There is Ability in Disability as they say, just as every December 8, is set aside to celebrate International Day of Persons living with Disability across the globe.
The Joint National Association of Person with Disability (JONAPWDs), Osun State chapter, on Thursday marked the day in an elaborate way as they gathered from across all the local governments in Osogbo for a special forum.
The colourful celebration with the theme Transformative Solutions for Inconclusive Development: The role of Innovation in Fueling an accessible and equitable World, had in attendance leadership and members of the five clusters making the JONAPWDS in the State.
The Association used the avenue to set their agenda for the new administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, stating that the domestication of Disability Act remains their priority.
Speaking with InsightMedia, Dr. Ayeni, the guest speaker at the event, he urged Osun State House of Assembly to ensure the passage of the Disability Bill to Law to make life better for PWDs.
“The bill covers a lot for Persons with Disabilities. It makes it easier for them to have access to employment opportunities, quality education, good facilities and others” Dr Ayeni said.
He advised the PWDs to continue to engage with government, to ensure the House of Assembly pass the bill, create awareness about people with disability and strengthen their capacity because lack of opportunities is the major problem affecting people living with disabilities.
Dr. Ayeni urged them not hide their feelings and have access to Social Media. “In a contempory world, whatever you do should be on social media” he said.
Mr Steven Oluwafemi, Osun State Chairman JONAPWDs while speaking with InsightMedia Crew, appreciated the State government for their support so far.
He added that the support is not enough as he wants the Osun State government under Senator Ademola Adeleke to look into their Disability Bill.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the good side of the Govt. towards PWD, concerning our disability Bill to become Law.
“We want them to come to our aid, assist us in employment opportunities, quality education because there’s high rate of unemployment among people living with disability and make public houses accessible to us” Mr Oluwafemi said.
In collaborating with Non Government Organisations, he added they want NGOs to assist them to take their voices to higher height, where help can come.
Mr Oluwafemi advised his fellow PWD, not to hide themselves neither should they be on the street begging for alms.
“We should work together to have a focus, in order to be great in life because there’s ability in disability. He said.
Some of the challenges identified are lack of wheelchairs, extortion by transport workers, rehabilitation, economic development and skill acquisition.
The Osun State Coordinator for ‘Vote not Fight campaign,’ Team Lead of Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development, Mr Jare Tiamiyu spoke on what the ‘VoteNotFight Campaign’ is aimed at achieving.
Tiamiyu commended the activities and support of the PWDs in Osun for their role towards a peaceful governorship election in July this year, adding that such advocacy must be repeated to have a peaceful 2023 polls. He also revealed that the team in Osun has a member of JONAPWDs on it.