By Mary Agidi

In a bid to ensure inclusive governance and bolster support for Persons with Disabilities PWDs, in Ondo State, a review of the State’s existing disability law to align with international standards has been initiated.

The review process is championed by the Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), in collaboration with the State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, with funding from the Disability Rights Fund. 

A day-long technical meeting was organized to identify gaps in the state’s Disability law in comparison with standardized laws, held at the Sunview Hotel in Akure, the state capital.

In his welcome address, Mr. Olajide Funso Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer of DINABI, emphasized that updating the Ondo disability law is crucial as the welfare of Persons with Disabilities is increasingly recognized as a human rights issue rather than a matter of charity.

He hinted that the review will consider three key legal documents: the Ekiti State disability law, the national disability law, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This comparative analysis aims to identify gaps in the current Ondo State disability law in order to come up with an updated version.

Princess Folasade Arise, Chairman of the State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, noted that the technical meeting would enable stakeholders, including various clusters of Persons with Disabilities, government representatives, and civil society organizations, to deliberate and brainstorm on amending the law to make it more inclusive.

“The current law, enacted over a decade ago, has provided some benefits to Persons with Disabilities. However, the government is now committed to revising it to ensure greater inclusiveness,” she said.

Arise also highlighted that the technical meeting served as a mini public hearing, allowing participants to contribute valuable ideas for improving the existing law to bring it in line with similar laws across the country. “This meeting will help us achieve the global slogan, ‘Nothing About Us, Without Us,’ by involving us in discussions that concern our welfare,” she added.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, expressed gratitude to the organizers for their efforts in improving the welfare of persons with disabilities, describing it as a significant milestone for the state. Represented by Mr. Sola Oladeji, a director in the Women Affairs Ministry, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of persons with disabilities, akin to the treatment they receive in developed countries.

In their respective goodwill messages, the Special Advisers to the Ondo State Governor on Gender Matters and on Women Affairs, Mrs. Olamide Falana and Dr. Seun Osamaye, reaffirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of persons with disabilities.

Falana hinted that at least 15% of the global population comprises people with disabilities, and noted that Ondo State has established a well-funded special agency to cater to their needs.

She commended DINABI for its support and expressed optimism that the House of Assembly would give due attention to the reviewed version of relevant legislation when submitted. She encouraged participants to contribute significantly to the discussion.

Osamaye emphasized the need for deliberate and conscientious efforts to prioritize the welfare of persons with disabilities, describing the legislative review as a crucial step towards ensuring a better quality of life for them.

She revealed that the governor is committed to reserving some slots for persons with disabilities in the ongoing recruitment exercises across various sectors.

She emphasized the importance of doing everything possible to provide a good quality of life for persons with disabilities, as it is not their fault to be in such conditions.

At the event were representatives of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, and members of different associations of PWDs.

Credit: Mary Agidi, Publisher, JATS ONLINE NEWS