By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, declaring that members of the community will never be left behind in governance and government programmes.
He made the pledge during a meeting with leaders of the disability community at the Government House in Osogbo, where he presented appointment and employment letters to beneficiaries from the community.
Adeleke stated that his administration remains focused on ensuring that persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities in employment, governance and public services across the state.
“I prioritise your welfare and inclusion in governance. Our administration will continue to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in our programmes and policies,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Needs, Kamil Aransi, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of persons with disabilities through various policy initiatives.
Aransi highlighted key steps taken by the government, including the passage and signing into law of the disability bill as well as the establishment of the Osun State Bureau of People with Disabilities, which he said has strengthened the protection of the rights of people living with disabilities in the state.
He also praised the governor for ensuring that persons with disabilities were included in the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise and other employment opportunities.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the bureau, Ayobami Oyewumi Oyetunde, described the creation of the bureau as a major milestone that has positioned Osun among the few disability-compliant states in Nigeria.
Similarly, the state chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Stephen Oluwafemi, expressed appreciation to the governor for what he described as compassionate leadership.
According to him, the signing of the disability bill into law by Adeleke ended more than two decades of advocacy by the disability community in the state.
“For over 20 years we struggled for this bill, and Governor Adeleke signed it into law without stressing us. Our bureau also started under his administration,” Oluwafemi said
The governor later presented appointment and employment letters to beneficiaries from the disability community as part of efforts to strengthen inclusion in governance.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, Olanrewaju Oladosu, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Kehinde Adekilekun, among others.
Also in attendance were the Secretary of JONAPWD, Sunday Smith, and the association’s Women Leader, Isola Omotola Elizabeth.
