The Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on Monday at the Old Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti marked a historic milestone with the commissioning of its first free public therapy centre for children with disabilities.
Governor Oyebanji has at many fora described as a champion of inclusion and disability rights.
The new centre, equipped with 21st-century therapeutic and learning materials, aims to provide comprehensive support for children with severe disabilities. It offers speech, occupational, physiotherapy, and educational therapy, ensuring that children receive the care they need to thrive. The centre is fully accessible, in line with the Ekiti State 2020 Disability Act, featuring ramps and parallel bars in restrooms.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to Premium Trust Bank, particularly CEO Emmanuel Emefienim, for their generous support. The bank’s commitment has been instrumental in making this project a reality. The Governor also acknowledged Barrister Foluso Liasu, founder of Super Parents Foundation International, for her tireless advocacy and support for children with disabilities.
The centre’s goal is to transition 95%-100% of the children into regular schools after two years of therapy. Only a small percentage may be referred to the Government Special School in Ido. This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors unite for a common goal.
Governor Oyebanji urged parents to ensure their children attend therapy sessions and complete follow-up activities at home. He highlighted the financial burden lifted from families, as therapy costs can range from 5,000 to 50,000 Naira per hour but that government is giving them the services for free.
The Governor also assured the provision of one meal daily for the children and the establishment of a bus service to encourage attendance.
He emphasized the importance of continued support and collaboration to ensure the success of this centre and the well-being of children with disabilities in Ekiti State.
Earlier the special adviser special education and social inclusion Mrs Adetoun Agboola has thanked the governor for his various initiatives at making life easier for people with abilities stating that the new center would allow the children live a normal life and compete favourably with their peers.
She commended the the CEO/MD Premium Trust Bank Mr Emmanuel Emefienem for supporting the state with the therapeutic care center for children with disabilities because it will aide their development and urged the parents to avail themselves with the free facilities the governor has created for them.Calling on other stakeholders to emulate the gesture she said the lives of people living with disabilities would be grately improved.
The event also featured remarks from other attendees including a parent who spoke onbehalf of others Mrs.Bunmi Ibiteye and the founder super patents foundation international Barrister Folusho Liasu .
