By: Johnson Dairo Daniel 

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their advocates have made an emotional appeal to the Ogun State Government to commence the implementation of the long-passed legislative bill aimed at promoting inclusiveness, fairness, rights protection, and social justice.

The appeal was made during the annual programme of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JNAPWD), Ijebu-Ode Chapter, held to commemorate the 2025 World Disability Day on December 18, 2025, in Ijebu-Ode. The event featured testimonies that highlighted the daily challenges persons with disabilities face due to discrimination, poor accessibility, and limited legal protection.

Speaking with the press, the Chairperson of the Ijebu-Ode Chapter, Mrs. Osundele Motunrayo, lamented the continued non-implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which was passed during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun. She noted that the delay has significantly limited the representation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

According to her, the bill is not about special privileges but about guaranteeing disability rights, equal opportunities, dignity, safety, and inclusion within their own communities.

Also speaking at the event, Barr, Atinuke Adeanya,  the special guest of honor, urged members of the association to stand firm and demand the strengthening of protections against discrimination. She emphasized the need for accessible infrastructure, expanded inclusive education and employment opportunities, as well as improved access to social and legal services for persons with disabilities.

She stressed that rights can only be secured when they are demanded, adding that despite existing policies, many persons with disabilities continue to live in neglect, are excluded from decision-making processes, and face persistent systemic inequalities.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ogunmosu Taiwo, Special Welfare Officer, Community and Social Development Department, Ijebu-Ode Local Government, acknowledged the concerns raised and assured participants that the issues would be communicated to the appropriate authorities. However, she noted that budgetary constraints remain a major challenge. 

Similarly, Osinfade Mariam Abisoye, SC, PWD Desk Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, stated that protecting the rights of persons with disabilities is a matter of justice and social responsibility.

She encouraged participants to remain hopeful, assuring them that their voices, especially those filled with emotion and lived experiences, would be heard and would ultimately lead to meaningful action and lasting change.