As Oyo State marks its Golden Jubilee, the disability community has lauded Governor 'Seyi Makinde for his "unprecedented commitment" to inclusive and people-centred governance, specifically in advancing the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
This commendation came from Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, in a statement commemorating the state's 50th anniversary.
Adekanmbi highlighted that the Makinde administration has deliberately placed inclusion at the core of its governance strategy, ensuring that PWDs are no longer marginalized from public policy, leadership roles, and development initiatives.
He pointed out a historic development: for the first time in Oyo State, qualified PWDs have been employed into the State Civil Service. This move, Adekanmbi stated, is a landmark step that affirms their dignity, competence, and equal citizenship within the state.
Further demonstrating the administration's political will to institutionalize disability inclusion, Adekanmbi noted the appointment of PWDs into key government positions.
He cited his own appointment as Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities and that of Hon. Olufemi Timothy as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities as clear evidence of this commitment.
The state government has also mandated the appointment of Special Assistants on Disability Matters across all 33 local government areas, ensuring that disability-related concerns are addressed not only at the state level but also within local communities.
According to Adekanmbi, the establishment and strengthening of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities stands as one of the defining legacies of this administration.
He described the Agency as having become "a voice, a shield, and a bridge for PWDs," actively coordinating policy, enforcing rights, promoting accessibility, and driving social protection initiatives.
Additionally, the procurement of accessible buses for public transportation has significantly improved mobility for Persons with Disabilities, while numerous laws and regulations have been enacted to prohibit discrimination, promote accessibility, and protect the rights and welfare of PWDs throughout the state.
Adekanmbi also referenced a recent intervention by Governor Makinde that underscored his compassionate leadership. A wheelchair user, who had been evicted from his residence, received personal assistance from the governor and was subsequently added to the state’s list of beneficiaries for home ownership.
Adekanmbi remarked that this act "reflects a leadership that goes beyond policy to compassion and humanity."
Concluding his statement, Adekanmbi expressed the entire disability community's profound gratitude to Governor Makinde for his empathy, courage, and sustained commitment to inclusive governance as Oyo State celebrates 50 years of existence.
He added that "At 50, Oyo State is celebrating leadership with conscience, progress with purpose, and governance with a human face. This is an era that will be remembered as the moment Persons with Disabilities were not just acknowledged, but fully embraced as partners in progress."
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