The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has issued a warning to friends, family members, well-wishers, and the public not to organize any celebrations, gifts, or advertisements in honor of his 56th birthday on Thursday, December 21st.
Instead, the Governor has requested that those who wish to celebrate him make cash or material donations to benefit underprivileged children in the state.
Specifically, the Governor has asked for gifts and cash to be sent to the Government Special Schools in the three senatorial districts of the state, which include the Government Special School for the Deaf in Ikoro-Ekiti, the Government Special School for the Blind in Ikere-Ekiti, and the Government Special School for the Mentally and Physically Challenged in Ido-Ekiti.
Additionally, donations can be made to the State Relief and Rehabilitation Center for the Mentally Challenged in Ado-Ekiti.
A statement from the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, advised individuals to send financial and material gifts to the specified locations.
He said that would be of greater value and a better appreciated birthday celebration for him, adding that the country is at a point where citizens should make deliberate efforts at reaching out to the less privileged in society.
The Governor said he was happy at the number of family members, friends and associates who presented gifts to the three special schools during his birthday last year, and the attendant joy the gestures brought to the faces of the students.
Governor Oyebanji said he became happier when he got reports on how each of the schools utilised the financial and material gifts they got from him and his friends to enhance the welfare and well-being of the students and to upgrade some facilities within the schools.
The Governor said he would be happy if his friends and well-wishers would grant his wishes this year again, by joining him in putting smiles on the faces of the students with disabilities instead of any gift or party they might have in mind.
The Ikogosi-Ekiti-born Oyebanji, a former University lecturer turned politician, will be 56 years old on December 21, 2023.
