The governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday gave mobility aids worth millions of naira to 240 chosen people with disabilities throughout the State as part of the celebrations honoring his 100 days in office.
The disabled individuals who were selected from various clusters, including deaf, albino, spina cord, and physical disability, among others, were given mobility aids.
The Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, Persons with Disabilities, Political Bigwigs, to name a few, attended the program, which was organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Special Needs and held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, State Secretariat, Abere.
In his remarks, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the Ministry of Justice to expedite the process of enacting disability laws in order to send them to the State House of Assembly for speedy passage. Adeleke added that it was essential for Osun to pass the law so that people with disabilities can also feel a sense of belonging.
The materials distributed, he continued, are in line with the administration’s support for those with special needs. He added that the government must support all groups of people in order for the State to function smoothly and that he is determined to meet all of their needs.
Therefore, Governor Adeleke expressed his gratitude to the people of Osun for the orderly conduct of the recent State Assembly election on Saturday. He also expressed sympathy to the families of those who suffered various degrees of injury, and he promised that now that the election is over, he will continue his good work to ensure that the people enjoy the benefits of democracy that they voted for.
The Chairman of the Joint National Association of People with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Oluwafemi Stephen, the retired First Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Special Needs, Dr. Mrs. Olayinka Oderinde, and Mr. Kehinde Onitiju expressed their gratitude to the Governor for recognizing people with disabilities in Osun in their respective goodwill messages.
They made an appeal to the government to assist them by granting their demands, which included the reinstatement of fired PWDs teachers into the classroom, the creation of training facilities for people with disabilities, the provision of functional vehicles, the appointment of people with disabilities to his cabinet, the signing into law of bills pertaining to people with special needs, as well as the promotion and support of special sports.
Also, they took advantage of the occasion to invite the Governor to the People with Special Needs Training School.
In her welcome speech earlier, the Coordinating Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Taiwo Oladunjoye, made the observation that the distribution of the aids was a sign of the State helsman’s devotion to the welfare of the State’s unique citizens.
She thanked the Governor for approving funding for the program and for showing a genuine interest in the overall welfare of people with disabilities.
She pointed out that the benefits of the aids will include helping the recipients become more independent, lessen pain, and boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Thus, Ms. Oladunjoye urged non-governmental organizations and well-intentioned philanthropists to collaborate with the government in order to provide social services to the unique people living nearby because the government cannot do it alone.
She also urged the recipients to show their appreciation for the current administration’s kind deed by helping to advance the State to enviable heights with their help and cooperation.
Wheelchairs, guiding canes, bowler hats, umbrellas with ticks for albinos, sunscreen lotion, albino-friendly soap, hearing aids, and other mobility aids were supplied.
The celebration included cake cutting, entertainment by the Osun Culture Troupe, performances by other people and groups, and a special prayer for Governor Adeleke’s government.