Former Senator representing Ogun Central, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has intensified her engagement with persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Ogun Central Senatorial District, promising to champion their inclusion and facilitate employment opportunities for qualified members of the disability community.
Obasanjo made the pledge during an engagement with more than 250 members of the People With Disabilities Political Forum (PPF) drawn from the six local government areas of Ogun Central—Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Ifo, Obafemi/Owode and Ewekoro.
The meeting comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the former senator using the opportunity to identify with a constituency that has consistently advocated for greater inclusion, education, vocational training, employment and protection from discrimination.
Addressing the gathering, Obasanjo said persons with disabilities deserve more than occasional charity and should be empowered through education, skills acquisition and gainful employment.
She assured the forum that she would leverage her network and political contacts to create employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities.
The former senator also urged members of the disability community to support leaders who genuinely care about the welfare of vulnerable citizens rather than politicians who make empty promises during election periods.
“There is an imperative for you all to separate charlatan political leaders from real leaders—leaders who are merciful and compassionate with the masses and the less privileged. This is exactly why I have thrown my hat into the ring,” she said.
Obasanjo explained that her compassion for persons with disabilities dates back to her days as a student of Queen’s College, Lagos, where students with disabilities learned alongside other students without discrimination.
According to her, the experience shaped her understanding that disability should never be a barrier to equal opportunities or participation in society.
She identified unemployment as one of the greatest challenges facing Nigerians, particularly persons with disabilities, and stressed the need for deliberate policies that promote economic inclusion.
Earlier, a leader of the People With Disabilities Political Forum, Mrs. Ileyemi Olayinka, lamented the continued exclusion and marginalisation of persons with disabilities in Ogun Central.
Olayinka said many qualified persons with disabilities are denied opportunities despite their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
She noted that members of the disability community seek equal access to education, vocational training and employment, not pity or dependence on street begging.
She called on political leaders and government institutions to prioritise inclusive policies that will empower persons with disabilities and guarantee their full participation in social, economic and political life.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.