The Founder of Aredu Development and Empowerment Foundation, Adebayo Muritala David, has again called for greater support for persons living with disabilities, stressing that “there is ability in disability.”
Speaking during an outreach programme on Tuesday in Osogbo, Adebayo said his personal experiences as a visually impaired person inspired him to establish the foundation, which focuses on empowering people with disabilities and promoting self-reliance.
According to him, the initiative which empowers 20 beneficiaries, said was born out of the need to change public perception and prove that persons with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to society if given the necessary support.
“As special people, we need to let the world know that we also have abilities. If people can support us, we can also support ourselves and give back to society,” he said.
Adebayo noted that the foundation, which is now in its fourth year, has consistently provided foodstuffs and cash assistance to persons living with disabilities, especially during festive seasons. He described the journey so far as encouraging, adding that the initiative is driven by love and a desire to ease the burden of the less privileged.
He appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to support associations catering to persons with disabilities, saying such acts of kindness help reduce social tension and foster unity.
On government involvement, Adebayo acknowledged ongoing efforts but urged authorities to do more by supporting disability-focused initiatives. He highlighted the need for facilities, equipment and large spaces to nurture talents such as drumming and dancing among persons with intellectual disabilities.
“We cannot do this alone. We need government support to move this programme forward and help build the nation,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Engineer Banke commended the initiative, describing it as a God-inspired project that aligns with biblical teachings on caring for the poor and vulnerable. She urged the government to visit and witness the activities of the foundation firsthand, saying this would help them appreciate the impact and potential of the programme.
She also encouraged persons living with disabilities to come out of isolation and express themselves, noting that hiding them at home deprives society of discovering their God-given talents.
“We should not hide ourselves. Sitting at home will not help anyone. When people come out, we can discover the talents God has given them,” she said.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed gratitude for the support. Mrs Titilayo Bamiduro, who has benefited from the initiative since last year, prayed for the programme to expand further and urged the government to invest more in the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Arinta, said the support came at a critical time in her life. She revealed that she almost stopped attending meetings of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities before meeting Adebayo, describing the intervention as timely and uplifting.
The Aredu Development and Empowerment Foundation reiterated its commitment to empoweringpersons living with disabilities and called on government and the public to partner in building a more inclusive society.
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