Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Oyo State have reaffirmed their readiness to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s political development and governance, while commending recent efforts to create greater space for their participation in political activities.
The Coordinator of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Olabisi Olaitan Adebambo, stated this during the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, to Oyo State for the grand inauguration of the Tinubu Torch Bearer movement.
Speaking on behalf of the PWD community, Adebambo described the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the political gathering as a significant step towards achieving greater representation and participation in governance.
She said the struggle for meaningful inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria’s political space and governance structures remained ongoing, stressing that the recognition accorded the community was an encouraging development.
“For us as persons with disabilities, this recognition goes beyond mere participation at a political event. It is a clear indication that our voices, contributions and aspirations are beginning to receive the attention they deserve.
“We are not just asking to be included; we are ready to contribute meaningfully to the political development and governance of our nation,” she said.
Adebambo noted that persons with disabilities possess the capacity, experience and determination to contribute substantially to political mobilisation and nation building when provided with equal opportunities.
She stressed that political inclusion must go beyond symbolic participation, calling for practical, visible and sustainable opportunities for PWDs to take part in political processes and governance.
“We appreciate this platform because inclusion must be practical, visible and sustainable. Persons with disabilities are stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy, and we will continue to advocate for opportunities that allow us to participate fully in political processes and governance,” she added.
The PWDs leader expressed appreciation to the Oyo State APC Woman Leader, Dr. Felicia Adekemi Opatunde, for providing the opportunity for persons with disabilities to participate actively in the programme and be part of the First Lady’s historic visit to the state.
She also commended the Deputy State Woman Leader of the APC in Oyo State, Hon. Fatima Hassan, for her moral support and encouragement towards the participation of persons with disabilities at the event.
Adebambo equally applauded the Oyo State Coordinator of the Tinubu Torch Bearer movement, Alhaja Adeyemi Zulfah Adetunji, for her leadership, coordination and commitment to the success of the programme.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim.
The event, held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, witnessed an impressive turnout of members of the disability community, with various groups represented, including deaf persons, persons who are blind, persons with albinism, persons with physical disabilities and wheelchair users.
Their participation added colour to the gathering while reinforcing the importance of inclusive political engagement and representation.
The occasion also attracted an array of political, traditional and community leaders, including the Nigerian Ambassador to Austria, Her Excellency Chief Florence Ajimobi; APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele; APC Oyo State Chairman, Pa Moses Alake; APC Oyo State Women Leader, Dr. Felicia Adekemi Opatunde; APC Oyo State Governorship Candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Soji Adedeji; Oyo South Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Aderemi Oseni; and Oyo North Senatorial Candidate, Chief Mrs. Funmilayo Ogunesan.
Others in attendance included traditional rulers, prominent Ibadan leaders, members of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Baales from Ibadanland, Iyaloja Saratu Aduke, President of the Yoruba Youth Council, Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, members of the JDS Support Groups, ROCOF, as well as other APC stakeholders and political support groups.
The strong presence and active participation of PWDs at the event highlighted the growing demand for inclusive political participation and greater representation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s political and governance processes.
Adebambo’s remarks further underscored the position of the disability community that PWDs should not merely be recipients of political inclusion but active participants and contributors to the nation’s democratic development.
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