In a bid to establish an equalitarian society, the Osun Community and Social Development Agency, on Friday completed its two-week commisioning of projects by distributing medical aids and commisioning of the newly renovated Skills Acquisition Center for persons with disabilities in the State.
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi flagged the distribution and inaugurated the center on Friday in Osogbo, the State capital.
Adewusi stated that the event revealed that Adeleke’s administration runs an inclusive government.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of the fact that our administration is truly running an inclusive government. A government that is inclusive will work for all. It will also answer the question of how much do you care about the people on the other side. This is what differentiate “government” from “government” and dispensation from dispensation”, he stated.
The Deputy Governor reiterated that People with Disabilities needed skills the most, adding that, “acquiring skill to them is important because majority of them do not have basic education or any skills to earn income to survive in the society. Hence, leading to extreme poverty and resulting to begging on the streets and exposure to different forms of abuses and misuses”.
“According to the World Bank, low skills perpetuate poverty and inequality. When done right, skill development can reduce un-employment and under employment, increase productivity and improve standard of living. Helping people develop and update their skills makes economic sense”, he stated.
He also added that people with disabilities needed skills to engage in livelihood activities to shun street begging, combat poverty and be economically strong.
Similarly, Adewusi emphasised that the Mobility Aids and Medical Materials distributed to the people with spinal cord injury will go a long way to alleviate their suffering and makes life more meaningful to them. “Without fear of contradiction, I’ll like to place on record that this administration is in governance to change the negative attitude of society to the people with disabilities by empowering them with different skills which will enable them integrate successfully into the society and be financially independent”, he explained.
He applauded the Osun CSDA as well as Osun CARES Co-ordinating Unit for their monumental achievement in the state. He also expressed his gratitude to the World Bank and Federal Government through Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU).
The General Manager of Osun CSDA, Funmi Abokede applauded the remarkable stance of Osun State Government for socially inclusive micro projects for Persons with Disabilities through the agency.
Abokede stated that the Governor was providing enabling environment to empower Persons with Disabilities by focusing on their capabilities and not on their disabilities.
She said “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 Goverment of Osun State is willing and committed to ensuring social inclusion through the funding of socially. inclusive micro projects for persons with disabilities”, Abokede added.
“I congratulate the entire benefiting groups (Spinal Cord Injury Group, Persons Living with Albinism Group, Deaf Group, Blind and Physically Challenged group)”.
“These projects will have far reaching effects on you as this will improve your living conditions, empower you and lift you out of poverty”.
“I hereby appeal to the beneficiaries to take personal responsibility and ensure sustainability of these projects”, she concluded.
Mr Stephen Oluwafemi, who is the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Osun State, appreciated the Governor for the thoughts of including them his administration, adding that with the new equipment given to them and Medical aids, they will have means of livelihood to live on.
Also, Mr Muritala Adebayo, an adire designer, said the facility will help their job and increase their productivity.
