By Ayo Arowojolu
A group of people living with disabilities in Ogun State has sent a passionate appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun on the domestication of the disabilities prohibition Act 2018.
Articulating the views of this group were Mr Abdulwahab Matepo , the interim national President of Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria and Oluwatosin Olatayo, Project Manager, Implementation of Disability Law in Ogun State who also doubles as a member of Nigeria Association of the Blinds (NAB)
The duo were Guests on YOUR IMAGE, a Public Relations TV programme produced by a firm, PR Primus, on Ogun State Television (OGTV).
Both Mr Matepo and Olatayo highlighted that the implementation of the law in the state will herald a positive change in the lives of the concerned persons.
Sharing their experiences on the topic: “Disability Law: Progress, Challenges and the Way Forward”, they narrated sordid experiences on the discrimination against disabled persons, which more often precludes them from full integration, inclusivity, and easy access to many public and private infrastructures in the state.
The non-implementation of the Law has deprived many from gainful employment, problem solving situations, health care, social interaction, and uncountable hindrances in society.
While appreciating the efforts of government functionaries towards the realisation of the noble goal of speedily making the law implemented in the state, the group however, urged relevant stakeholders in Ogun State to take a bold step in alleviating the suffering of the affected people.
The group decried a situation where in the southwest, Ogun is the only state that is yet to domesticate the disability (prohibition) Act.
The group reiterated its readiness to work with the government in ensuring every step is taken to change the narrative for the deprived citizens to individually and collectively contribute to the greatness of Ogun State, as most people with disabilities have been found to possess hidden talents and resourcefulness if encouraged to develop their God given potentials.
They called on individuals, groups, organisations, and international bodies to partner with the state as government alone can not solve all the societal problems.
In recognition of the invaluable support received from non-governmental organisations, individuals, philanthropists, and religious organisations, they affirmed that the current progress attained would not have been possible. Like Oliver Twist, they appealed for more support materially, technically, and financially towards improving the lots of persons with disabilities in the society.
