Oyebanji: Seeing Disability Through the Lens of Dignity, Not Pity

Oyebanji: Seeing Disability Through the Lens of Dignity, Not Pity


In the heart of Ekiti State, a quiet but powerful revolution is unfolding. It is not measured by the weight of donated food bags or tokens of charity, but by the impact of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in transforming the circumstances of people living with disabilities (PWDs).
Under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, Ekiti has moved past the outdated "charity model" of governance, instead viewing disability through the lens of equity and fundamental human rights.

At the heart of this transformation is the bold leadership and unwavering commitment of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who has made the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities a clear priority of his administration. Through the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, led by Princess Adetoun Agboola, the Governor’s vision is being effectively driven with purpose and precision.  

The office serves as a powerful engine for delivering impactful programmes, ensuring that PWDs are not left behind but are active participants and beneficiaries of Governor BAO's developmental and inclusive agenda. 

The recent BAO ITESIWAJU EKITI radio programme brought this shift to life. The testimonies of Oguntuase Oluwaseyi Tosin, a visually impaired ICT trainee, and Odeyemi Ismaila Oluwaseun, a physically challenged cobbler, offered a glimpse into the state’s rigorous vocational training programmes.

These initiatives focus on two critical areas: skill acquisition and economic agency. By mastering digital technology and traditional artisanship, beneficiaries prove that physical differences do not dictate one's career path.
The training provides real business support, allowing PWDs to transition from being recipients of handouts to becoming business owners and breadwinners.

BAO’s approach serves as a constant reminder that lived experience must drive policy. When PWDs are treated as wealth creators and employers of labour rather than "objects of pity," the social fabric of Ekiti changes. Pity is replaced with respect, and low expectations are shattered by the intellect and vision of our citizens.
By shifting the focus from "hand-outs" to "hand-ups," the Oyebanji administration is fostering a society where every citizen lives with a sense of agency. The greatest disability any society can suffer from is the exclusion of its own people.

Your vote is your power. Use it to keep this progress moving. Re-elect BAO and MCA!

Dr. Oke Aruleba President/Convener, BAO/MCA Empowered Minds Support Group

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