Ekiti Govt Celebrates Christmas with Children Living with Disabilities in Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Government on Wednesday marked Christmas with children living with disabilities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion and social protection at the Therapy Centre for Children with Disability, Oke-Oriomi, Ado-Ekiti.

The outreach, sponsored by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani, drew children, parents and caregivers to a lively celebration filled with music, dancing and gift-giving.

Ekiti Govt Celebrates Christmas with Children Living with Disabilities in Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti Govt Celebrates Christmas with Children Living with Disabilities in Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti Govt Celebrates Christmas with Children Living with Disabilities in Ado-Ekiti

A major highlight came when Santa Claus appeared to personally distribute gifts, drawing cheers from the children and underscoring the government’s message that children with disabilities deserve equal care, joy and recognition.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, urged parents to value and support their children regardless of physical or intellectual challenges, describing every child as unique and deserving of love.

She praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his consistent support for persons with disabilities, noting that his concern for special needs children predated his emergence as governor.

According to her, the Governor’s regular visits to special schools and therapy centres across Ekiti show that disability inclusion is not a political gesture but a long-standing personal commitment.

“For Governor Oyebanji, caring for persons with disabilities is a way of life. He is genuinely concerned about how these children are coping and what more can be done to support them,” she said.

Mrs Agboola also commended parents for their perseverance and warned against discrimination, while praising staff of the therapy centre for their dedication and service to the children.

One of the beneficiaries, Toluwalase Adeyeye, thanked the Governor for sustained support to the disability community, citing interventions such as food supplies and operational vehicles.

Speaking for parents, Mrs Olubunmi Ibiteye expressed appreciation to the state government for establishing the therapy centre and prioritising special schools across Ekiti, while commending caregivers for their commitment and compassion.

The event attracted several government officials, including Stephen Abimbola from the Governor’s Office, Funmilayo Fatoba, Senior Special Assistant on Rehabilitation and Mental Health, and Fatai Sulaiman, Senior Special Assistant on Social Inclusion.