Oyo Deputy Gov Honored as OSHMB Chair, Kunle Bankole, EA Disability Matters, Timothy Olufemi, Others attends Iseyin School for Special Needs 20th Anniversary

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, was represented by his SA Online, Hon. Waheed Ajibade, and Chairman of Hospital Management Board, Hon. Kunle Bankole, as well as Hon. Timothy Olufemi, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Dissability matters, were among notable personalities at the 20th anniversary of school for the special needs, Iseyin, which was organized by Hon. Raheem FM in celebration of its 20th anniversary in empowering all abilities, building futures, service to humanity, inclusive education, excellence.

The event whhch attracted several donations and held at the school premises, equally had in attendance the chairman of Iseyin Local Government area who was ably represented as well as representatives of APM Senator candidate, Shina Peller, community leaders and stakeholders, as well as Iseyin local government officials.

The Deputy Governor was honored with a prestigious award alongside several others who have contributed immensely to the development of the school.

Earlier in his remarks, Hon. Kunle Bankole, who is the chairman of the event, in his opening remarks siad that there is ability in disabilities, commending the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for showing adequate concern to the people
Of dissbailities and also by empowering them.

Bankole, who noted that having this school, will make the students to be productive in the society.

He said that last week the governor also organized a program concerning the people of disabilities, while commending the Convener for his concern towards the people of special needs and creating a platform for them to learn and become great in life with the school.

The Executive Assistant to Governor Makinde on disability matters, Hon. Timothy Olufemi, who also spoke at the event however commended the Convener for his support towards the people of special needs for over 20 years with the establishment of the special school.

He described the persons with disabilities as future leaders, noting that the sky is not the limit as there are presidents, governors, doctors, nurses, lawyers, professors among them.

He noted that the Governor of Oyo state has been able to change the look of persons with disabilities in the last seven years by appointing them, giving them jobs and supporting them with empowerment stressing that the persons with disabilities in the state are no longer begging for money in the streets.

While maintaining that government can not do it alone, he specially commended Hon. FM for establishing the special needs school to allow persons with dissabilities to be appointed into positions, or to be able to get other opportunities through their certificates.

He, however, called on parents of persons with disabilities to not only abandon their children in special schools but should always there to support them in whatever way they can while also praying for the founder of the school to continue to uplift him.

Earlier, the Students of the school, Adegoke Tijani and Abdul Raheem Barrerah, in their joint anniversary speech, commended distinguished Proprietor, Honourable Raheem Ajibola (IM), and other distinguished guests of honour, members of the school management, dedieated teachers, parents and guardians, alumni, and fellow students.

“It is with great joy and gratitude that we welcome you all to the 20th Anniversary Celebration of School for the Special Needs, Iseyin.

“Today, we are not only celebrating 20 years of existence, but also 20 years of courage, dedication, inclusion, edueation, and Service to Humanity,
We specially salute our Proprietor, Honourable Raheem Ajibola (liM), for the courage, vision, and determination to establish this great school. Creating a school dediented to the education and development of children with special needs was a great step, and we are grateful for the opportunity he has given us to learn, grow, discover our abilities, and contribute meaningfully to society.
We sincerely appreciate our distinguished guests of honour, supporters, parents, teachers, and everyone who has continued to support and contribute to the growth of our school over the years.
To our teachers, thank you for your patience, love, guidance, an i dedication. You have taught us not only academie subjects but also confidence, independence, discipline, and determination.
As students, we are proud to be part of this great institution, and we promise to uphold its values and continue to make our school proud wherever we go,
Once again, we say Happy 20th Anniversary to our great school!
May our school continue to grow, may our students continue to shine, and may the spirit of “Service to Humanity” continue to guide us for many more years”, they said.

The proprietor, Mr Raheem Ajibola FM, in his own remarks, said that today marks not merely twenty years of existence, but two decades of hope, resilience, sacrifice. and commitment to providing children with disabilities access to education, dignity, and appartunities to fulfil their God-given potential. What began as a vision has, by God’s grace and through the support af well-meaning individuals and organisations, grown into an institution that cantinues to transform lives and change negative narratives about persons with disabilities.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Distinguished guests, our greatest achievement is the positive impact we have made on the lives af aur students. We are proud that some of our former students are now studying at the Federal College af Education (Special), Oyo, while others are pursuing degree programmes in various disciplines at universities. Some are excelling in vocational fields, while others have graduated and secured gainful employment in the Oyo State Civil Service and other government establishments and parastatais.
These accomplishments demonstrate that disability is not inability. They affirm our belief that when children with disabilities receive appropriate education, encouragement, and support, they can become independent, productive, and valuable contributors to society.
Through this school, we have continued to promote genuine inclusion, challenge discrimination, and break barriers that once limited the aspirations of children with disabilities. We are proud to have contributed to changing the narrative and building a society where every child is valued and given an apportunity to succeed.
OUR CHALLENGES AND APPEAL FOR SUPPORT
Despite these achievements, we face the challenge of inadequate classrooms and furniture due to the increasing number of students seeking admission. This growing demand is encouraging, but it also makes the expansion of our facilities imperative.
I therefore humbly appeal to the Oyo State Government, UBEC, corporate organizations, philanthropic individuals, foundations, and other well-meaning Nigerians to support us in providing additional classrooms, furniture, and essential learning facilities.
Your support will create a more conducive learning environment and enable us to accommodate more children. Investing in special needs education is investing in human dignity, equal opportunity, and a more inclusive society.
APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I give all glory to Almighty God for His faithfulness throughout this journey. I sincerely appreciate all our supporters who have stood by us from the very beginning, contributing in cash, kind, materials, encouragement, and other invaluable ways. Your generosity has sustained this vision, and we remain deeply grateful.
We acknowledge the commitment of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Oyo State. We also express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, for his support and for honouring us with his presence at this historic occasion.
Our appreciation goes to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Adedoja Gbemileke Julius, Professor Waheed Saliu Adelabu, Hon. Suraj Tiamiyu, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Education Intervention, Hon. Adekunle Oladapo Bankole, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, and Alhaji Ismail Ayiki, Hon. Olufemi Timothy, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities.
We equally appreciate the President of the Pioneer Movement, Kazeem & Juweirat Education Foundation, Chief Mrs. Yemisi Iranloye, and all other eminent personalities, community leaders, partners, and distinguished guests present here today. Your presence, encouragement, and contributions mean a great deal to us. To everyone who has supported this vision, whether mentioned by name or not, we say a heartfelt thank you.
My special appreciation goes to my darling wife for her love, patience, and unwavering support from the beginning of this journey. I also commend our dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff for their sacrifices, commitment, and unalloyed support over the years. Special needs education patience, compassion, and dedication, and you have continued to demonstrate these
qualities. May the good Lord reward you all beyond your expectations.
To our parents, thank you for trusting us with the education of your children. To our students and alumni, vou are our pride and the livina testimony of our mission. Continue to believe in yourselves
and strive for excellence.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As we celebrate twenty years of impact, we remain committed to expanding our facilities, strengthening vocational training, improving learning opportunities, and building partnerships that will enable us to reach more children. Our vision is to ensure that no child is left behind because of disability and that every learner has the opportunity to live a dignified, independent, and fulfilling life.

He added that twenty years ago, we began with a vision. Today, we celebrate a legacy o’ hope, transformation, and inclusion. Together, we have demonstrated that children with disabilitie can learn, excel, and contribute meaningfully to society when given the right opportunities.
On behalf of the management and entire school community, I thank you all for being part of t memorable celebration. May God continue to bless our supporters, strengthen our institution, grant us the resources to do even more.

Representing Oyo Deputy Governor, Hon. Waheed Ajibade said that the persons of didsabilyies are specially created and there is no limit to where they can get to in life.

He noted that Governor Makinde has indeed shown adequate concern to the people of disabilities through employing them, Appointting them into government as well as empowering and supporting them in all ways.

He,however, assured of the financial support of the deputy governor while also announcing his own personal donation of 50k on his behalf to the school.