Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs has called on Persons With Disabilities in the State to work together in order to create a brighter future where members would be valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
The Executive Secretary, office for disability affairs, Hon.Yakubu Abdulhakeem made the call on Thursday during the celebration of World Disability Day 2025 in Lokoja the state capital.
Abdulhakeem who commended the state governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his wife Sefinat Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of the Persons With Disabilities in the State, appealed to well meaning individuals and corporate organizations to contribute their quota toward empowering Persons With Disabilities to enable them live a fulfilled life.
“I am honoured to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, for his steadfast commitment to the cause of Persons with Disabilities.
“His tireless efforts in ensuring the total implementation of the Disability Law in Kogi State are proof of his visionary leadership and dedication to creating a more inclusive society. We are proud to have him as our leader and appreciate his commitment to appointing a Person with Disability to head this agency.
We also acknowledge our mother, Her Excellency Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, for her selfless service and unshakable support to Persons with Disabilities. She is a true champion of inclusivity and a driving force behind our efforts. Her dedication to creating a more inclusive society is a beacon of hope for us all” he stated.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration “Fostering disability inclusive society for advancing social progress,” the Executive Secretary said the them resonates deeply with the collective aspiration for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Rachael Akande who presented a paper on behalf of Kogi NGOS Network, assured that the Network will continue to strengthen inclusion, dignity, and rights for Persons With Disabilities in Kogi State.
She stated that , in Nigeria an estimated 25 million citizens are persons with disabilities, noting that the signing of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 has given recognition to disability community.
She urged the Kogi State government to look into the critical gaps that continue to hinder full participation and equal access for Persons with Disabilities in the state.
The highlight of the celebration is the distribution of modern wheel chairs, clutches , walking stick , umbrella among other items by Kogi state government to ease the movement of persons with disabilities from one place to another.