The Board Member; Kogi State Office For Disability Affairs (KOSODA), Ahmed Abdulkareem Onimisi has congratulated Kogi State House of Assembly for successful inauguration of assembly members.
He also emphasized on the importance of inclusive policies in favor of all persons with disabilities, calling on the house of assembly to prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities and ensure their rights are protected.
The statement signed by Onimisi reads in part, “Congratulations on your resounding victory in the recent elections and your successful election as a representative of the people of Kogi State. This remarkable achievement not only highlights your personal dedication and hard work but also signifies the trust and confidence that the constituents have placed in you. As you embark on this noble journey of public service, I extend my warmest congratulations and offer my heartfelt wishes for a successful and impactful tenure.
“I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of inclusive policies that favor all persons with disabilities. The empowerment and inclusion of individuals with disabilities are essential to building a just and equitable society. By prioritizing their needs and ensuring their rights are protected, you can create an environment where every member of your constituency has equal opportunities to thrive, contribute, and fulfill their potential.
“It is crucial to recognize that disability is not a barrier to success but rather a unique aspect of human diversity. Persons with disabilities possess immense talents, skills, and perspectives that can enrich our communities and contribute to the overall progress and development of Kogi State. By promoting inclusive policies, you can create an enabling environment that empowers individuals with disabilities to fully participate in all spheres of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and social activities.
“Here are a few key areas where your legislative efforts can make a significant impact:
Support implementation of kogi state disability law; as we all know, implementation is a crucial and difficult aspect of any policies in a democratic era. Your continuous support and amendment of the law where necessary will enable cookie state office for disability affairs to fully realise it full reason why it was established by the state government and the effort made by the previous legislative arm to established disability board will be complemented
“Accessibility: Advocate for the creation and enforcement of accessibility standards in public buildings, transportation systems, and public spaces. Ensure that infrastructure and services are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and appropriate signage.
“Education: Work towards inclusive education policies that provide equal opportunities for children with disabilities to access quality education. Support the implementation of inclusive classrooms, specialized support services, and accessible learning materials to facilitate the educational journey of students with disabilities.
“Employment: Encourage the adoption of policies that promote inclusive employment practices, including reasonable accommodations and anti-discrimination measures. Collaborate with businesses and organizations to create employment opportunities and promote diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
“Healthcare: Advocate for accessible and affordable healthcare services that address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. Support initiatives that provide assistive devices, rehabilitation services, and comprehensive healthcare coverage to ensure their well-being and improve their quality of life.
“Social Inclusion: Foster a culture of acceptance and inclusivity by promoting awareness campaigns, cultural events, and recreational activities that cater to individuals with disabilities. Encourage community engagement and collaboration to ensure that persons with disabilities are actively involved in decision-making processes that impact their lives.
“By championing these initiatives and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, you can lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society in Kogi State. Remember to actively engage with Kogi State Office For disability Affairs (KOSODA), rights organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals with disabilities themselves to gain insights, gather feedback, and ensure that their voices are heard.
“In conclusion, I extend my warmest congratulations once again and commend your commitment to promoting inclusive policies that favor all persons with disabilities. Your role as a legislator provides a unique opportunity to bring about positive change and improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. Embrace this responsibility with empathy, determination, and an unwavering dedication to equality and justice. Together, we can create a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to the progress of Kogi State.”