The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Biodun Omoleye has advised person’s living with disabilities in the State to look beyond their disabilities and focus on the gifts, talents and natural abilities they are endowed with.
The Chief of Staff was represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr Opeyemi Sanni at this year’s International Day Persons with disabilities theme: “Building back better: Toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable Post COVID -19 World”.
He explained that there is ability in disability adding that living with impairment in any part of the body doesn’t mean they can not become what they were destined to be.
Hon. Omoleye said being disabled can be one of the most challenging experiences that anyone could ever face, urging them to be strong and courageous in confronting the daunting challenges of life.
He added that they should not be intimidated by their disabilities “Sure, there are times when you encounter someone who doesn’t understand social etiquette, there will be some people who insist on telling you their negative opinions about you and your disabilities ignore them, don’t let these moments bring you down. You are more than your disabilities; you are a positive and awesome person who makes things work.”
He charged them to be sociable and not be scared of interacting and relating with people who are willing to relate with them, urging them to solicit for help whenever they are in need of one.
He said; “Connect with others who can relate, don’t be afraid to accept help from others. You are independent but that doesn’t mean you should not seek assistance when you need it. Most people are willing to accept help when they need it most, the rules should not be different because you have a disability.”
In her remark, the Executive Secretary to the Office of the Persons living with disabilities, Mrs Fatoba appreciated the Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for the foresight and kind gesture of creating the Office of Disability Affairs which mainly handles all issues relating to persons with disability.
She also appreciated the Governor for signing into law the bill on discriminations against persons with disability prohibition, law 2020 which makes the state one of the foremost to do so.
According to her, Governor Fayemi enforced the right of persons with disabilities by capturing them in the recent recruitment exercise that took place in the state.
She equally appreciated him for approving the construction of skills acquisition centres for persons with disability in order to develop their potential and acquire skills in various provocations.
She said, “All these achievements are a clear demonstration of Mr Governor’s commitment to the welfare of persons with disability. “I know you will agree with me that Mr Governor has set a benchmark for the protection of the right and welfare of persons with disability to live a good life.”
While appealing to everyone to accept and treat persons with disabilities with love, she said, “everyone should become compassionate and understand the challenges faced with persons with disability.”
“The State Government through the Office of disability affairs will continue to encourage and enhance their working relationship with PWD in the State by giving priority attention to their welfare. However, the State Government will not tolerate any act of indiscipline in the form of street begging for any reason as anyone caught can be penalized.”
