Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday inaugurated the board for the welfare of Persons Living with disabilities in the state after eight years of its establishment.
The Governor said he has also approved automatic employment for 30 persons living with disabilities in the state with a view to harnessing their full potentials.
Speaking during the inauguration of the board at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Arakunrin Akeredolu said his administration has included persons living with disabilities in Governance with the appointment of one of them as Special Assistant on Special Persons.
The newly inaugurated board members are : Sanmi Alegbeleye as Chairman while Adenibuyan Monday, Akintade Wale, Ademeko Busayo and Olanre Adigbo are members.
Governor Akeredolu said he has directed the government owned hospitals to treat persons with disabilities free of charge.
He said his administration is trying its best to ensure that it gives the pride of place to everyone living with disabilities in the state.
The Governor said: ” You have asked that nobody should demonstrate sympathy or empathy to you since you are active because you know that in your own way, you are not useless but you are special persons
“No matter the condition, this timeless aphorism that there’s ability in disability will always come to bear. If we assist you and you are motivated, you will excel because there’s ability in disability
“It’s in a bid to fully explore your potential that we are inaugurating this board for the welfare of persons with disabilities
“We have been releasing your subvention timely. We have endeavoured to cleberate the world disability day. We have also sponsor some you on trainings and seminars. We have also supported you in your elections. “
“We will always attend to your need. Work together. I want to believe that with the constitution of this board this agency will be empowered to maximally fulfill the purpose for which it was established.”
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Titi Adeyemi commended the Governor for being responsive to the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
She said there are many talented persons with disabilities that can contribute to the development of the state.
In his response, the new chairman, Sanmi, said since the creation of Ondo state, Akeredolu is the only governor that doesn’t discriminate against persons living with Disabilities.
Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
