I’m the first Governor to politically empower persons with disabilities, says Makinde

…As 510 persons with disabilities recruited into Oyo State Civil Service, others 

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he remained the first Governor of the state to politically empower persons with disabilities, stating that his administration strongly believed that there is ability in disability.

He made this disclosure on Monday at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, during the 2024 stakeholders summit and International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the theme, “A New World Order For Persons With Disabilities In Oyo State: Rights, Access  And Inclusion”.

The Governor said the appointment of several people with disabilities as Supervisory Councillors and SAs across the entire local governments of Oyo State was what made his administration stand out as an all-inclusive government all over the country.

Governor Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, noted that during his 2018 campaign, he made a promise to all the persons with disabilities in Oyo State to be a governor that will prioritize everything that is channeled towards their wellbeing.

He said: “On my assumption of office in 2019, I appointed Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi as the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters and I charged him with the responsibility to work out a better amendment to the disability law we met on the ground which was believed to be nothing to write home about, with a view that his experience as a Lawyer would chart the course forward. And his submission despite all odds within a short period of time, precisely in 2022, was what first proved to me that truly there is ability in disability.

“Apart from Barrister Adekanmbi being the Executive Assistant during Omituntun 1.0, I also appointed Timothy Olufemi as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters. I did not stop at that, about 150 persons with disabilities were during our first term employed as teachers, some into Hospital Management Board, we have some also as Education officers at the Ministry of Education, and the Lawyers among them we posted to the Ministry of Justice.”

Governor Makinde who revealed that he reappointed Barrister Adekanmbi as the Pioneer Director General, Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, as well as promoted Timothy Olufemi as Executive Assistant, added that the move is to maintain the working synergy in the interest of the people.

The Governor stated further: “Currently, Oyo State has recruited 510 persons with disabilities into Oyo State Civil Service, and I have also given directive that henceforth, in every ministry the quota of the persons with disabilities must be protected.

“It is worthy to note that all the requests of the persons with disabilities for the next year budget plans as submitted during our last Budget Town Hall meetings have been included in the next year budget, and has made their capital budget from N492,000,000 increased to N877,500,000; while their Agency’s overhead cost has increased from N315,000,000 to 345,000,000. It is believed that both will take care of their requests which include Transportation empowerment, training of relevant Agency with what their roles will be for the persons with disabilities, training of enforcement Agencies for compliance, purchase of Assistive devices, mobility equipment among others.

“Presently as we speak, disability cluster groups’ grants and subvention have been approved, and in no distant time, three operational vehicles will be delivered for the smooth running of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

“On this note, I declare the international disability day 2024 open promise and I vow to continue doing my best for the benefits of everyone. Thank you all, God bless you.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of Oyo State Agency for people living with disabilities, Hon. Ayodele Adekambi said God has created people with disabilities specially to be productive and to be part of the society.

He noted that the 2024 international disability day is to deliberate on action to move forward their agency, stressing that the resource persons’ contributions will form the agency foundation. 

Speaking as well, Mr. Akande Olubukola, the coordinating director, however pointed out that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, deserves praise for his support in writing the history and progress of persons with disabilities in the state. 

He described the Governor as a great facilitator noting that him and his deputy has been giving the agency their support since its creation.

He equally commended other government functionaries who have also been involved in the affairs of people with disabilities. 

The event was attended by Oyo Speaker, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, ably represented by Hon. Rilwan Saminu, popularly known as Wale Canada; Commissioner for Education, science and technology, Soliu Adelabu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Fausat Joke Sanni; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toyin Balogun; Commissioner for Environment, Magbojubola Jagaban; Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade and Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Wasilat Adegoke.

Others were chairman of the Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BOTAVED), Deacon Adeoye Adekola; EA on Disability Matters, Olufemi Timothy SA on Education and Intervention Hon. Suraj Abiodun; SA Interfaith, Rev Femi Ibikunle, and host of others.