Abere, Osun State – February 27, 2025
In a significant step towards advancing disability rights and inclusive governance in Osun State, the Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF) paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Bureau of Persons with Disabilities, Rotarian Oyewumi Ayobami Oyetunde. The visit, held at the Bureau’s office within the Finance Building of the State Secretariat in Abere, was aimed at fostering collaboration for the effective implementation of the recently enacted Osun State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law 2024.
The 2024 Disability Law, signed by Governor Senator Jackson Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke, marked a historic victory for the disability community in Osun State. The legislation provides for the full integration of persons with disabilities into society and mandates the establishment of the Osun State Bureau of Persons with Disabilities. The Bureau is tasked with ensuring access to education, healthcare, social and economic opportunities, and the protection of civil rights for persons with disabilities across the state.
Since 2021, FFF has been at the forefront of disability rights advocacy in Osun State, supporting the mobilization of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and engaging in policy dialogues, public sensitization, and media campaigns to push for the domestication of the Nigeria Disability Act at the state level. The visit to the newly established Bureau was therefore a continuation of FFF’s commitment to ensuring that legal frameworks translate into meaningful change for persons with disabilities.
A New Dawn for Disability Rights in Osun State
Welcoming the FFF delegation, Rotarian Oyewumi Ayobami Oyetunde expressed delight at the visit, describing his appointment as a divine privilege and an opportunity to champion the cause of persons with disabilities in Osun State. Despite facing initial challenges such as limited office space and budget constraints, he highlighted some key achievements of the Bureau since its establishment. These include:
- Extensive media engagements across radio, television, and print platforms to introduce the Bureau to the public.
- Advocacy visits to key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to foster inter-agency collaboration.
- Facilitation of medical support, including the sponsorship of surgical procedures for persons with disabilities in need of critical healthcare interventions.
Rotarian Oyetunde emphasized that the Bureau remains open to partnerships and innovative ideas that will drive the successful execution of its mandate.
FFF Pledges Support, Proposes Capacity-Building for Government Officials
Leading the FFF delegation, Executive Director Afolabi Fajemilo congratulated the Executive Secretary and his team on their appointments, acknowledging the Bureau’s crucial role in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities. He reiterated FFF’s commitment to working closely with the Bureau and the Ministry of Youth and Special Needs to ensure the effective implementation of the state’s disability law.
A key highlight of the visit was the proposal by FFF to organize a Two-Day Capacity-Building Workshop for key government personnel on disability-inclusive governance. The training, Fajemilo explained, would be based on the Rights-Based and Social Model of Disability, ensuring that duty bearers fully understand their responsibilities under the new law and integrate disability inclusion into their daily operations.
Additionally, Fajemilo provided strategic recommendations to enhance the impact of the newly established Bureau:
- Sustained Media Awareness – He urged the Executive Secretary to intensify media campaigns to inform Osun residents about the Bureau’s existence and functions.
- Development of a Strategic Plan – He emphasized the need for a well-structured operational plan to guide the Bureau’s activities and ensure efficient service delivery.
- Inter-State Knowledge Exchange – Fajemilo recommended exchange visits to disability agencies in states such as Lagos, Oyo, and Ekiti to share best practices, learn from successes, and address common challenges.
- Commitment to Inclusivity – He stressed the importance of treating all disability clusters equitably, stating that inclusivity must start from within the Bureau itself.
JONAPWD Commends FFF, Calls for Continued Advocacy
Also present at the meeting was Mr. Olufemi Stephen, Chairman of the Osun State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). In his remarks, Stephen commended FFF for its unwavering dedication to disability advocacy in Osun State, noting that the organization played a pivotal role—alongside other civil society groups—in pushing for the passage of the Osun State Disability Law.
He also lauded the Executive Secretary for the progress made so far, urging him to remain committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible society for persons with disabilities. As JONAPWD Chairman, he pledged to promote unity and peace within the disability community, emphasizing that collective progress hinges on solidarity and collaboration.
The Path Forward
In response, Rotarian Oyetunde expressed gratitude for the insightful recommendations and pledged to explore ways of strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders. He proposed a follow-up meeting with the FFF Executive Director and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Needs to further discuss the implementation of the proposed capacity-building initiative.
The visit concluded with the formal presentation of a concept note detailing the specifics of the proposed collaboration. The Executive Secretary reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Bureau effectively serves persons with disabilities across the state.
Among those who received the FFF delegation were:
- Mrs. Victoria Olatunji – Director of Admin & Supplies
- Mrs. Ojetola Olajumoke – Director of Social Integration & Education
- Mrs. Adeola Agnes – Director of Finance
A Promising Future for Disability Rights in Osun State
As Osun State takes strides toward building a more inclusive society, the engagement between FFF and the Osun State Bureau of Persons with Disabilities represents a crucial step in bridging the gap between policy and implementation. The visit not only reaffirmed the shared commitment of stakeholders to advancing disability rights but also set the stage for impactful collaborations that will drive real change in the lives of persons with disabilities across the state.
With continued advocacy, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment from both government and civil society, Osun State has the potential to emerge as a model for disability inclusion in Nigeria.
