In a groundbreaking move towards championing inclusivity and prioritizing the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially announced the establishment of a dedicated agency. The historic declaration took place on December 3rd, 2022, during the 2022 International Day of Persons With Disabilities celebrations at Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, Governor Makinde expressed unwavering commitment to creating an environment that fosters a sense of belonging for Persons with Disabilities in the state. The governor, in alignment with UNESCO, emphasized that education is the birthright of every child, whether able or disabled, and the rights of children with special needs must be preserved alongside their able counterparts.
Barr. Lawal highlighted the administration’s vision through the Ministry of Education, aiming to develop, monitor, and implement policies to make quality and relevant education accessible to children and young adults with special educational needs in all communities. He underscored the Restoration Agenda, which places the improvement of the quality of life for all Oyo State citizens at the forefront of development plans.
The governor detailed numerous initiatives undertaken by the administration to uplift the lives of PWDs, including the procurement of instructional materials, employment of 150 Persons with Special Needs into the state civil service, rehabilitation and renovation of homes and schools for PWDs, monthly feeding allowances, payment of domestic workers’ salaries, and the appointment of Persons with Disabilities as political appointees in the 33 local government areas. Notably, the establishment of the Oyo State Agency for Persons With Disabilities stands as a testament to the administration’s commitment.
As part of the event, braille textbooks were presented for visually impaired pupils and students, aligning with the administration’s dedication to placing them on an equal footing with their sighted counterparts. Governor Makinde affirmed that the state government will continue to provide necessary teaching materials, capacity development, manpower, and financial assistance towards the education and welfare of Persons with Special Needs.
Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, the Executive Assistant to the governor on Persons With Disabilities, commended the governor for his visionary leadership and assured that the agency would safeguard the welfare and rights of PWDs in the state.
Evangelist Olu Kayode, Chairman Planning Committee for the 2022 International Day of Persons With Disabilities, lauded the unprecedented involvement of PWDs in decision-making within the government. The commissioner for Education, Abiodun Abdulraheem, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing qualitative education for all students, regardless of their conditions.
The event, attended by dignitaries including the Hon Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, featured various entertaining activities, symbolic presentations of braille books, and a celebration of inclusivity through music, ewi rendition, other renditions, dance, presentation of awards, and the cutting of the cake. This marks a historic moment in Oyo State’s journey towards creating an inclusive and accessible society for all.
