Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has revealed that the commitment of his administration to reach out to the less privileged and the vulnerable people across the nook and cranny of the State is the reason why it released N500m to the Osun State Community and Social Development Agency.
Adeleke said this on Friday as he handed over cheques different clusters of persons living with Disabilities and schools of special students under the Osun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus.
Represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Governor said his administration will continue to partner with persons living disabilities as he believes in “ability in disabilities.”
“It is important to note that Osun Community and Social Development Agency (Osun CSDA) is World Bank Assisted currently operating Osun Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (Osun CARES) which was an emergency program to cushion the adverse effects of COVID-19. Osun CARES is implementing under a Delivery Link Indicator (DLI) 1.4.
“This administration has resolved to constantly mobilize resources to enable the intervention of Osun CSDA to better the lots of rural communities, the vulnerable groups inclusive, while the requirements of the World Bank are regularly being met for continuous assistance of the Bank. That is the reason why this administration has supported Osun CSDA with over Five Hundred Million Naira for the implementation of multi-sectoral and socially inclusive micro projects under World Bank Assisted Osun CARES DLI 1.4. Hence, the Project Launch of today. And this no doubt, is just a tip of an iceberg.
“Let me reiterate that access issues for person with disability as far as I am concerned have greater importance over that of the general community because they are more vulnerable than the rest of us. Therefore the implementation of projects identified by the groups as their priority projects will in no small measure make life more meaningful to them after successful implementation. In addition today’s programme will further create more awareness and understanding of disabilities issues and the gains derivable from their integration in all aspects of life.
“It has been established that there is ability in disability and as such society should embrace and provide necessary support to this category of people to enable them unleash their potentials and contribute their quota to national growth and development. This is one of the focus of this administration and I am very happy for today.”
Speaking earlier at the programme, the General Manager of Osun CSDA, Mrs Aderonke Abokede the incumbent administration has created enabling environment for the agency to empower persons living with disabilities.
She said Osun has constantly demonstrated its readiness to build an inclusive community where everyone regardless of their disabilities thrive.
“The Governor has provided the enabling environment for Osun Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) to empower Persons with Disabilities focusing on their capabilities and not on their disabilities. As a matter of fact, the central part of the policy of the State Government is social inclusion.
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“Today’s event is an evidence based mainstreaming of disabilities into development and this will distinguish and make Osun State a role model of building inclusive society and giving voice to the voiceless. The State Government of Osun is willing and committed to ensuring social inclusion by funding 24 socially inclusive micro projects for persons with disabilities. May I congratulate the entire benefiting groups that are to be presented with their cheques today by Mr Governor for the implementation of Micro projects that will bring succour and impact positively on human development.”
In his short interview with InsightMedia, State Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Stephen Oluwafemi appreciated the government of Osun under Senator Adeleke for considering its group.
