In a move to promote inclusivity, the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has distributed advanced hearing aids worth millions of naira and presented trade test certificates to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state on Thursday at the Ekiti skills acquisition center in Ado Ekiti.
The event organized by the office of Disabilities Affairs in conjunction with the of Special Education and Social Inclusion had five individuals comprising four children and one adult selected after rigorous assessments to receive premium hearing aids, each valued at N1.1million, totaling N5.5 million.The beneficiaries were carefully chosen from an initial pool of 70 candidates by Prof. Ayo Oshinsanya of the University of Ibadan, who confirmed that the devices rank among the “second best in the world.”
Dr. Ogunlade Ebenezer, Chairman of the Ekiti State Disability Board, praised the governor for the initiative, urging beneficiaries to safeguard the devices. “This is a rare opportunity—these hearing aids will transform lives,”he said.
Mrs. Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, explained that the recipients underwent thorough evaluations before receiving the aids.”With these devices, children who were once withdrawn from school can now hear and speak, reintegrating into mainstream education,”she noted.
Highlight of the event was when one of the one of the beneficiaries Miss Ogunloko Opeyemi who spoke onbehalf of others proved the potency of the hearing aids as she could now respond immediately when spoken to -some she could not do for years!
She gave an emotional speech full of prayers that God continually prospers him in all his endeavors in life.
In a “two-in-one” event, the governor represented by Mrs.Agboola also presented Trade Test Certificates to 40 people with disabilities PWDs who completed six months of training in tailoring, shoemaking, hairdressing, ICT, and catering.The certificates, issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, validate their skills for employment in both public and private sectors.
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“Empowerment is key to independence,”said Agboola, adding that another batch of 60 trainees is currently undergoing similar vocational programs.
Representing the Commissioner for Health,Dr. Charles Doherty reiterated the state’s dedication to”leaving no one behind,highlighting free healthcare for PWDs and hospital upgrades.”Health is a right, not a privilege,” he emphasized.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration continues to push for disability inclusion, setting a benchmark in Nigeria for equitable opportunities.
