The Osun state Government has reaffirmed it’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability of People Living with Disability in the state, as the world celebrates International Disability Day.
The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke reiterated his commitment during the celebration program on Tuesday, themed “Amplifying the Leadership of Person with Disability for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”, held at Osogbo Grammar School in Osogbo.
While speaking, Governor Adeleke who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Needs, Hon. Kamil Aransi emphasized that the state government is pushing measures that promote the welfare, empowerment, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
He continued by recounting how resourceful people with disabilities are, in various disciplines like arts, sports, leadership role, entrepreneurship among others.
Adeleke, however maintained that everyone must continue to knock down physical, social, and systemic obstacles, while also amplifying the voices and leadership of people with disabilities.
His words, “People with disabilities are defined not by their obstacles, but by their tenacity, inventiveness, and potential. We witness several examples of people with disabilities flourishing in a variety of disciplines, including the arts, sports, education, governance, and entrepreneurship in Osun State.
“These successes debunk misconceptions and show that disability does not imply incapacity. However, leadership among people with disabilities goes beyond personal success. It entails collective action, advocacy, and the power to instill radical change in communities and systems.
“As we mark this day, we are reminded that highlighting PWD leadership is critical to establishing an inclusive and sustainable future. We have made tremendous progress in developing enabling environments for people with disabilities in Osun State, working with the Ministry of Sports and Special Needs and JONAPWD.
“From empowerment to job opportunities to compulsory health insurance to favorable legislation among others. These are contributions the Adeleke-led administration have made so far and we are still eager to do more.
“As we mark this year’s World Disability Day, I urge everyone here—government officials, civil society organizations, commercial sector actors, and community leaders—to collaborate on this noble cause. We must continue to knock down physical, social, and systemic obstacles, while also amplifying the voices and leadership of people with disabilities.
“I salute our friends and collaborators at JONAPWD and other state associations for your continuous dedication to the cause. Your advocacy and leadership encourage us to do more, and we assure you that we will continue to support and collaborate.” He assured.
Earlier in his welcome address, Joint Association of People with Disability, JONAPWDs Chairman, Mr Stephen Oluwafemi, commended the state Governor, all stakeholders in the state and Non-governmental organizations for bringing inclusiveness into their midst.
The Chairman, also added that PWDs are seeking further inclusiveness in the governance. According to him, despite their potentials, they continue to face significant barriers to leadership.
“Today, we give glory to God for giving us Governor Adeleke, who has brought light to our midst in Osun State. We also appreciate our Honorable Special Adviser, Honorable Kamil Aransi. We appreciate the Speaker of Osun State. We are grateful to all NGOs that have been supportive of us.
“To our fellow advocates, we appreciate you for inclusivity, today we celebrate our advocates for inclusiveness. We appreciate the contributions of individuals. As people with special needs, we know that our experiences enrich the decision-making process. Our leadership is not just about representation; it’s about bringing our experiences to create a more equitable environment.
“However, despite our potentials, we continue to face significant barriers to leadership. We are often excluded from the decision-making process, and our contributions are frequently overlooked. But we will not be silent. We will not be ignored. We demand a seat at the table and aim to be noticed.
‘ We urge our supporters to join us in this fight and to amplify our voices. Let us support our leadership and work together to create a truly inclusive and sustainable future. Together, we can achieve greatness and create a future that is accessible to all.” He said
