…Says Initiative Complements Gov. Oyebanji’s Efforts
By Daniel Abe
In what appeared to be a deliberate move to give a sense of belonging to the children living with disabilities, the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency ll, Hon. Biodun Omoleye on Friday facilitated a training and empowerment programme for the students of Ekiti State Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti.
The school, which caters for the deaf, received the lawmaker and his entourage with a rapturous welcome as the day coincided with the global celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.
Omoleye, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship, donated 150 mattresses, pillows, bathroom slippers and cash gifts to the special school, adding that he would continue to support the school, particularly in the areas of skill acquisition and entrepreneurship.
The lawmakers, who recounted his long-standing relationship with the school to the time he was serving as Chairman of Ijero local government, said the latest gesture was to complement the welfare and all-inclusive policy of Governor Oyebanji’s administration.
According to Omoleye, the initiative is aimed at enhancing the learning environment for the children, enabling them to grow, thrive and eventually contribute to society as economically independent individuals.
The Lawmaker applauded the efforts of Governor Oyebanji’s administration in transforming the school into a model of excellence, with significant improvement in infrastructures, water access, health facilities and staff welfare.
He encouraged parents not to abandon children with disability as they are capable of becoming great and successful in life.
Appreciating the gesture of the lawmaker, the Principal of the school, Mrs Temitope Adu, appreciated him for considering the welfare of the students and assured him that the items donated to the school would be used judiciously.
Mrs Adu said the items donated were some of the immediate needs of the school and noted that the coming of the Lawmaker was auspicious and meant a lot to the school and the students.
Speaking on behalf of the students through an Interpreter, Master Joseph Oyedokun thanked Hon. Omoleye for identifying with them and prayed that God would continue to strengthen him to do more.
The training and empowerment programme was facilitated by Hon. Biodun Omoleye in conjunction with the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja.
The event featured a paper presentation by the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, represented by Mrs. Nike Dosumu.
The students also showcase their talents with choreography and cultural displays to the admiration of everyone.
There were goodwill messages by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ropo Ige, Chairman of Eso-obe LCDA, Hon. Kole Ayeni, former chairman of Ijero local government, Hon. Adeola Adeyemo and an APC chieftain, Chief Olusola Wayas.
They said Omoleye has laid a good example for privileged individuals to reach out to the special schools, saying the items donated would change the face of the school and make life easier for the special students.
