Success in every inclusion drive across the globe will always benefit immensely from strategic collaboration. The difference is in knowing that collaboration delivers best in certain corners. As part of the Policy and advocacy project of the centre, one of our goals is to co-opt every major stakeholder into the conversation that matters. Such conversation can push our activities in the direction that will accelerate performance.

The second term of His Excellence Seyi Makinde in Oyo state comes with different dynamics as some of the commissioners are coming in newly into different portfolios. With this hindsight, the centre decided one of the things to do to support a state that has just recently passed into law Disability Acts, it will be of value to support its operations with knowledge and resources that can enhance effective performance of inclusive governance.

The first point of call for this was a policy and advocacy visit to the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun. 

In his opening remark, Yinka Olaito, Executive Director of the centre expressed his gratitude for the commissioners scheduled meeting, “Great we have someone from the private sector like her heading the Ministry at this time and we do hope you will bring the changes that will will enhance the quality of life of women and persons with disabilities and every stakeholder within the state”. Yinka Olaito said.

Yinka Olaito, presenting to the honourable Commissioner how the centre can help etc

The global environment is leaving no one behind, the ability of the state to craft a clear direction and pursue this with precision will make achieving this principle a reality in the state. Having the right resources (persons, knowledge, finance, infrastructure etc) are essential today. Interestingly these resources are available if an individual and organization knows where to look for them.  “While many consider that funding is drying up, there are new opportunities every day in the development sector for those who understand their goals, value they are driving at and prioritise accountability in all its process” Yinka Olaito concluded.

Mrs Toyin Balogun. The honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in Oyo State, while responding thanked the management and team of the Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa for such a timely visit and the clarity, resources it supplied to her new administration.

 Centre for disability and Inclusion Africa team listening to feedback from the Honourable Commission for Women Affairs and Inclusion, Oyo State

“I must commend the Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa for such a visit and contribution to us at this time. As a new face in the Ministry, I am happy that some of the goals we already outlined can now find fulfilment through because of this meeting”” Hon. Toyin Balogun.

Prior to this, she had praised the state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, whom she said prioritises inclusive governance through the appointment of 4 female commissioners in the state which affirmed the 35% affirmative action in Nigeria.

Some of the take away of this visit are:

-Presenting value services of the non-profit

-Suggest ways the organization can help the Commissioner and the ministry in its drive to achieve faster success

-Helping in establishing clarity of direction for the Ministry goals and aspiration in the Inclusion programmes, drives.

-Supplying relevant resources and collaborative channels the Ministry can annex