As part of effort by the Seyi Makinde led administration to ensure that Pupils and Students with Special Needs have equal educational opportunities and operate on the same page with their counterparts in regular schools.
The Oyo State Government on Wednesday, distributed educational equipment to public special schools across the state.
He appreciated the effort of Governor Seyi Makinde for stretching out hands of kindness and love to pupils and students with special needs in the state.
He equally assured that the current government will not relent in its efforts to ensure that special needs pupils have equal educational opportunities and operate on the same page with their counterparts in regular schools.
Speaking further, Olaleye urged beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture of the government by taking very good care of the equipment, being dedicated to their studies and proving to the whole world that there is ability in disabilities.
He, however, called upon well-meaning Nigerians to partner with Oyo State government in bringing best practice of special education policy down to the state so that students with special needs will have sense of belongings and excel in their academics and other areas.
In his remark,
the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disability, Barrister Ayodele Adekanbi described Governor as visionary leader who remains committed to the well-being of Persons living with disability in the state.
Adekanbi noted that this gesture was last witnessed in 2009. He advised the teachers to handle the modern educational equipment with care. His words:
“I want to appreciate the Governor for his kindness and goodwill towards Persons Living with Disabilities in Oyo State. He is our amiable leader and a wonderful governor.
“You will remember that on the 29th of May, during his inaugural speech at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium. He specifically mentioned that he will take care of persons living with disabilities. Again, I appreciate him.
“I want to also appreciate our friend, the Commissioner for Education, who made all of these to happen. He is our lover and friend. He knows what we feel. We have been together since 2009 and he has always been supporting us.
“I want to advise our teachers to help us handle all these educational materials for Special Schools with care because a lot of them are fragile. So, I want to assure PLWDs that the sky is our starting point and nothing will limit us. We know that none of us can do anything without education as it is key. We cannot go to the farm neither can we ride bikes.
“I also want to advice the parents to bring their disabled children out and give them a good future. Those of us, who are visually impaired, to keep supporting the government of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.”
On his part, the chairman of the Nigeria Association of Special Education, Oyo State branch, Agboola Abayomi Johnson, says
“This is one of the wonderful things that have ever happened to Special Schools and development of special education in Oyo State. Most of the teaching aids that we used to use are outdated.
“So, we have been longing for this for long and we thank Governor Makinde for distributing these artistic devices to the school and other items being given. We sincerely appreciate him for the kind gesture.
“We also thank the Commissioner for Education for his effort in ensuring that there is development in special schools in the state.”
Some of the items distributed were: Braile paper, Duxbury braille translator, universal braille kit, talking calculator, reams typing paper, walking sticks/mobility cane, JAWS for windows (single interface), generator sky.
Others include: Braille math blocks, Braille alphabet chart, Braile letter keychain, Audio Meter and Over-head projector and Hearing aids.
