In a major step towards strengthening disability inclusion at the grassroots level, the Hope Inspired Foundation for Women and Youths with Disabilities (HIFWYD) has officially launched the Local Council Disability Framework in Oyo State.
The framework is a strategic tool designed to equip local government councils across Nigeria with the institutional structures and operational strategies necessary for integrating disability inclusion into all aspects of governance, programs, and public services.
The launch event, held at Damjay Hotels and Suites in Ikolaba-Agodi GRA, Ibadan, was supported by the Disability Rights Fund. It attracted a diverse audience that included senior government officials, disability advocates, religious leaders, and members of the PWD (Persons with Disabilities) community.
The initiative, according to organizers, was developed in response to the glaring absence of institutional capacity within local councils to support the creation of disability-inclusive environments at the community level.
Speaking at the event, Rosiline Oniyide, Secretary of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), emphasized the importance of localised frameworks in alleviating the burdens faced by PWDs in accessing their rights and services.
“At the local government level, we need this kind of structure to enable us to function effectively,” she said. “With this framework in place, our people won’t need to travel long distances to lodge complaints or seek support.”
She further urged Special Assistants on Disability Matters at the local government level to take ownership of the initiative and demonstrate genuine commitment to serving the community.
HIFWYD’s Team Lead, Oluchi Nwite, also stressed the importance of dedication to fostering disability-sensitive communities, where persons with disabilities can fully participate in community development efforts.
Echoing similar sentiments, Chairman of the Advocacy Cluster Group, Mr. Yusuff Olatunji, and other stakeholders, including the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Balogun (represented by Mr. Taiwo Ibilade), underscored the significance of the framework in mainstreaming disability issues in governance.
Mr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, reaffirmed the government’s commitment—through his representative Mr. Timothy Femi—to inclusive governance.
In his remarks, JONAPWD Chairman, Mr. Femi Ajulo, called on members of the disability community to unite in support of the framework and its implementation.
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