million naira also while the State Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities received one million naira.
Governor Oyebanji had in the past three years marked his birthdays with cash and gift donation to the special schools, while also barring friends and well wishers from organising any birthday party or gifts in his honour. Instead, he had always requested that money meant for such gifts and parties should be sent as donations to the schools in addition to whatever he would send to them.
Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, in a brief remarks at the event, urged well meaning Nigerians to also make it a habit to reach out to the less privileged in order to make them live a much better life .
She commended the support of stakeholders to the administration of her husband, which according to her, had assisted him in delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State.
Dr Oyebanji also commended the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government, which according to her, is driving visible development and progress across key sectors of the state’s economy.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, lauded Governor Oyebanji for his visionary and compassionate leadership, and for his special interest and love for children with disabilities.
The apparently elated children of the special schools and centres sang, danced and prayed for the Governor, whom they described as their father and number champion.
