Ekiti KidsCon 2023: Governor Oyebanji’s Special Children Shine Bright.
In a heartwarming display of talent and determination, Edwin Martins from the Government Special School for the Blind in Ikere Ekiti and Miss Abiodun Dupe, an SS 2 student from the School for the Deaf in Ikoro Ekiti, left both guests and fellow students in awe at the 2023 Ekiti KidsCon event. Their exceptional coordination of the human senses during the dancing competition was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing their abilities and resilience.
Edwin Martins, despite his visual impairment, balanced a plastic plate on his head with the finesse of a professional juggler, dancing gracefully to the reverberating beats from the DJ’s console. The audience erupted in applause. Equally dazzling was Miss Abiodun Dupe, who emerged as the grand prize winner of the competition.
In an exclusive interview with Jiroltv after their captivating performance, both Edwin and Abiodun expressed their gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for affording them the opportunity to participate in such an event. They attributed the transformation in their respective schools to the governor’s commitment and highlighted how this event allowed them to discover and nurture their hidden talents.
Furthermore, Edwin and Abiodun emphasized that this gathering provided an important platform for society to view them as regular children rather than focusing on their disabilities. Accompanying them were their school principals, Mrs. Amogbinjaye Bola and Mrs. Adu Olayide Temitope, who also shared in the pride of their students’ accomplishments.
Mrs. Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser to the governor on special education and social inclusion, echoed their sentiments. She underscored Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s commitment to not only enhancing the sector’s infrastructure but also allowing these children to flourish personally. She assured residents that more initiatives were in the pipeline to improve their well-being.
The event’s organizer, Mrs. Funmi Bankole, highlighted that this was the second edition of the program, with the first held in 2019, all thanks to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s dedication to revitalizing the education sector. Ekiti KidsCon 2023, held at the Damlek Events Center, featured dancing, musical renditions, drama presentations, competitions, and an exciting raffle draw.
It brought together over 2,500 students from all 16 local government areas of the state, creating a day of joy, inspiration, and inclusivity.
