Ekiti State Government has honoured its contingents for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded National Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Games held in Abuja.

The state’s  contingents participated in six events, securing first place in  Essay Writing, second in Debate, Spelling Bee and Girls’ Basketball, third in Boys’ Basketball, fourth in Digital Literacy and Painting, fifth in Environmental and Entrepreneurial activities.

One of the standout moments of the event was the performance of Eniola Awelewa, who excelled in the painting competition despite his physical disability.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State AGILE Project Coordinator, Yewande Adesua, described Eniola’s artwork, titled “It Takes a Village”, as a raw, honest and profound depiction of community and belonging.

She revealed that her painting attracted national attention and earned special recognition from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who requested that the piece be displayed in her office.

Adesua noted that Eniola’s excellence underscores Ekiti’s commitment to inclusive education, which has earned the state national recognition, emphasizing that “disability is not an inability.”

She also commended Deborah Bello for her exceptional performance in the Essay Writing category, stating that her brilliance and resilience have once again brought honour to the state.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, congratulated the contingents, noting that their resilience and determination has not only brought them personal pride but also elevated the entire state.

Dr. Aderiye, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Michael Omolayo, affirmed government’s commitment to not only infrastructural development but also intellectual growth and talent promotion.

He encouraged the students to continue to be exemplary ambassadors of Ekiti State and a source of inspiration to their peers.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his investment in modern facilities for special schools, which according to her has empowered students with disabilities to perform beyond expectations.

Agboola, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Education and Social Inclusion in the Governor’s Office, Stephen Abimbola, urged parents of children with disabilities to enrol them in the state’s special facilities, where they can receive proper support and unlock their potential.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of a brand-new wheelchair to Eniola Awelewa to aid his mobility (courtesy of Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba) and the formal handing over of the national award to Deborah Bello.