By Bolanle Lawal
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has commended the synergy among the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government, describing their collaboration as a major driver of the visible developmental strides being recorded across key sectors of the state’s economy.
Dr. Oyebanji stated this in Ado-Ekiti during the birthday celebration of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which was marked with students drawn from special schools across the state.
According to the First Lady, the achievements of the present administration are evident to all well-meaning citizens, noting that only persons with negative dispositions would attempt to deny the progress recorded so far.
While appreciating the support of stakeholders and the people of the state, she decried the activities of individuals she described as “social media militants,” whom she accused of deliberately seeking to discredit the Oyebanji-led administration.
She urged such individuals to have a rethink and embrace positive attitudinal change in the overall interest of society, stressing that constructive engagement remains key to sustainable development.
Dr. Oyebanji further called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders, assuring that the state government would continue to deliver people-oriented projects and programmes that would positively impact the lives of the masses.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, eulogised Governor Oyebanji for his visionary and compassionate leadership, describing him as a leader whose generosity and benevolence have continued to transform lives.
She said the Governor’s leadership has fostered an enabling environment where individuals and communities can thrive, noting that his impact transcends governance and resonates deeply in the hearts of the people.
“As we celebrate the birthday of His Excellency, we reflect on his profound impact not only within the corridors of power but also in the lives of individuals, families and communities. You have touched lives beyond human reasoning, igniting hope and instilling purpose in all you encounter,” she said.
As part of the celebration, cash support totalling over ₦20 million was distributed to special schools across the state, alongside food items including bags of rice and beans, tubers of yam, salt, spaghetti and noodles.
Beneficiary institutions included the Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti; Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti; Government Special School for Children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities, Ido-Ekiti; and the Therapy Centre for Children, Oke-Oriomi, Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting students, Eniola Awelewa expressed gratitude to the state government for its consistent care and support for persons with special needs.
The event also featured special prayers led by one of the students, Amos Isaiah.
Dignitaries at the celebration included the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Monisade Afuye; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Abibat Adubiaro; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye; the celebrant’s cousin, Mrs. Cynthia Akindele, as well as other political office holders, top government officials and guests.
