The Kogi State All Progressives Congress APC Disability Network, on Wednesday, inaugurated members of its campaign council for the re-election of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi state in the forth coming 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
Members of the Campaign Council that were inaugurated cut across state, zonal and local government area coordinators as well as Campaign Network Patrons in the three senatorial districts of Kogi state.
The Director-General of the Campaign Council, Yakubu Nazir while speaking during the inauguration ceremony, gave an assurance that the council will work round the clock to ensure that people living with disability in Kogi state deliver 100% votes for President Tinubu and Governor Ododo.
Nazir commended the All Progressives Congress led government in Nigeria for its inclusive policy in governance irrespective of political, ethnic, and religious differences.
He particularly praised President Tinubu and Governor Ododo for their spirit of carrying the physically challenged citizens along in the scheme of things.
He described Tinubu and Ododo as disability friendly leaders in the areas of politics and equal opportunity
“We remain committed to supporting the Tinubu/Ododo’s agenda of accessibility, empowerment, education, employment and equal participation in the scheme of things” the campaign DG said.
“During your campaign “Tell the people that since the return of democracy in 1999, the All Progressives Congress has demonstrated a deliberate and practical commitment to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance and national development.
“It is no longer news that it was under an APC-led Federal Government that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, was signed into law, providing a major legal framework for the protection, inclusion, dignity, and advancement of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“Here in our dear Kogi State, the commitment to disability inclusion was further demonstrated under the administration of the former Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, who replicated this commitment within the state and took steps towards establishing the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs as an important institutional platform for advancing disability inclusion.
“The existence of such an institution is significant because disability inclusion must go beyond promises. It must be supported by institutions capable of promoting policies, protecting rights, advancing welfare, encouraging representation, and ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice in the affairs of government.
“Similarly, it is under the APC-led administration in Kogi State that persons with disabilities began to receive greater recognition in the area of political inclusion and participation.
“Under the immediate past administration, members of the disability community served in various political capacities across the state. For many years, persons with disabilities had struggled to be recognised as capable contributors to governance, but that narrative began to change as members of our community were given opportunities to serve.
“Today, under the administration of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, we are witnessing the continuation and expansion of that spirit of inclusion.
“As members of the disability community, we can see and appreciate the presence of several of our brothers and sisters serving as Senior Special Assistants, Local Government Special Assistants, and Ward Special Assistants”
He noted that disability does not take away intelligence, leadership capacity, competence, loyalty, or the ability to serve.
He also observed that persons with disabilities do not have to remain outside the political structure of society. We can participate. We can organise. We can mobilise. We can advise. We can lead. And we can serve.
“In addition to political appointments, persons with disabilities have equally continued to gain employment opportunities in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Kogi State Government” Nazir said
