By Erewunmi Peace

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to friends, associates and well-wishers to convert birthday gifts, congratulatory adverts and celebrations planned in his honour into cash and material donations for special schools in the state.

The governor made the appeal ahead of his 58th birthday on December 21, urging supporters to avoid lavish celebrations and instead channel resources toward supporting children living with disabilities and other vulnerable persons in Ekiti.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji advised individuals and organisations planning newspaper adverts, billboards, radio jingles or social events to redirect such funds to government-owned special schools and rehabilitation centres across the state.

According to the statement, beneficiary institutions include the Special School for the Deaf in Ikoro-Ekiti, Special School for the Blind in Ikere-Ekiti, Special School for Children with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities in Ido-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre for the Mentally Challenged in Ado-Ekiti, and the Government Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities.

Oyebanji noted that the gesture aligns with his long-standing commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare, stressing that supporting children with special needs remains a priority of his administration.

He also expressed appreciation to Ekiti residents for their goodwill and support, urging them to use the occasion of his birthday to impact lives positively rather than engage in personal celebrations.

The governor assured that all donations would be properly documented and delivered to the respective institutions to improve learning conditions and welfare services.