20th September 2025
Over 300 persons living with disabilities across Ekiti State have benefitted from a support and empowerment programme for the Persons with Disabilities facilitated to the state by a federal lawmaker, Akin Rotimi.
Rotimi, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the support and empowerment were part of efforts to give the PWDs sense of belonging and economic independence.
The lawmaker, who represented Oye/Ikole Ekiti Federal Constituency, spoke in Ado Ekiti on Friday during the official flag off ceremony of the Prosthetic Limb Support Project and Empowerment Support for PWDs.
At the event, 131 beneficiaries having different categories of limb loss, who had earlier been screened, got measured prosthetic limbs and were also empowered. About 200 others benefitted later in the day at Oye Local Government area.
Rotimi said, “Today is a day of hope and dignity. After months of planning, screening and preparation, we gather to flag off the prosthetic limb fitting camp, an initiative that will restore mobility, confidence and opportunity to many of our brothers and sisters across Ekiti State.
“Today, each beneficiary will receive not only prosthetic limbs, but also a grant of ₦100,000 to support entrepreneurship, empowerment, and self-reliance. This intervention goes beyond mobility by providing the means to build sustainable livelihoods and more fulfilling lives.”
He lauded the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration in Ekiti State for being proactive in factoring PWDs. He said, “If you look at all the buildings that the present administration in Ekiti has done, you’ll see that they have been very intentional in making sure that there is ramp, this is disability access.
“The governor has employed an unprecedented number of PWDs in government. His programmes and policies have been improving the lots of PWDs and ensuring that nobody is left behind in development.”
In her remarks, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, lauded the lawmaker for the initiative, saying he had demonstrated the spirit of love and affection towards persons with disabilities without any marginalization.
The governor’s wife said, “This initiative goes beyond merely fitting limbs; it’s about restoring dignity, rekindling dreams, and reminding us all that every life truly matters.”
She reiterated the Oyebanji administration’s “unwavering love and commitment to individuals living with disabilities through various interventions and by fostering an inclusive environment for all.”
Recall that Rotimi last year appointed about 30 PWDs in his federal constituency as aides to serve as contact persons for the PWDs, play crucial role in advocating for the rights and need of the disabled within the federal constituency and to enhance legislative representation through making his constituents participate in governance.
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