I’ll continue to protect your interest,  welfare, Oyetola tells persons with disabilities

 

 

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has assured that his administration will continue to protect the interest of Persons with Disabilities(PWDs) in the state.

 

Oyetola said this during an engagement programme with the members of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Osun Chapter on Thursday in Osogbo.

 

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said his administration is committed to their welfare, adding that they are important members of the society, who deserve to be well catered for.

 

The governor said, to show how important the PWDs are, there is an ongoing Executive Bill tagged “Special People’s Bill” for their protection.

 

The bill, when passed and signed into law will safeguard persons with disabilities against any form of discrimination and also have equal access to an environment conducive to social and economic development.

 

On intervention programmes, Oyetola said the PWDs were also given priority during the state government free monthly food distribution.

 

According to him, “part of their social intervention programmes include survival loan; Covid-19 palliatives; special grant transfer programme under YESSO from World Bank in collaboration with the State Government.

 

“Also over 300 persons with disabilities are benefiting from the N10,000 monthly grant of the state government’s “Gbowo Ga” scheme for empowerment.

 

“You can be rest assured that I will continue to protect your welfare and interest in further unfolding opportunities”, the governor said.

 

On the July 16 governorship election in the state, Oyetola urged them to obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and vote for him for continuity and development as he assured that if reelected, he would not disappoint them.

 

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on Youths, Sports and Special needs, Aremo Adegboyega Adelabu hinted that the ministry is tirelessly working on the Special People’s Bill to encapsulate the PWDs needs.

 

Adelabu said that the bill will establish the Persons with Disability Commission which will provide appointments for them, desk officers in each local government and several other needs.

 

On his part, the Commissioner for commerce, industry, Cooperative and Empowerment, Dr Bode Olaonipekun stated that the state government has organised several trainings for the PWDs and given them start-up packages.

 

Olaonipekun urged the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) to submit their members’ database as this will help the government offer better assistance and monitor the progress of their empowerment programmes.

 

The Commissioner for political affairs, Taiwo Akeju assured the PWDs that the present administration will in no manner exempt them from the benefits of the state as well as opportunities in political matters.

 

In his response, the Spokesperson of the PWDs, Mr Sunday Smith commended the governor for the various social intervention and empowerment programmes given to them.

 

This is as he said the Persons with Disabilities in the state are solidly behind the governor who according to him has performed well in all sectors.

 

“We enjoy the benefits of the monthly food distribution, Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), empowerment, training with startup packages.

 

“However, we request for more appointments, recruitment slots, empowerment programmes and mobility means– buses to convey us to various places,” he said.

 

Other dignitaries present include:

Director-General Bureau of social services, Richard Tinubu,

Special Adviser on Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Rufus Oyegbenle;

SSA on social intervention, Alh. Lukman Abimbola; SSA on disability matters to Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Kehinde Onitiju; and Coordinating Director, for youth, sport and special needs, Mrs Taiwo Oladunjo