Emir of Ilorin advocates welfare, rights of people with disabilities

Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara state traditional council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has urged Nigerians, especially, residents of the state to always appreciate plights of the physically challenged persons in the society.

The Emir of Ilorin made the appeal when a group of persons with disabilities, under the aegis of the Voice of Disability Initiative, paid an advocacy visit to his palace, saying that assisting the needy, especially, persons with disabilities, is part of Islamic injunctions.

The Emir, who was represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos, also suggested establishment of a rights commission by the state government to take care of issues relating to the people.

The monarch, who commended efforts of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in caring for the plight of the people, said that the governor had won several awards for his love and passion in promoting welfare of persons with disabilities.

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In her opening remarks, the Executive Director, Voice of Disability Initiative, Barrister Edeh Catherine Chinyere, who said that she was not born disabled, added that she only became disabled at a tender age.

Barrister Edeh said that the experience made her to be involved in the fight against gender-based violence against women and children, especially those with disabilities.

She applauded Governor Abdulrazaq on his on his efforts at promoting inclusive governance, especially, in the selection of the disabled as part of relevant stakeholders in the state.

The people also hailed the governor for providing them with gainful employment as against becoming beggars on the streets.

Edeh, however, asked governor to give assent to the Persons With Disabilities law and to establish a rights commission for Persons With Disabilities in Kwara state.

Also speaking, the Kwara State Focal Person, Voice of Disability Initiative, Dr. O. K. Ogungbade, emphasized on need for awareness on gender-based violence and establishment of a rights commission for persons with disabilities.

Ogungbade lauded the governor for making Kwara state a “disability- friendly” state, urging him to do more by assenting to the state disability law and to establish a rights commission to take better care of welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE