Ikole-Ekiti | June 17, 2025 – The Lawmaker Representing Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency and Spokesman of the Nigeria House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., has been honoured at the 36th Annual National Conference of the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET).
The recognition was conferred on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a special ceremony held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti. Themed around strengthening inclusive education in Nigeria, the conference convened educators, policy advocates, and key stakeholders from across the country.
In his goodwill and appreciation remarks, Rep. Rotimi represented by Mr. Nifesimi Ogungbe, expressed profound humility at the honour and reiterated his legislative commitment to special education. “This recognition strengthens my resolve to push for policies that are responsive, inclusive, and just,” he stated.
He lauded NASET for its unwavering dedication to inclusive education, describing the association’s work as “nothing short of revolutionary.” He further emphasised that special education remains a cornerstone of social inclusion, and called on all stakeholders to remain steadfast in championing the rights of children and persons with disabilities.
“It is especially fitting that this national conversation is holding here in Ekiti State,” he added, highlighting the state’s reputation as Nigeria’s intellectual capital and commending Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his sustained investment in progressive governance. Rep. Rotimi also described the conferment of the NASET Fellowship on the Governor as a richly deserved recognition of his people-centred and inclusive approach to governance.
A staunch advocate for disability rights and inclusive governance, Rep. Rotimi has championed several initiatives both within and beyond the legislature under his “Leaving No One Behind” pledge. These include:
* The facilitation of Teacher Training on Inclusive Education.
* The ongoing construction of a School for Children with Special Needs in Imojo-Ekiti,
* The ongoing construction of a modern Orphanage in Itapa-Ekiti, and
* An upcoming School for the Gifted and Talented in Ayegbaju-Ekiti.
He has sponsored nearly 30 reform-driven bills in the House of Representatives, and was recently appointed Chairman, Ekiti State Para Athletics Association. Notable among his bills, are pieces of legislation seeking to strengthen enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, advance independent candidacy, and combat sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
Addressing the NASET conference participants, Rep. Rotimi urged them to “engage rigorously, think boldly, and collaborate meaningfully,” stressing that their contributions shape national policy and bring hope to countless learners across Nigeria.
The AkinỌmỌAkin Constituency Office extends heartfelt congratulations to NASET on the successful hosting of its 36th Annual Conference and reaffirms its unwavering support for initiatives that promote access, equity, and dignity for all Nigerians.
Signed:
Sunkanmi Bamigboye
AỌA Constituency Office
