By Victoria Okpanachi
Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs (KOSODA) has celebrated one year of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to leadership inclusivity for Persons With Disabilities(PWD).
The event held on Thursday in Lokoja with the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons With Disabilities for An Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” which was part of the activities to mark Kogi State Disability Day.
The Executive Secretary of KOSODA, Hon. Yakubu Abdulhakeem, commended Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his inclusive leadership style, particularly in appointing him as the first person with a disability to hold the position.
According to him, some of their achievements were the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the state scholarship awards for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Additionally, the government has provided school fees support for students with disabilities at both secondary and higher education levels, significantly reducing the number of out-of-school children with disabilities.
Hon. Abdulhakeem emphasised that this level of inclusivity has given persons with disabilities a stronger voice in government, ensuring their concerns and aspirations are directly represented.
He lauded the efforts of the immediate past governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, whose administration laid the foundation for disability rights in the state.
Hon. Abdulhakeem called on stakeholders to collaborate in advancing the cause of persons with disabilities in the state.
While emphasising the principle of “Nothing for us without us,” he called on the disability community to stay united in their pursuit of full inclusion in society.
While delivering her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Raiutu Okute, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Aminu Salami, said the event is an opportunity to recognise the visionary leadership of Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
She acknowledged that the state has witnessed significant progress in initiatives aimed at integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of society.
The Chairman, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Muraina, commended Governor Ododo for appointing a person with disability as the Executive Secretary (KOSODA), while calling on stakeholders to do more in ensuring that people with disabilities have a better society.
The Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, kogi State chapter, Comrade Solomon Yahaya, who spoke to The Graphic said persons with disabilities have been relegated before now, however the story is gradually changing with the present administration.
He advocated for accessibility to public places for persons with disabilities, stating that this will enhance total inclusivity.
Comrade Yahaya appealed to the Ododo led government to employ 300 persons with disability in MDAs to further amplify the message of inclusivity being enjoyed in this administration.
Highlights of the event include keynote lectures, distribution of assistive devices, like wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids, and elbow and arm crutches, among others as well as presentation of awards to Governor Ododo, the state Accountant General, Dr. Habibat Tijjani and Mr Ruben Isaiah, Coordinator of Leprosy Mission Nigeria(TLMS), for their roles in championing disability rights in the state.
