The Ekiti State Government has empowered 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) with vocational skills, start-up equipment and financial support after completing a five-month training programme at the state Skills Acquisition Centre in Ilokun, Ado-Ekiti.
The beneficiaries graduated under the theme “Empowering Abilities, Building Independence”, with the government describing the programme as part of its efforts to improve economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, said the initiative had expanded considerably since it began with 30 participants in 2023.
According to her, the state has also employed 81 persons with disabilities into the civil and local government service, trained 230 people and provided support to businesses owned by PWDs.
One of the notable features of this year’s programme was the participation of 10 parents of children with severe disabilities.
Princess Agboola attributed their participation to the establishment of the Ekiti State Government Therapy Centre for Children with Critical Disabilities, which provides care for children while allowing their parents, particularly mothers, to pursue vocational training and income-generating activities.
The graduands trained in areas including information and communication technology, tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking and catering. Their classroom training was complemented by practical attachments with experienced artisans.
The government also provided accommodation and monthly stipends to cover feeding and transportation during the training period.
Chief of Staff to the governor, Niyi Adebayo, who chaired the graduation ceremony, described the programme as part of the administration’s approach to inclusive development.
Mr Adebayo congratulated the graduands and urged them to put the equipment and start-up grants provided by the government to productive use.
He also encouraged the new entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, treat customers well and avoid abandoning the skills they had acquired.
Other speakers at the ceremony included the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Olapeju Babafemi, and the immediate past Chairman of the Ekiti State Disability Board, Ebenezer Ogunlade.
They urged the beneficiaries to pursue self-reliance, collaborate with one another and remain active in their chosen trades.
Representatives of professional associations for hairdressers, shoemakers and tailors also attended the event as the graduates prepared to enter their respective industries.
The ceremony attracted members of the state executive council and other government officials, including the Commissioner for Education, Kofoworola Adebimpe Aderiye, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Bolaji Aluko.
The government also acknowledged the contributions of Premium Trust Bank, First Bank and non-governmental organisations towards projects supporting therapy centres and special schools.
For the beneficiaries, the ceremony marked the transition from training to enterprise, as they received vocational equipment and start-up support to establish their businesses.
Princess Agboola, who described the ceremony as her final official event in the tenure, thanked members of her team, her family and security agencies for their support.
The state government said the programme reflects its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to skills, economic opportunities and support needed to become financially independent.
