05/09/2026
🌟 A HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR DEAF YOUTH IN EKITI STATE 🌟
27th August 2026 will forever remain a remarkable date in the history of the Deaf community in Ekiti State.
On this day, the Deaf Youth Association of Ekiti State (DYA-EKS) proudly presented its FIRST-EVER Ekiti Deaf Youth Summit, in commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day Celebration.
This was not just another programme. It was the beginning of a new chapter.
For the first time in the history of our community, Deaf young people came together under one platform to celebrate youth, leadership, education, empowerment, achievement and inclusion.
🎯 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUMMIT
🎓 Empowerment of Deaf students
🌍 South-West Deaf Youth Leaders Panel Discussion
💡 Sharing of a success story by a Deaf youth
🏆 Recognition and presentation of awards
📚 Academic and educational engagement
🎤 Inspirational lecture and keynote presentation
🤝 Networking, mentorship and leadership engagement
And many more…
🙏 SPECIAL APPRECIATION
On behalf of the Central Executive Council (CEC) of the Deaf Youth Association of Ekiti State, we express our deepest and sincere gratitude to all our distinguished guests, government representatives, leaders, mentors, organizations, partners and supporters who contributed to making this historic summit a success.
1. His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO)
Executive Governor of Ekiti State.
We sincerely appreciate His Excellency for his people-centred leadership and commitment to an inclusive Ekiti State where persons with disabilities, including Deaf young people, can have opportunities to participate, grow and contribute meaningfully to society.
Your administration’s support for youth development and disability inclusion continues to give hope to our community. We are grateful for the enabling environment your leadership is creating for young people with disabilities to thrive.
2. Princess Adetoun Funmilayo Agboola
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion (SESI).
Thank you for honouring us with your presence and for your continued support for inclusion and the development of young people with disabilities.
3. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Development
We sincerely appreciate you for your generous financial support and donation towards the summit. Your contribution helped support the programme and empower Deaf youth. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to youth development.
4. Director, Ekiti State Office for Disability Affairs (EKSODA)
Thank you for standing with the Deaf community and for your continued support for disability inclusion and empowerment.
5. Hon. Awopetu Michael
Former Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Ekiti State.
Thank you for honouring our invitation and for being part of this historic occasion. Your presence added great value to the celebration.
6. Mr. Temitope Olaniyi
Keynote Speaker.
Thank you for the beautiful, powerful and inspiring presentation. Your words were impactful and added tremendous value to our first-ever Ekiti Deaf Youth Summit.
7. Mr. Olajide Funso
Executive Director, DINABI.
We appreciate your continued commitment, support and contribution towards the development, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
8. Mrs. Adu T. O.
Mother of the Day, Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti.
We sincerely appreciate you for accepting to be our Mother of the Day and for honouring this historic occasion with your presence. Your love, encouragement and support for Deaf young people are deeply valued. Thank you for standing with us and for being part of this memorable chapter in the history of Ekiti Deaf Youth.
9. Dr. (Mrs.) Tumininu Adedeji
Executive Director, Balm Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), Adehun, Ado-Ekiti.
Thank you for your support towards Deaf youth and for graciously allowing DYA-EKS to use your projector during the programme. Your kind gesture greatly supported the smooth delivery and presentation of the summit activities. We are truly grateful for your generosity and support.
10. Hon. Mrs. Obadare Omoiyin
Our esteemed mentor.
Thank you for your guidance, encouragement, mentorship and for believing in Deaf youth leadership. Your support continues to inspire us to do more.
11. Mr. Sesan Aina
Chairman, Ekiti State JONAPWD.
Thank you for your presence, leadership and continued support for the Deaf community and persons with disabilities.
12. Hon. Tunde
Former SSA to the Governor on Disability Affairs.
We sincerely appreciate your continued interest, support and commitment to the disability community.
13. Mr. Omotola Omotunle
Former JONAPWD Chairman.
Thank you for your support and contribution towards the success of this programme. We deeply appreciate your presence and encouragement.
🌍 TO OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF EKITI LIVING OUTSIDE EKITI
A special appreciation goes to all our sons and daughters of Ekiti who are currently resident outside the state but travelled back home specifically to attend and support this historic summit.
You could have stayed wherever you were, but you chose to come home and stand with your people.
Your journey, sacrifice, presence and support did not go unnoticed. You have shown that distance cannot break the bond we share with our community.
Thank you for coming home. Thank you for believing in this vision. Thank you for standing with Ekiti Deaf Youth. ❤️
👏 TO OUR DEAF YOUTH ACROSS ALL 16 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
WOW! What a remarkable show of unity!
To all our incredible Deaf youth members from across the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State, we celebrate you.
You travelled, participated, contributed, learned, connected and showed the world that Ekiti Deaf Youth are ready to take their rightful place.
Your presence made this historic summit truly meaningful.
🌍 TO THE SOUTH-WEST DEAF YOUTH LEADERS
To all the South-West Deaf Youth Leaders who participated in the panel discussion, thank you for sharing your experiences, ideas and perspectives.
Your participation demonstrated the strength, intelligence and leadership potential of Deaf young people across the South-West.
🚀 OUR MISSION AND VISION
Our mission and vision are becoming a reality.
We envision a Deaf youth community where no young person is left behind because of deafness or communication barriers; where education is valued, leadership is encouraged, talents are discovered, opportunities are created and every Deaf young person has the confidence to dream big.
As Youth Leader, I strongly believe that leadership is not about occupying a position; leadership is about creating opportunities for others to rise.
The Ekiti Deaf Youth Summit is not the destination. It is the beginning of a movement.
A movement towards empowerment.
A movement towards inclusive leadership.
A movement towards education and opportunity.
A movement towards a stronger and more united Deaf youth community.
We may be starting small, but our vision is BIG.
Yesterday, we dreamed of creating a platform like this.
Today, we have created it.
Tomorrow, we will make it bigger, stronger and more impactful.
To every Deaf young person reading this:
Believe in yourself. Develop yourself. Learn. Lead. Serve.
And never allow anyone to convince you that deafness is a limitation to your future.
The future belongs to those who are prepared to build it.
🔥 THIS IS OUR TIME.
🔥 THIS IS OUR VOICE.
🔥 THIS IS OUR MOVEMENT.
THIS IS THE RISE OF EKITI DEAF YOUTH! 🔥
DEAF YOUTH CAN.
DEAF YOUTH LEAD.
DEAF YOUTH MATTER.
Teams:
Deaf Youth Association of Ekiti State (DYA-EKS)
