A Non Governmental Organization, Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) in partnership with Ondo State Agency For the Welfare of Persons With Disabilities and supports from Ondo State Law Commission on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 engaged stakeholders in a technical session to identify gaps in existing Disability Laws in the state.
Speaking at the meeting, DINABI Executive Director, Mr. Olajide Funso said the primary goal is to come up with suitable laws to be incorporated into the existing Ondo State Disability Law which was last reviewed 13years ago.
According to him, the exercise is necessary as People With Disabilities (PWDs) will now have a say in matters that directly affects them before the bill is finally brought before the State House of Assembly.
Particularly, he thanked the funding agency, Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for giving financial support towards the success of the program.
Giving remarks at the event, the Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Gender Matter, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana said the State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains committed to the rights of PWDs and as such the review of the extant law is indeed timely.
While also using the opportunity to reel out some of the efforts of government in bringing succour to PWDs in the state, Mrs. Falana assured them that the government will do the needful.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Bosede Osamaye while commending the organizers for being deliberate about matters that directly affects PWDs noted that the Disability Law review is timely as it is coming at a time when the leadership is favourable to the cause.
She further assured that the Governor is committed to them and has reserved some slots for special people to enjoy whatever privileges they are entitled to.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Barr. Felix Afe who observed that many Houses of Assemblies have already done so in their respective state, also assured that Ondo State will not be left out.
He said the State House of Assembly will do the needful when the reviewed document is presented before it
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman, Ondo State Agency For the Welfare of Persons With Disabilities, Hon. Mrs. Folashade Arise noted that the meeting was designed for relevant stakeholders to come together and brainstorm on various sections of existing Disability Law which requires amendment in order to make it more inclusive.
While using the opportunity to thank DINABI for the timely collaboration and advocacies, Hon. Arise enjoined all stakeholders to be involved in the robust engagement