Stakeholders involved in law and policy formulation in Ondo State have resolved to work together toward the speedy domestication and implementation of the disability law in the state.

They made this commitment on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on a rights-based approach to disability inclusion in Ondo State, held in Akure, the state capital. The meeting was organised by the Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) in collaboration with the Ondo State Law Commission.

The Executive Director of DINABI, Engr. Funso Olajide, described as a mere charity model any support provided to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) without a legal framework to ensure sustainability.

According to him, it is disheartening and unacceptable that Ondo remains the only state in the Southwest yet to domesticate the National Disability Law, despite its social and economic standing in the region.

He noted that DINABI, with the support of the Disability Rights Fund, has implemented various activities aimed at ensuring that PWDs can access healthcare and inclusive social services, including advocacy for the domestication of the national disability law.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Law Commission, Hon. Femi Okunjemiruwa, expressed the commission’s readiness to provide necessary support toward the enactment of the law.

Represented by members of the board led by Hon. R. O. Ogunmoyero, he commended PWDs for speaking up for their rights rather than remaining silent and encouraged them to stay focused in order to prove that “there is ability in disability.”

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, assured stakeholders of the House’s readiness to give speedy attention to the disability bill once it is transmitted to the Assembly for consideration.

Represented by the Director of the Legal Department of the Assembly, Mrs. Tunde-Alarape Elizabeth, the Speaker described the law as essential for protecting the rights of PWDs as integral members of society and for checking discrimination against them.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, Mr. Umar Onimisi, also expressed the association’s readiness to support the enactment process. He pledged to personally approach the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to facilitate prompt action. To further demonstrate the NBA’s commitment, he requested a draft of the bill for review and possible input from legal professionals.

In her keynote address titled “Rights-based Approach to Disability Inclusion in Nigeria: Inclusion in Practice,” disability education specialist and Executive Director of Precious Pertals, Mrs. Stella-Ikeokwu Nathaniel, condemned the exclusion of PWDs from decision-making processes affecting them.

She emphasized that inclusion is not optional but an obligation of government because PWDs are active contributors to society. She lamented the marginalisation PWDs face, noting that they are often remembered only for token gestures.

She challenged PWDs to prepare themselves for opportunities and prioritise accountability when dealing with one another. According to her, inclusion is not an act of goodwill but justice and an investment in societal development, calling for genuine—not symbolic—inclusion.

The State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Sunday Oyewole, rated disability inclusion in Ondo State at 20%, citing the low number of PWDs in the civil service and the lack of disability-friendly facilities in public infrastructure.

He urged PWDs to intensify their lobbying efforts and expressed surprise that Ondo remains last in the Southwest in domesticating the law, despite the state’s high literacy level.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Mrs. Adu Oluwatoyin, pledged to sensitise the public about the law once domesticated and publicise it across the state.

Also speaking, Mr. Franklin Oloni, representing the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, commended DINABI for its efforts in promoting the rights of PWDs.

He affirmed that the structures needed to achieve the passage of the law are already in place and assured that CSOs remain committed to supporting the mission.

Earlier while providing an overview of the project, the Senior Programme Manager of DINABI, Mr. Mike Duyile, explained that championing the domestication of the disability law is part of the Advancing the Rights of PWDs to Accessible Healthcare and Inclusive Social Protection project in the state.

The State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Samuel Olusegun, expressed optimism about the eventual passage of the law, considering the efforts already made by DINABI and other stakeholders.