Persons with disabilities in Ondo state affirmed the deceased former Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu did a lot to alleviate the challenges faced by different PWDs clusters when compared to previous governors, but the challenges and existing gaps are still obvious remain if the state must ensure global rights and aphorism ‘Equal rights. equal dignity’.

It is very clear gaps still exist in the state between persons with disabilities and those who are not. The gap also varies. For those in urban centres like Akure, many organizations, especially financial institutions are making efforts to ensure life is bearable for PWDs. 

Abiodun Olusegun, chair Ondo JONAPWD chair

Thanks to constant engagement made by the Disability Board members in the state with leaders of this sector. Beyond this, in many cases, rights of PWDs are flagrantly being disobeyed out of ignorance or deliberate act of state actors as well as persons without disabilities especially in rural areas.

The above formed part of the conversations at Ondo state PWDs Stakeholders Policy dialogue organized by the Centre on Thursday February 8, 2024 in Akure Ondo state.

Princess Folasade Arise, Chair, Ondo State Disability Agency Board

The programme, organized in a panel session outlook had Princess Folasade Arise, Ondo State Chairperson, Disability Board, Abiodun Olusegun, Joint Association of Persons with Disability, Ondo State Chair, Busayo Ademeko, Women leader JONAPWD Ondo state and Sola Idowu, JONAPWD secretary-general. Ondo State chapter as panellists. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ekiti state Command PWD desk lead was also present to discuss gender-based violence facing women with disabilities and what the NSCDC is doing to combat this.

Many of the points emphasised at the meeting bothers on education, health, financial inclusion, democratic rights, PWD engagement and need to review existing disability law in the state so as to ensure all its protocols are followed.

Below are some of the issues raised

Below are some of the conversations

Key Recommendations

1-Promote stakeholder engagement to increase accessibility and opportunity for PWD. Few progresses made by the Ondo state Government in terms of employment however there are several other barriers. 

2 Accessibility and assistive technology infrastructures should be improved: roads, bridges and ATM machines not accessible to PWD use.

3-Education-Special schools need urgent attention. Most of the schools lack special needs teachers and infrastructure. It is important that the Ondo state ministry of education be notified. Many textbooks are still in printing form hence many visually-impaired persons are still being left out

4-Health: Many persons with albinism continue to suffer skin cancer and are dying in droves because of their skin texture. Government can help improve production of skin care product that can help

5–Women with Disability of marriageable age suffer stigma and discrimination, increase public orientation and sensitization of the public about disability.

6- Need to strengthen synergy and teamwork among PWD community to accelerate progress in Ondo state

7-Establishment of multi stakeholder’s engagement and dialogue among stakeholders especially those that are hostile to the PWDs in Ondo state such as NUTRW, Health workers etc.

8-Self-awareness and leadership development:  self-awareness and personal grooming literacy programs for girls and women with disability have become highly essential to improve many young women with disabilities self-esteem. This may reduce sexual exploitation and abuse.

9- Democracy and rights to vote: Rights to vote for albinos are being violated as BVAs machines being used by Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) is not allowing this cluster to vote

10. Review or Amendment Ent of Disability law in the state: there is urgent need to review Disability law in Ondo state is outdated and is due for review.

Cross section of Participants