Kwara Govt Calls for Inclusion, Collaboration with PLWDs for Prosperity
The Kwara State Government has called on people to show support and empathy for People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) saying that disability is not a barrier to achieving one's dreams and aspirations, a testament to the present administration's inclusive leadership.
The State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Sa'adatu Modibbo-Kawu made the call during the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the theme; "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons With Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future" at the Hall of the School for Special Needs in Ilorin.
The event was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project as part of the activities marking the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply (DPFS) of the Ministry, Alhaji Abdulraheem Rufai, noted that the present administration frowns at discrimination and stigmatisation, adding that the Governor is also leading by example in his manner of governance which is evident in the diversity and inclusion practiced even among the cabinet members.
She called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) donors and partners to join hands with the government in ensuring equal and fair treatment for People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).
On her part, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Afolashade Oluwakemi Justina who was represented by the Director of Women Affairs of the Ministry, Alhaja Medinat Nike Idris, advocated for more support for PLWDs, she appreciated the Governor's gender parity vision and for believing in the female gender.
She also called out the allocated phone lines for reporting Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases in the State.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, commended Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his dedication to ensuring that PLWDs are given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the State, while calling him the "Father of People Living With Disabilities in Kwara State."
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hon. Peter Kayode Ayanwale, the Commissioner acknowledged the fact that there are three PLWDs who are Permanent Secretaries and others in positions of authority in the state.
She emphasised that disability is not inability and encouraged the students that they can become anything they aspire to be, while urging them to be serious with their studies and be closer to God.
Earlier in his remarks, the Project Coordinator of Kwara AGILE, Mr. Adeshina Azeez Salami commended the Governor's commitment to inclusive education and lauded his efforts in increasing enrolment, retention and completion of secondary education, especially for girls in the State.
Mr. Salami appreciated the Governor for bringing the programme to the State and he added that "AGILE is concerned with inclusive education for students, especially girls. Schools will be made more conducive for learning by rehabilitating and constructing new schools where needed, life skills trainings will be done, there is also second chance education under the project", he said.
"We have been having different programmes to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and have collaborated with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other partners to organize a road walk, symposium.Today, we are celebrating with you and we want to assure you that your voices matter and that you are leaders too," he added.
The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Kwara Chapter, Comr. Bashir Yusuf said that the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved when PLWDs are involved in every decision-making process in line with the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ".
He called for more accessibility in the areas of education, employment, poverty eradication and quality healthcare.
Comr. Yusuf appreciated Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Kwara State First Lady, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq for their passion towards PLWDs and called for more collaborations.
On her part, the Women Leader of JONAPWD, Mrs. Joy Bolarin, encouraged the students, telling them that their dreams are valid and there is a room at the top for everybody. She encouraged them to face their studies squarely.
The vote of thanks was given by the Principal of the School for Special Needs, Engr. Abdulganiyu Olododo, ably represented by the Vice Principal, Admin, Hajia Rasheedat Olayinka Jibril.
She appreciated the team for celebrating the day with them and noted that the students were excited to be celebrating the remarkable day.
Highlights of the day were presentations by the students which ranged from debate, choreography, news casting, amongst others, after which gifts were presented to the students.
Also present were Directors from the Ministries of Education, Women Affairs, Social Development, representatives from the State Universal Basic Educational Board (SUBEB), and other relevant stakeholders.
Ayobami Ashaolu,
Communications Officer,
Kwara AGILE.
08113451023.
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