Towards achieving inclusive budgeting that reflects the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State, the Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) gathered various PWD clusters to brainstorm on what should be captured in the 2026 budget.

Addressing participants at a one-day workshop on the development of a PWDs’ needs assessment for the 2026 budget in Ondo State, the Executive Director of DINABI, Engr. Funso Olajide, underscored the importance of involving PWDs in the budgeting process. He noted that no matter how knowledgeable or experienced government officials are, they cannot fully understand the lived experiences of PWDs.

“The MDAs cannot make budgets for PWDs without their inclusion. That’s why it’s important to come together to identify and prioritize their needs, and then agree on which ones to present to the government,” he said.



According to him, the inclusion of government representatives in the needs assessment workshop was aimed at tapping into their experience on how to present such needs for budget consideration, as well as providing technical support and advice.

“They will also serve as pacesetters to brief their respective MDAs, while the media will help amplify the needs of PWDs,” he added.


Walking participants through “The Role of Inclusive Budgeting for Sustainability,” Mr. Mike Duyile, Programme Officer at DINABI, described inclusive budgeting as a process that explicitly considers and addresses the needs, priorities, and aspirations of marginalized groups, including PWDs.

“It goes beyond token allocations—it involves active participation and accountability,” he noted.

According to him, inclusive budgeting aligns with international conventions that recognize the rights of PWDs. It promotes fairness and leads to improved service delivery, accessibility, and quality of life for persons with disabilities.

To implement inclusive budgeting effectively, Duyile emphasized the need for advocacy and public awareness among policymakers and the general public about its importance.

The event, held at Sunview Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, had in attendance representatives from the Ministries of Health, Economic Planning and Budget, Agriculture, and the Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities and the media.

They deliberated on the appropriate approach to integrating PWDs’ needs into the 2026 budget.

The workshop featured the identification of thematic areas of concern for PWDs through group discussions.