With political activities gathering momentum across Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming elections, former Senator and prominent Ogun Central political figure, Senator Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has taken her campaign for political engagement to a constituency often left at the margins of mainstream politics—persons with disabilities (PWDs).
At an engagement with more than 250 members of the People With Disabilities Political Forum (PPF) drawn from the six local government areas of Ogun Central Senatorial District—Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Ifo, Obafemi/Owode and Ewekoro—Obasanjo pledged to make disability inclusion, economic empowerment and improved welfare a key part of her political engagement.
The meeting provided a significant platform for the former senator to interact directly with members of the disability community at a time when political actors are mobilising supporters and unveiling their campaign messages across the country.
‘PWDs Deserve More Than Election-Time Promises’
Speaking at the gathering, Prof. Obasanjo said she was not among politicians who see persons with disabilities as politically insignificant or only remember them during election periods.
She traced her commitment to disability inclusion to her formative years at Queen’s College, Lagos, where she said students with disabilities were admitted and allowed to learn and compete alongside their peers without disabilities.
According to her, that experience shaped her understanding of humanity and helped develop what she described as a compassionate worldview.
She stressed that disability should never be a justification for exclusion, discrimination or denial of opportunities.
“I believe your category of people needs more attention than many other Nigerians,” she said.
The former senator maintained that responsible leadership must deliberately create opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society rather than leaving them behind.
Employment, Not Charity
Obasanjo identified unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerians, including persons with disabilities.
She warned that the inability of governments and political leaders to create productive opportunities for young people and other employable citizens could have serious consequences for the country’s future.
She argued that persons with disabilities should not be treated primarily as recipients of donations or charity, but should instead be empowered through education, skills acquisition and sustainable employment.
The former senator consequently pledged to use her network and political contacts to facilitate employment opportunities for qualified members of the disability community.
She also challenged members of the forum to become more discerning when choosing political leaders.
According to her, voters must distinguish between political actors who make attractive promises and leaders who genuinely demonstrate compassion and commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“There is an imperative for you all to separate charlatan political leaders from real leaders—leaders who are merciful and compassionate with the masses and the less privileged. This is exactly why I have thrown my hat into the ring,” she said.
Obasanjo further reminded the gathering that life is unpredictable and that nobody knows what the future may bring, reinforcing the need for a society where inclusion and compassion are guaranteed for everyone.
‘We Are Cheated and Disadvantaged’
Earlier, one of the leaders of the association, Mrs Ileyemi Olayinka, presented a sobering account of the challenges confronting persons with disabilities in Ogun Central.
Olayinka lamented years of what she described as exclusion and marginalisation in the social and economic affairs of the state.
She said persons with disabilities had repeatedly been underrated and deliberately left out of opportunities despite their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
“We disabled people, particularly in Ogun Central, are really cheated and disadvantaged in the scheme of things. They underrate us and scheme us out,” she said.
She rejected the perception that persons with disabilities should be viewed as objects of pity or people incapable of making productive contributions.
According to her, many persons with disabilities are not interested in depending on street begging; rather, they want access to the same opportunities available to other citizens.
Education and Skills Gap
Olayinka also drew attention to the limited educational and vocational opportunities available to persons with disabilities.
She said many members of the community possess the determination and ability to acquire education and skills but are prevented from achieving their aspirations by financial constraints and inadequate institutional support.
The engagement therefore highlighted a central message: persons with disabilities are not asking for pity; they are demanding opportunity, inclusion and a fair chance to contribute.
As political activities intensify across Ogun Central and Nigeria at large, the engagement between Obasanjo and the disability community has placed disability inclusion, employment and empowerment firmly within the conversation—raising the question of whether political leaders will move beyond campaign-season promises to deliver meaningful and sustainable inclusion.
