The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has called for the establishment of a special commission to address the needs of persons with disabilities in society.
The Emir made this appeal at his palace in Ilorin during an advocacy visit by members of the Voice of Disability Initiative, a civil society organisation, on Saturday. He stressed that a dedicated commission or agency would ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities are adequately met through targeted policies and programmes.
Sulu-Gambari urged the organisation to intensify efforts in engaging the government to establish such a commission. He suggested that advocacy efforts could include lobbying for the sponsorship of a bill at the National Assembly to create the special commission. According to him, “Your organisation can mount pressure on the government to create an agency to cater to the needs of your members. You can even sponsor a bill in the National Assembly to create a special commission because your members are so special in society.”
Represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Atolagbe Abubakar Jos, the Emir praised the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his remarkable efforts in addressing the concerns of the underprivileged, particularly persons with disabilities. “The governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been doing wonderfully well in caring for the plight of the disabled and has won several awards for his love and passion for these acts,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Voice of Disability Initiative, Edeh Chinyere, shared her personal journey, noting that she became disabled at a young age despite not being born with a disability. She explained how her experiences motivated her to champion the rights of persons with disabilities and lead the fight against gender-based violence affecting women and children, particularly those living with disabilities.
Edeh commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his inclusive approach to governance, which has ensured that persons with disabilities are recognized, supported, and integrated into society. She applauded the administration for creating opportunities for gainful employment and improving the lives of people living with disabilities across the state.
The advocacy visit highlighted the urgent need for institutional frameworks that address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. It also underscored the importance of continued collaboration between civil society organisations and the government to ensure inclusiveness, equality, and better opportunities for all.
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