VOICES OF HOPE:
Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association Meets with Her Excellency Hajiya Shefiya Ododo
The 18th of June 2024
Comrade Yakubu Nasir Abdulhakeem, President of Kogi Central Persons with Disability Association, led a delegation to meet with Her Excellency, the Wife of the Governor of Kogi State. The association presented several requests, including:
– Establishment of a special school for persons with disabilities in Kogi Central
– Appointment of persons with disabilities into the government
– Employment and empowerment of educated and skilled persons with disabilities
– Provision of mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and white canes
– Prioritization of women with disabilities in policies and programs
The Board Chairman, OF KOGI CENTRAL PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION, Hon. Umar Zakariyau Shaibu, appreciated Her Excellency’s commitment to inclusion and emulating the previous First Lady’s efforts. The women leader, Kabiru Oyiza Rafatu, emphasized the vulnerability of women with disabilities and the need for prioritization. Hon. Ahmed Abdulkareem Onimisi moderated the meeting and stressed the importance of a focal person for persons with disabilities in Her Excellency’s foundation.
Her Excellency responded by appreciating the association’s visit and acknowledging the government’s commitment to disability matters. She recognized that disability is not by choice but by Almighty Allah’s design. She promised to:
– Call a robust disability stakeholders’ meeting across the five local governments of Kogi Central
– Table all requests to the Governor
– Support persons with disabilities within her office and power
She urged persons with disabilities to continue praying for the government, as their prayers are heard by God without hindrance. The meeting ended with the distribution of food items and transportation reimbursements to participants with disabilities.
This meeting marked a significant step towards inclusive governance and empowerment for persons with disabilities in Kogi Central.
Signed:
Ahmed Abdulkareem Onimisi
Media And Publicity Secretary: Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association.